The same anchor that is suitable to use on a lightweight object, such as a wind chime, can’t be used to hang something heavier, like a large plant. Instead of banging your head against the wall (this never works, only makes big holes), we’ll usually reach for a Buildex Twist-N-Lock E-Z Anchor. Known as “molly bolts” or simply “mollies,” these metal sleeve-type hollow wall … Simply note the width of the anchor to determine what size drill bit you need. Some anchors also require making holes in your wall as big as 3/4″. Some type of drywall anchor will likely be your best friend. Set the screw to the depth you want with the same screwdriver or drill. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You’ll want to find the wall studs for that project, or you will eventually face a very sad day. Conical anchors are one of a number of types of drywall anchors. With your thumb between the straps at the wall, push your thumb side to side, snapping off the straps level with the flange of the cap. • Zinc anchors are malleable and compress under high loads. Strap Toggle Drywall Anchors. The manufacturer instructions on the side of the box of toggle bolts should give you the necessary specs for drill bit widths. White Nylon Phillips Flat-Head 75 Medium Duty Drywall Anchors with Screws (20-Pack) E-Z Ancor Twist-N-Lock 75 Medium Duty #8 E-Z Ancor Twist-N-Lock 75 Medium Duty #8 x 1-1/4 in. Use a screwdriver to screw the anchor into the wall until the head of the anchor is flush with the drywall. In today’s world of Internet news and online content, we found that more and more professionals researched a large majority of their major power tool purchases online. MOLLY BOLTS. With a rubber mallet or hammer, lightly tap the anchor into the wall until you get to the threads. Slide the Snaptoggle’s metal channel through the hole. If you don’t know the size of your anchor, you can use a drill bit measuring guide to match up sizes. They can be used in drywall, brick, masonry, etc when the proper size hole is drilled. Use a screwdriver to screw the anchor into the wall until the head of the anchor is flush with the drywall. Clear debris from the hole and tap the anchor in place using a hammer. © 2000-2020 Home Depot Product Authority, LLC. Pay attention to the back of the packaging, and pick up the best drill bit at the store when you get the drywall anchors. For our recommended Snaptoggle and FlipToggle anchors, a 1/2-inch drill bit is needed. The material is great for interior walls, but a nail or screw will easily slip out unless it has the additional help that an anchor provides. Drill a hole in the wall material large and deep enough to allow the barrel of the anchor to fit snuggly but not so large that the head of the sleeve has no support. Since wall studs are a maximum of 14 1/2" apart, very large repairs will bridge across one or more studs. As soon as I saw their booth, where they were demoing (live) their Insta-back Drywall Fastener products, I was captured. Once you tighten down the molly bolt, back the screw out of the sleeve and hang directly from the head of the screw. Some packages of anchors even have the correct drill bit included with the packaging. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. • Limited fastening lengths with bolt size/hole size. … Proceed with a washer if using a standard toggle bolt, If using a threaded anchor, and the bolt or screw seems too small, grab a larger one and see if you can get a secure fit. How to Install a Wooden Closet Pole. Bolt Size/ Hole Size Types Shell Types Set with a wrench. You want your hole to be slightly smaller than the anchor. Of course, there are a few things to be aware of before getting started. By continuing to use our site you are agreeing to our, Wrenches, Drivers, Pliers & Socket Reviews. The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us keep track of the comments placed on the website. Twist-N-Lock #8 x 1-1/4 in. The thing I love most about these anchors is that my skinny 3/16 flathead screwdriver can bore into drywall the exact size hole these anchors need. The diameter of the hole you need is determined by the diameter of the anchor sleeve; measure it with a ruler when the wings are folded as closely to the sleeve as possible and use a bit with that diameter. There’s one key thing to note about Pro Tool Reviews: We’re all about the professional tool user and tradesman! This presents a huge advantage over traditional toggle bolts. Installing a Self-Drilling Threaded Anchor. Take these Driller Toggle Anchors from Cobra, for an example. Pointed tip styles don’t need a pilot hole; you can just tap these into place with a hammer. Never exceed the rating. Stick the anchor in the pilot hole and tap it into place until the head of the anchor flushes up with the wall. XSR. 5/16". Tip: Whenever possible, secure wall hangings into a stud. When you’ve got heavier items to hang, but can’t find a wall stud to hang it on, toggle bolt anchors can save the day. Its like it was made for it. You can't patch the drywall and put anchors in; the most you could hope for would be re-drilling holes near to your anchor, but you really risk cracking the drywall if you do that. Click for price. Drill/make a pilot hole. Tests show they can handle about 80 pounds of downward pressure before they pull out of standard 1/2-inch drywall. