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I understand that it can be discouraging for first-timers, but once you recognize how drywall anchors function, they become very easy to install. Generally, all that’s needed is a drill and screwdriver to put them in place. There are also different types of drywall anchors, depending on what you’re doing with it.
If you’re just fixing lightweight items, the blue expandable anchors would fit just perfectly. You’ll require a 1/4-inch drill bit to develop the mandatory pilot hole, but once they are inserted, their low-profile heads should deliver a nice, flush impression on the wall or ceiling.
Come with me as we explore the various drywall anchor types and their uses!
What Are Drywall Anchors Made of?
This is a good question.
Drywall is created from condensed gypsum.
This substance isn’t even half as tough as wood, so they’re likely to crumble when nails/screws are ridden into them, that’s by the time you hang your material there.
Moreover, because of Remove & Replace, the tread of screws does not just lock onto the holes of drywall, which isn’t how it does in wood or concrete.
So, that’s why anchors are needed.
With them, you can positively fix your thing absolutely anywhere on any kind of hollow wall.
When utilized with proper screws, anchors belong in between your drywall and screws and they develop a solid support system for your items while ensuring a lasting hold on the wall.
So the major concern now should be which of the anchors should you go for?
As you and I continue into the remaining parts of this article, I’ll be letting you in on the various types of drywall anchors and everything you’ll need to know about them.
But first, let us discuss what you should first consider when selecting the right type of drywall anchor.
See Also: Best Anchors For Plaster Walls
What to Consider When Choosing a Drywall Anchor
There are numerous key factors to contemplate when deciding on a drywall anchor, the most significant is the weight of the item you want to secure on your wall.
Fortunately, the weight extent is usually plainly noted on the anchor’s packaging. But just to be careful though, I recommend you subtract about 1/4 of the weight, just to take into cognizance the wall differences, as well as any other unevenness of the item you’re fixing.
The kind of anchor will enable you to select the very best for your particular application. Basic broadening anchors commonly have insufficient weight margins and need you to drill a pilot hole first before setting them into the drywall.
Self-drilling anchors deliver a bit more strength and can be drilled promptly into the wall. Toggle anchors will offer you the most comfort, utilizing a bar to clutch against the rear of the drywall, providing the whole anchor with a really strong support structure.
Different Types of Drywall Anchors
1. Toggler Snaptoggle Drywall Anchor
They are quite simple to use and need a broad 1/2-inch pilot hole.
With a 265-pound weight threshold, these Snaptoggle anchors are the most robust choice and are great for attaching or mounting large items.
The set contains 20 toggles, which go for about $1 apiece.
Although this is a little more expensive than others, I can assure you that the peace of mind they deliver is definitely worth the additional price.
They might come off as kind of intimidating to utilize, but the bulk of the plastic is snapped off once the metal shaft is inside the wall, and by then, it’ll become the exact size as any other toggle anchor.
2. Toggler Combo Anchor Kit
With a strong storage case, a high-quality structure that doesn’t include drill bits, and a weight limit of about 65 to 126 pounds, this drywall anchor is just right.
This kit contains five varied anchor types, guaranteeing that you’ll be ready for nearly any magnitude of drywall mounting project.
You also get a suitable storage case to ensure each type is separated, enabling you to skillfully find the particular piece you’re looking for, rather than digging through a jumbled drawer or toolbox.
3. ITW Brands
They come in 50 pieces and they are self-drilling.
These mid-range anchors are outstanding for medium-weight items like curtain rods, shelving, or rimmed artworks, they can carry up to 75 pounds.
The necessary 1 1/4-inch bolts are in the kit, and their light color enables them to fuse with the white or cream-colored walls.
These anchors are very simple to install, and although they can be utilized by screwing promptly into the wall, I advise you give them a few hits with a hammer first to get them initiated.
And because it is a plastic self-drilling anchor, I also advise you to be cautious to not remove the head while tightening it.
4. Qualihome
Having a powerful zinc structure, and can be utilized for an expanse of drywall thicknesses, this variety of drywall anchors will definitely come in handy.
These zinc anchors are tougher than nylon or plastic models and are less inclined to be peeled by your screwdriver during installation.
Also, they’re sufficiently long and they have a deep cord setup that can be utilized in drywalls thicker than the normal 1/2-inch walls, so I’d commend them if you’re not sure what kind of drywall you’re dealing with.
The storage case is another delightful perk, particularly because this kit contains 50 anchors and 50 screws.
