How to Use a Drywall Anchor

Drywall is made of compressed gypsum on a paper backing. The material is great for interior walls but is not solid. Drywall anchors are a type of fastener that is used to secure shelves, cabinets, mirrors and artwork onto drywall. Anchors distribute weight evenly and you don’t need specialized hardware. Without anchors, items can fall off the wall or the drywall can sag. Knowing how to use a drywall anchor is an important step to making sure what you hang up stays secure.

Tip: Drywall anchors work well in hollow doors, paneled walls and other surfaces.

Learning how to install drywall anchors always starts with drilling a pilot hole in the wall. Use a drill bit smaller than the width of the anchor you’ll use. Or look on the drywall anchor package for the correct bit size for your project and how to use a drywall anchor.

• Place the anchor in the pilot hole and tap it into the wall until the anchor is completely inserted. Use a rubber mallet for this task.
• You’ll have to drill a larger pilot hole for toggle bolts and steel hollow wall anchors.
• Once the anchor is inserted, use a screwdriver to drive the screw securely into the anchor.

Knowing how to use a drywall anchor depends on the type you choose. Common types of dry wall anchors include plastic or screw-in anchors, molly bolts, hollow wall anchors, self-drilling anchors, toggle and butterfly anchors. The most common drywall anchors expand into the opposite sides of the wall for a secure hold. Often made of plastic, they’re budget friendly and easy to use. Other types of anchors create support and security in other ways. Choosing the right anchor depends on what you are hanging in your wall. Some anchors work for heavier items, while others are made for lightweight objects.

Plastic ribbed anchors have a sharp thread, a pointed tip on one end and a flange on the other. These types of anchors expand within the wall when a screw is inserted. Available in various sizes and lengths, ribbed anchors are installed by drilling a hole, inserting the anchor and tapping it into place. These types of anchors have a flange at one end to prevent them from being pulled through the wall.

Winged plastic expansion wall anchors have wings that prevent the anchor from pulling out of the wall. Screw-in anchors are typically used for lighter weight items such as picture frames, small shelves, or light fixtures. They are easy to install and do not require pre-drilling, making them a popular choice for DIY projects.

Molly bolts or anchor screws have a metal sleeve with a screw attached to one end and a toggle at the other end. The underside of the molly wall anchor head has sharp tips that piece the drywall surface. When inserted into the wall, the metal sleeve expands. This provides a secure and stable anchor that works well with medium weight objects that require more support. Knowing how to install drywall anchors like molly bolts securely depends on what you are hanging. For example, these drywall anchor types require you drill a larger hole in the wall compared to other types.

Steel hollow wall anchors are metal-cased anchors that expand behind the wall when the bolt is screwed in. These drywall anchor types are made to hold heavier objects such as cabinets, shelves and mirrors. They come in various sizes and lengths to fit different wall thicknesses and handle different object weights.

Self-drilling wall anchors are ideal for projects that require drilling through drywall. These types of wall anchors feature sharp teeth on one end so there’s no need for pre-drilling. They provide greater support than expansion anchors but take care when installing them. Overtightening them can damage the drywall and make the hold less secure. Self-drilling anchors are made of plastic, nylon or metal and come in different weight ratings.

Strap toggle anchors are a screw with a spring-loaded winged nut. Insert one into a wall and it locks in place behind the wall, preventing it from pulling out of the wall. They are more difficult to install than other types of anchors. Usually made of made of zinc-plated steel or stainless steel, toggle anchors can hold 100 pounds. Figuring out how to use a drywall anchor like this one will depend on how strong your drywall is.

Toggle bolts have a threaded rod with wings attached to the end. When inserted into the wall, the wings fold flat against the bolt and spread out to distribute the weight evenly. They’re good for hollow walls where expansion anchors may not work.

Butterfly drywall anchors combine the benefits of an expansion and threaded anchor with the added security of a molly bolt. They have a winged casing that expands behind the wall, but you don’t need a special tool. They’re not as strong as molly bolts and can be difficult to remove. They are more budget friendly and can be used for lighter ceiling items.

Heavier objects such as TV mounts and large wall art are best hung with the following anchors:

• Toggle bolts can hold up to 50 pounds per pair, making them ideal for mounting large shelves, cabinets and other heavier items.
• Molly bolts can hold up to 75 pounds per pair on drywall, plaster and other hollow walls.
• Expansion anchors can hold up to 100 pounds per pair on concrete, brick and masonry walls.
• Self-drilling anchors can hold up to 150 pounds per pair on drywall, plaster and other hollow walls.

For lighter weight items such as decorative shelves or small art, use these types of anchors:

• Plastic ribbed anchors are the most commonly used anchors for lighter items and can hold up to 10 pounds per pair.
• Threaded drywall anchors are suitable for objects weighing up to 25 pounds and are ideal for use on drywall.
• Hollow-wall anchors can hold up to 30 pounds per pair on plaster, paneling and other hollow walls.

Before you use a drywall anchor make sure that your drywall is in good condition. An anchor can slip out of patched or water damaged drywall.

• Different drywall anchors for heavy items are rated to hold a specified amount of weight. Always check the package for specifics.
• Never exceed the drywall anchor's weight limit. Play it safe and stay at half of the weight limit of the anchor. This is especially true if you’re using them to hang valuable items on the wall.
• Use multiple anchors in drywall anchor installation for particularly heavy items. This distributes the weight of the mounted item evenly and helps prevent the fasteners from pulling out of the wall. Larger anchors that accept bigger screws are generally more secure.