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. A drywall anchor is a fastener designed to provide a strong connection when using screws to hang items pictures, mirrors, clocks and shelving when a solid stud isn’t available. Then use a manual or electric screwdriver to drive the screw into the anchor. Using anchors is the second best method for hanging items on a wall. Easy online ordering for the ones who get it done along with 24/7 customer service, free technical support & more. the anchoring. Prepare the Screw and Anchor. If you drill too large a hole, you risk allowing the drywall anchor to spin when you insert the screw. After insertion, tighten the bolt in the sleeve of the molly. The Screw-It Self-drilling Drywall Anchors are an excellent … Return home and install bigger anchors. Even better than Molly bolts or toggle bolts, we love Snaptoggles. You can use any variety of tools to accomplish this, though you need to make the pilot hole smaller than the width of the anchor. This keeps everything at the intended size. Hollow Wall Anchor Information. For self-tap drywall anchors, you can forgo the drill bit altogether. - DeWalt DCF887 vs Makita XDT16 vs Milwaukee 2853, YouTube Video VVVuaFZUNTRHOWtOcXV3VDFfZDJaR1F3LjZDUHU0Y0xIZjc4, Our site uses cookies. Another type of anchor for drywall and other hollow walls, including plaster and lath, is a toggle bolt. The BEST fix for something that has fallen out of the wall is to install the towel bar or whatever you are reattaching into a Stud. Copyright ©2008-2021 CD Media, Inc. All rights reserved. The anchor expands as the screw twists in, locking itself into the surrounding drywall. I'd just get bigger anchors.) Print this page. OK, the yellow anchors do not go into the studs. Choose a screwdriver that will fit snuggly into the mouth of the anchor and tap it into … For one thing, you’ll have to drill a hole that allows for the toggles to pass through. Screw-it Self-Drilling Drywall Anchors. The reason is simple—you can remove the bolt and reinsert it as needed. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Put the bolt through the bracket you’ll be attaching to the wall. Second, are you drilling into an exterior block wall or is there some other potential obstruction? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Drill a hole to the recommended size of the nut. Need Help? This makes them applicable for almost any use and they can carry from 30 to 85 pounds per fastener. (there are other Hollow Wall Anchors that are for very thin materials like hollow doors) We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Strap toggle drywall anchors have several similarities … When he doesn't have his hands on tools himself, he's often the man behind the camera lens making the rest of the team look good. What You Need. Tap lightly with a hammer to set it tight to the wall. Drive Wall Anchors (1) DuoPower Nylon Anchors (2) Hollow Wall Anchors (2) Plastic Anchors (12) Borefast (13) Drive Wall Anchors (1) DuoPower Nylon Anchors (2) Hollow Wall Anchors (2) Plastic Anchors (12) Plastic Toggles (2) Ribbed Plastic Anchors … Drywall Wall Anchors. There are several types of drywall anchors. With a pencil, mark the point where you want to hang whatever it is you’re trying to hang. Tap lightly with a hammer to set it tight to the wall. If the drywall anchors are loose or no size is listed on the packaging, you can find the right drill bit size. He enjoys his faith, family, friends, and the Oxford comma. Before we get started, though, there are a few tools you’ll need, most of which you … Mark the point where you’d like to hang stuff. Check the package to find out the size you’ll need for the pilot hole. They also install easier than Molly bolts in our opinion, though they have a couple of steps: Sometimes you accidentally overdrill the drywall anchor hole. You can use a drill, but go slow so you don’t overdrive it. Voila—place your item, insert the machined bolt, and tighten until snug. When the toggle clears the backside of the drywall, it will open up and grip the wall. Typically, you only need to get through the drywall—which lends itself to a very simple and quick process. Press it firmly and use a screwdriver to twist the thin threads of the anchor into the drywall material for a secure fit. maintains integrity of wall, ceiling, or floor, strengthening. This will require a hole that exceeds the width of the screw head, so toggle bolts can really only be used in conjunction with a bracket that will cover the hole. These plastic drywall anchors are sometimes known as conical anchors. Then insert and tighten the screw into the center of the anchor. However, different anchors should be used for different objects. A stud is the part of the interior wall that is wood. Looking at the Prest-on project, I was feeling a lot more confident, and downright excited to get started. Hold ends of straps together and pull with one hand until the metal channel rests behind the wall. Twist the bolt to tighten while maintaining tension on the nut to keep it from spinning. Commonly, you’ve got your plastic sleeve anchors, your self-drilling threaded anchors, molly bolts, and toggle bolt anchors. For the sake of brevity, we’ll stick with some of the more common types. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. Measure up from the floor and make a mark on one side wall inside the closet with ... 2. Many other varieties of drywall anchor exist, and some of them are better versions of the ones listed here. Get bigger anchors. Thanks for helping us do what we love. Little did Kirk know that I had a project that perfectly matched his solution. Determine the height at which you want to install the closet rod. If you have any tips, tricks, questions about how to use a drywall anchor, feel free to leave it in the comments section below. Drill bit measuring guides exist. It will benefit you to know how thick your drywall actually is so that you can plan accordingly. As with other anchors, installation is simple. When you're installing the anchor, you'll need to lightly tap it into place. Drywall is made from compressed gypsum on a paper backing. Grainger's got your back. Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment. Uses the mechanical advantage of screw threads to obtain high expansion pressure. As with other anchors, installation is simple. Part Numbers. There are some drywall anchors giving rated for 100 pounds or more. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts). Threaded plastic anchors can handle 110 pounds, and threaded brass ones stay in place under a maximum load of 130 pounds. When the nut reaches the other side, the spring-loaded wings open to provide a base and prevent it from pulling out of the wall. INSTALLING a WALL ANCHOR. Be sure to check the weight ratings the packaging. Titan Straps Video Review | Forget Bungee Cords! The point is, explore the drywall anchor section of your hardware store. The package will indicate the proper size drill bit to use. 1. Toggle bolts are typically used for heavier items but limits on weight loads can vary, so check packaging and use multiple anchors when necessary for even weight distribution. You see, I had just installed a television mount overtop a fireplace – and I had done it incorrectly. These drywall anchors are extremely versatile and come in many different configurations – from light duty to heavy duty. Top 10 Essential Tools for New Homeowners, Best Nest Thermostat Reviews | Gen 1 through Google, 3M WorkTunes Connect Hearing Protection Review, Milwaukee Safety Glasses and Lenses Explained, Milwaukee Banded Ear Plugs | Foam and Flanged Tips, Bosch Heated Hoodie GHH12V with 3 Heating Zones. Your drywall will fail before the vast majority of drywall anchors will. Plastic hollow wall plug anchors require that you first drill a pilot hole. Looking for FABORY Self-Drilling Drywall Anchor, Plastic, #6 to #10 x 1-5/8 in, 100 PK (11K352)? How to Use a Keyless Drill Chuck | You Might Be Doing it Wrong! Then, thread the toggle onto the bolt with the tips. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Generally, your drywall anchor selection will revolve around the weight of the item you wish to hang. Maintaining Good End to End Silica Dust Management, Tool Manufacturers and Tool Brands by Logo, 25 to 50 lbs: Snaptoggle, molly bolts, or traditional toggle bolts, Over 50 lbs: Snaptoggle, toggle bolts, or screw into an actual stud. When this happens, you have several options: Of course, you can avoid most of these problems by ensuring you follow the directions for recommended bits. Plastic Hollow Wall Plug. If you’re using toggle bolts or hollow wall anchors, begin threading the screw in before installing them to give it a good headstart.  If a pilot hole is needed, drill one. If you’re wondering how to use or install drywall anchors, we’ve got the basics covered for you. Impact Driver vs Impact Wrench | Which Impact Tool Do You Need? When dealing with exterior block walls, we recommend trying to pick up at least one side with a furring strip. Squeeze the toggle closed and jam both the toggle and bolt through the wall. In his free time, you might find Chris with his nose jammed in a book, or tearing out his remaining hair while watching Liverpool FC. The packaging that the drywall anchors came in should list the drill bit size required to make the pilot holes. Larger anchors that accept bigger screws are generally more secure. Again, if you opt to use a drill go slow and be careful. Push the anchor into the hole and tap it lightly with a hammer until it fits snugly and its end is flush with the wall. Mark your hanging point. DeWalt Xtreme Subcompact Series Impact Wrenches, Drinking on the Jobsite: How to Get Fired, Using Self-Drilling Plastic Drywall Anchors, Prest-on Insta-backs Drywall Fasteners Review. They are typically rated for heavier loads compared to the common conical anchors. Instead of having ribbed edges, these are threaded like a screw and have a sharp tip that can puncture the surface of the drywall. Some can be used with walls made from paneling or tile to help keep hanging hardware firmly in place. This will cause the legs to expand out and grip the other side of the drywall. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. This guide outlines different types of anchors for hollow walls such as drywall and how they are used. Most drywall anchors have the dimensions clearly labeled on the packaging. They work similarly to the toggle bolts we talked about but don’t require a pilot hole. Expansion anchors are often found in picture hanging kits and are commonly used for hanging framed photographs and other wall art around the home. As a result, I needed to make a drywall patch – and one that I had been dreading for some time. Drill a hole big enough to allow for the toggle bolt to slip through when in its folded position. Also, while these drywall anchors can support a fair amount of weight, your softish drywall will fail if you put too much weight on it. Drywall and stud anchors exist, and they’re awesome. You’ll want your pilot hole to be just a bit smaller than the anchor you plan to throw in it. Drywall anchors come in a variety of lengths. ends the need to patch an oversized hole [a 1/4" wing toggle requires a 3/4" diameter hole: 50% larger than the 1/2" diameter hole used by the 1/4” SNAPTOGGLE anchor] Installation. 3. You’ll likely find some more streamlined approaches to some of the classic designs. While there are actually many types of drywall anchors available, some are more common than others. Would love your thoughts, please comment.