Their 50-pound weight margin renders them suitable for a broad range of items.
5. T.K.Excellent Kit
The T.K.Excellent Kit comes in three distinct anchor sizes and is not suitable for heavy elements.
If what you’re planning to hang or mount isn’t larger than 20 to 30 pounds, this kit would be a tremendous addition to your home toolbox.
Because of their small size and low shape, you can use them for small items like smoke alarms, ornamental wall fixtures, or lightweight art frames.
The compartment storage case also makes it simple to have all the pieces detached, particularly the screws, so you can always be certain that you’re picking the right size.
The low cost of this kit also makes it a considerable option for those who don’t have the fund, or the demand, for more robust anchors.
6. Toggler TB
It is affordable and reusable, and that makes all the difference, don’t you agree?
What makes this model distinct from other anchors is that it utilizes a small key to improve the toggle behind the wall, which not only makes this anchor really easy to put on, but it also implies you don’t have to depend on the bolt to do this job.
This enables you to fix and remove the screw frequently, without impacting the anchor itself.
It’s also estimated to be utilized in 3/8-inch walls, but the weight limit will be a lot less than the 143 pounds promoted for 1/2-inch drywall.
Having a price of less than $10 for 20 pieces, it is one of the most accessible toggle choices.
7. Colibrox
They are very simple to use and are ideal for hanging baskets or lights, although they are not as adaptable as other anchor varieties.
These toggle anchors have a built-in hook, rendering them particularly effective for hanging things from a hollow ceiling, like wind chimes, baskets, or lighting fixtures.
Their straightforward structure also makes them simply modest to install. You just hit a pilot hole, put in the toggle, and you’re all set.
They’re also simple to take out when you’re done with them, or if you have to patch up the pilot hole.
You’ll just unscrew the hook and the toggle will continue to be inside the ceiling, out of sight.
You only get 6 units with this set, and even though they go for $5, that’s still a lovely value.
8. Toggle Bolt Drywall Anchor
The industrial anchor is also identified as the “butterfly bolt” among engineers because of its “wings” that latch closely against the backside of drywall for a solid, pressure-defying clasp.
A single 1/2-inch large toggle bolt anchor can singlehandedly hold loads as big as 100 to 105 pounds in 3/4-inch thick wallboards.
So if you’re hoisting really massive roof gutters, window blinds, shelving or cabinets, or ceiling fans, I would suggest toggle bolts, they are your best bet.
Moreover, toggles are created with massive tough metal, rendering them one of the most reliable household appliances that will last for years.
To put up a butterfly, drill a precise pilot hole into the wall in accordance with the anchor size, place the wings at the height of the hole, and press in at the middle of the bolt until the wings click through to unravel at the back of the board.
But be careful though, and resist getting ripped off: The typical price of an original toggle bolt anchor is $17!
9. Strap Toggle Drywall Anchor
A strap toggle, unlike the conventional toggle bolt, is not exceptionally powerful.
Nonetheless, it still holds for a heavy-duty nook anchor that’s wonderfully easy to work with even for a newbie.
It has a distinct one-piece structure that doesn’t need a screw, nail or an extra appliance for installation: Just puncture a small hole into the board, yank the carbon steel wings in, and then strap the plastic locking cap.
A single 1/4-20 inch snap toggle anchor can give credible assistance to 80-pounds-weighing elements on 1/2-inch thick drywall.
I recommend strap toggles for hoisting TVs of 55 inches to 77 inches; these are normally under 80 pounds. That said, please don’t go too hard on the mounting.
Attach the lighter stuff here, such as portable plants, picture frames, and other lighter stuff like paintings and mirrors.
Strap toggle drywall anchors have a standard cost of $12.
10. Steel Hollow Wall Anchor
It is 100% vibration-resistant.
Steel hollow wall anchors deliver a sturdy latch of décor to all hollow walls comprising plasterboards and plywood.
Although it isn’t graded as heavy-duty, one steel hollow wall anchor can sling 44 to 110 pounds of load like paper and can hold multiple reforms.
Primarily, you would want to contemplate utilizing these for hanging décor, coat hangers, towel racks, and, fixing a TV below 110 pounds.
Technically, a steel hollow wall anchor is a metal container with a latch and a load-distribution washer.
This three-piece bar widens as you run it into a cavity to grip tightly onto the inward wall of your drywall.
