Using Screw Anchors: Are They Safe For Apartment Walls?

Hanging pictures, artwork, and other decorations is a great way to personalize your apartment and make it feel like home. However, when it comes to choosing the right fasteners for hanging items, there is often a debate between using nails or screws. While both options have their advantages and disadvantages, the use of screw anchors has emerged as a popular alternative that provides greater support and tension. Screw anchors, also known as drywall anchors, are designed to securely hang framed pictures, mirrors, clocks, and shelving on walls. They are especially useful when hanging items on drywall, paneling, or tile, as nails and screws alone can easily slip out of these surfaces.

Before hanging items on your apartment walls, it is important to consider the weight of the objects and choose the appropriate type of screw anchor to ensure a secure hold. Additionally, it is recommended to locate a stud behind the drywall to provide extra support and reduce the risk of your items falling. While using screw anchors can enhance the stability of your hung items, it is also important to refer to your lease agreement and communicate with your landlord about any restrictions or requirements regarding modifications to the apartment walls.

When are screw anchors necessary?

Screw anchors, also known as drywall anchors, are necessary when hanging items on drywall, panelling, or tile walls. These wall types are not solid enough to support nails or screws alone.

Drywall is made of compressed gypsum on a paper backing, and while it is great for interior walls, it is not solid. Nails and screws can easily slip out of these walls without the additional reinforcement that a screw anchor provides.

Screw anchors are necessary when hanging items that weigh more than 5 pounds (2.26 kg). This includes items such as:

• Floating shelves
• Picture frames
• Mirrors
• TVs
• Curtain rods
• Coat hooks
• Cabinets

Screw anchors are also necessary when hanging items on walls where there is no stud available. Studs provide support for screws and the objects being hung. However, studs are typically only found every 16 to 24 inches (40 to 60 cm) on a wall.

When using screw anchors, it is important to choose the right type of anchor for the specific wall type and weight of the object being hung. Common types of screw anchors include:

• Plastic ribbed or screw-in anchors
• Molly bolts
• Hollow wall anchors
• Self-drilling anchors
• Toggle and butterfly anchors

When are screw anchors unnecessary?

Screw anchors, also known as drywall anchors or plugs, are unnecessary in some cases. Firstly, if you are hanging lightweight items such as picture frames, canvases, or candle holders, objects that weigh less than five pounds, you can simply use nails or screws without anchors. Nails are also preferable to screw anchors if you are installing curtain rods, as the brackets will experience daily strain from the curtains being opened and closed.

Secondly, screw anchors are not required if there is a stud behind the drywall. Studs offer support for screws and the objects being hung, so if you are hanging something heavy like a TV, you can mount it directly into the stud using a stud finder.

Thirdly, there are alternative mounting solutions to screw anchors, such as heavy-duty adhesive hooks or High & Mighty Picture Hangers, which can hold up to 40 pounds.

Finally, screw anchors are not suitable for ceilings unless they are specifically designed for that purpose.

How to install screw anchors

Using screw anchors, also known as drywall anchors, is a great way to securely hang items on your apartment walls. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install them:

Step 1: Measure and Mark

First, you need to measure and mark the location for the anchors. Depending on what you're installing, there may be a template to help you mark the holes. If you're hanging pictures or mirrors, guides on positioning these items on a wall can also be helpful.

Step 2: Drill a Pilot Hole

Most types of anchors require pilot holes, except for self-drilling anchors. Check the anchor packaging to determine the correct bit size for drilling the pilot hole. If you have a drywall anchor kit, it may include a bit. Drill the pilot hole through the drywall. Be cautious and check for any plumbing or wiring behind the wall before drilling.

Step 3: Install the Anchor

The installation process varies depending on the type of anchor. For expansion anchors and hollow-wall anchors, use a hammer to carefully tap the anchor into the hole until it is flush with the wall surface. Be sure not to drive the anchor beneath the surface. For some types, you may need to fold down the flanges before installation.

For strap-type toggle anchors, insert the toggle through the pilot hole, then pull the straps to set the toggle against the back of the wall. Slide the anchor collar along the straps until it is against the wall surface. Finally, snap off and discard the plastic straps.

For screw-type toggle bolts, remove the spring-loaded toggle from the screw and insert the screw through the mounting hole of the item you're installing. Put the toggle back onto the screw, ensuring it is oriented to fold down toward the screw head and is secure. Insert the toggle portion into the pilot hole and behind the wallboard.

For self-drilling anchors, insert a driver bit into the anchor and press the anchor point against the wall. Drive the anchor into the wall, maintaining pressure to ensure the threads engage.

Step 4: Install the Screw

Securing an item to the wall is generally similar for most anchor types, except for screw-type toggle bolts. For expansion anchors, hollow-wall anchors, self-drilling anchors, and strap-style toggles, insert the screw through the mounting hole of the item and drive it into the anchor. The screw will cause the anchor to expand and secure itself against the back of the wallboard.

For screw-type toggle bolts, drive the screw while pulling back slightly to engage the toggle against the back of the wall. Continue until the toggle is tight against the wall. Be careful not to overtighten the screws, as this can damage the wall or anchor.

Removing screw anchors

Screw anchors, also known as drywall anchors, are designed to securely hang heavy items such as framed pictures, mirrors, clocks, and shelving on walls. They are usually made from plastic or metal and help distribute weight by expanding into the drywall.

Pulling the Collar Out with Pliers:

• Unscrew any threaded screws with a screwdriver.
• Use needle-nosed pliers to grip the collar, a small circular piece of metal that holds the anchor in place, and pull it out.
• If the anchor is tight, use a flat-head screwdriver or pry bar to ease it out.
• Push the anchor through the wall with a screwdriver.

Cutting the Collar Out:

• This method is recommended for plastic anchors.
• Push a sharp utility razor blade under the collar, ensuring it is flush with the wall.
• Saw the collar off by rocking the razor blade back and forth.
• Once the collar is removed, push the anchor through the wall with a screwdriver.

Patching the Drywall:

• Apply drywall compound to a putty knife and spread it over the hole left by the anchor.
• If the hole is larger than 1/2 inch, cover it with self-adhesive drywall mesh tape before applying the compound.
• Smooth out the putty and wipe off any excess until it is flush with the wall.
• Allow the drywall compound to dry overnight.
• Sand the surface lightly to remove any excess putty and wipe away the dust.
• Apply paint to the hole, blending it with the surrounding wall.

Landlord permissions for using screw anchors in apartments

The use of screw anchors in apartments is a contentious issue, with some landlords forbidding screws or nails in their units, while others allow them. Some landlords provide alternatives such as adhesive-backed wall hooks, putty, or command strips.

If you are a tenant, it is important to check your lease agreement for any stipulations regarding the use of screw anchors. If there are no explicit restrictions, it is generally accepted that you can use screw anchors, provided you are willing to repair any damage upon moving out.

However, it is always best to ask your landlord for permission before using screw anchors, as they may have specific requirements or recommendations for hanging items. They may also be able to provide advice on the best methods for hanging items without causing damage to the walls.

Additionally, it is worth noting that drywall anchors are not always necessary for hanging items. Nails or screws can be used for objects weighing less than 5 pounds, such as picture frames, canvases, or candle holders. For heavier items, it is recommended to use drywall anchors or find studs in the wall to screw into directly.

Ultimately, the decision to use screw anchors in an apartment should be made with consideration for the landlord's preferences, the weight of the items being hung, and the potential for damage to the walls.

Frequently asked questions