A steel hollow fastener can be placed in two different manners: Simply hit it into position with a hammer or pre-drill your wall before tightening it in for a more easy installation.
Though created with metal, most stainless steel hollow wall anchors are rust-proof to continue being durable for years to come without rotting or corroding even when utilized to attach your bathroom-friendly art.
The typical price of a steel hollow anchor is $12.
11. Self-Drilling Anchor
You can avoid the DIY difficulties of utilizing a drilling machine by getting a self-drilling anchor (otherwise known as SDA).
Technically, “self-drilling” means that these anchors have very sharp lines and sacrificial drill bits that handily slash through walls on their own.
So, all you have to do is provide a slight lift into your wall with the pat of a hammer, then twirl the screw in with a screwdriver. Yes, that’s just it. Basically.
An SDA comprises of a Phillips latch, a sacrificial drill bit, indented anchor rods, and a washer.
According to standard, one SDA carries a cumulative weight of about 25 pounds to 75 pounds, relying on the magnitude of the anchor.
Yeah, they are not too strong, and self-drilling anchors widen from all the hitting and drilling, this they are not reusable.
Established on the industry ideals, self-driving anchors are primarily recommended for fixing curtains, wall clocks, photo frames, murals, partitions, shelving in a pantry, and lamps.
12. Plastic Expansion Anchor
Although it carries light-duty, plastic expansion anchors satisfy the standard needs of a do-it-yourselfer, because of their outstanding flexibility and stability.
But it has a downside: Running a screw through a plastic extension anchor prompts it to enlarge beyond reusability.
This implies that if you send a bunch of these anchors into incorrect places and had to yank them out, yeah, that’s a goodbye to your $10.
It is significant to acknowledge that plastic expansion anchors appear in two varieties namely: the wing anchor and the plug anchor.
Each of which, can be acquired along with unique fittings to be utilized with portrait hanging kits or a peg board.
One plastic expansion anchor can only strengthen a weight of 10 pounds on drywalls but can withstand 30 pounds on cement walls.
To fix up your plastic expansion anchors, tag the planned locations and puncture holes there, then press or bang your plastic anchors into these holes.
Once that is done, tighten screws into the anchors with the assistance of a screwdriver.
Don’t forget, that holes should be tinier in size when compared to the diameter of the plastic anchor.
13. Winged Plastic Anchor
Contrary to most metallic hangers, winged plastic anchors do not wear your drywall away nor do they come free.
They have also named nylon toggles and have plastic “wings,” a wand, and a screw.
To install it, you pre-drill a hole firstly, then slip the anchor into that, and shove the included wand right through the anchor.
It is inside this format that you push a screw that broadens the wings as you go until those wings hug closely to the back of your drywall.
The common maximum weight capacity of this plastic drywall fastener is 20 pounds.
They find the best usage in toilets, bathrooms, anywhere there’s a demand for the installation of toilet paper holders, cotton rods, and towel hangers.
14. Sleeve Anchor
Drywall sleeve anchoring appliances are mostly used in the structure of home electric radiators and the fixing of public seating at events, because of their unique layout dependable for flexibility and even dispersion of load-bearing weights.
Yet, because an anchor of this design can carry 20 to 25 pounds on drywall and 0.625 pounds fastened to a ceiling, sleeve anchors can be utilized for hanging large shelving and towel racks.
Sleeve anchors are formulated from either zinc or plastic and can be difficult to pull out once put in because an internal expander system prompts the sleeve to widen and clasp tightly to the hole in the wall as you push a screw in it.
To fix your drywall sleeve anchor, you’ll require a screwdriver or a drill, a pilot hole, and of course, your anchors.
The regular price of a pack of drywall sleeve anchoring systems is $10.
15. Alligator Anchor
An alligator anchor is an all-purpose anchor for fastening high loads in drywall, ceilings, floors, concrete, green board, plaster, ceramic tile, foam insulated panels, and any other element.
It is a tough “T” shape structure of developed propylene which when squeezed in or lightly banged into a piece of pre-drilled equipment smoothly glides in to lock into the undercut in the hole and ready the ground for screw holding.
Alligator anchors out-beat a lot of other metal drywall anchors in stability; they underline anti-rotation fins and a head composition that concurrently discourages countersinking or spinning when utilized with stainless steel screws delivering budget-friendly, rust-free installation.
As a Toggler, a 3/16-inch alligator anchor brags a pull-out tensile resilience of 57 pounds in 1/2-inch thick drywall, and a 5/16-inch alligator anchor can carry up to 85 pounds of load in drywalls of the same consistency without defect.
Still, alligator anchors are acceptable in the installation of lighting fixtures, clotheslines, smoke detectors, cabinets, alarms, framing, speaker brackets, and even bathroom appliances.
16. Cement Board Screw Anchor
This kind of drywall anchor is best utilized for fastening cement boards to wood and steel.
It can also be utilized with high-density outward covering and for bathtub fixtures, countertops, flooring applications, and more.
Ensure to search for corrosion-resistant fasteners.
17. Expansion Anchor
Expansion anchors, also known as wedge anchors, are utilized with concrete, masonry, and more.
They’re constructed to disperse once they’re attached, thus their name.
This provides a more powerful hold.
The three fundamental techniques of wedge anchors are completely threaded, partially-threaded, and full-bodied wedge anchors.
Plastic expansion anchors are the most generally utilized anchor type. The more massive “ribbed” anchors will deliver outstanding gripping vigor regardless of the wall material.
18. Hollow Wall Anchor
Hollow wall anchors are utilized for medium-duty applications.
They’ll naturally add lasting screw threads to any element to which they’re fastened.
These kinds of anchors also broaden as the screw is fastened and ridden into the cavity. This anchor can be fixed up using a hammer or a drill and can be utilized with many levels of wall thicknesses.
They are sometimes called Molly bolts.
19. Plastic Hollow Wall Plug
Plastic hollow wall plug anchors instruct that you first puncture a pilot hole.
They’re generally utilized in drywall or plaster for light-duty uses. When it is installed, the plug will broaden and latch into place.
20. Threaded Drywall Anchors
This kind of anchor is proposed for medium-duty appeals and is very simple to install.
They can be either plastic, nylon, or zinc-coated.
One of the nicest benefits of this kind of anchor is that it can be taken out and reused in another place.
The threads cut profoundly into the material, delivering a secure grip and pull-out immune grip. The large threads are aimed at holding firmly in drywall and will receive #6 or #8 sheet metal screws.
21. Spring Anchors
Spring anchors really hold expansion springs to assist in supporting the weight the springs are holding.
They protect both ends of the springs, enabling easy adjustment of the extension.
They utilize an ideal, threaded hole and are obtainable in at least four varieties depending on the producer: swivel hole, fixed hole, multiple groove, and single groove.
Popular for their comfort as well as the comfort of performance, spring anchors do all this without being too costly, which is of course a plus.
22. Adhesive Anchors
These anchors are frequently utilized in high-traffic infrastructures, which should offer you an indication of how tough they are.
They assist really well in home modification projects and in a building.
The adhesive is commonly epoxy-based, and these anchors function with rebar and both knitted and steady dowels. They also hold under almost any kind of climate, moisture, or weather situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use wall anchors?
Wall anchors provide that additional insurance when hanging up your treasured portraits, mirrors, or shelves on the wall. They function in concurrence with the screw or nail and prohibit them from pulling out of the wall, maintaining your wall hangings security.
How do you know what type of wall anchor to use?
Two things to consider. 1) thickness of the wall. 2) weight of what you want to fix.
What is the most used type of wall anchor?
The most generally utilized wall anchor is the flexible expansion anchor. The fraction of weight they can hold relies on the size of the anchor.
Do drywall anchors need a stud?
There’s never a stud when you require one. If you’re searching for a smart solution to hanging a picture or other fixture to drywall, attempt one of these. Whether fastening a framed picture, mirror, shelf, or curtain rod to a wall, it’s always adequate to screw or nail directly into a wall stud.
When should you not use a drywall anchor?
The weight restrictions listed on drywall anchor packaging will be based on a certain wall thickness. If you’re not sure, assume your walls are one-half-inch thick. Most importantly, do not use any drywall anchor in a ceiling unless it’s specifically rated for that application.
See Also: How To Tell If Wood Floor Is Sandable
Conclusion
Most types of drywall anchors fall into one of seven classifications.
They could be sleeve anchors, drive anchors, internally threaded, externally threaded, hollow wall anchors, screws, or they’re masonry screws and pin fasteners.
They can carry most of your operation needs, but you might need to assess environmental characteristics when narrowing down your needs.
Wall anchors are like insurance policies for your hangings, they guarantee that the wall can hold whatever is planned to be hung on it and other loads, no matter how heavy the hanging is or the material the appliance is made of.