How to Use Drywall Anchors: 4 Types of Wall Anchors

A drywall anchor is a small metal or plastic mechanical device that expands behind drywall after insertion to increase the holding strength of any fasteners you place between framing studs. Builders rely on drywall as a default wallcovering material; however, gypsum drywall does not have the tensile strength to hold the weight of heavy items.

Since the invention of wall anchors, manufacturers have produced various drywall anchor options applicable to different weights and wall materials. Each of these designs uses some form of contraction or clasp to disperse the weight and tension of your hanging items across a larger space behind drywall.

Multiple types of drywall anchors exist to suit the needs of different projects. Here are four categories of anchors and when you might consider using them:

• Metal anchors: Also known as hollow wall anchors or molly bolts, metal anchors were the first drywall anchor bolt designs with the ability to hold up to fifty pounds of weight. Use this heavy-duty anchor type over plastic or sleeve anchors to hold large mirrors, heavy frames, and floating bookshelves.
• Plastic expansion anchors: These light-duty anchors hold up to twenty pounds, making them a good choice for securing small to medium picture frames and pieces of art. Like several metal anchor designs, a plastic expansion anchor features a screw that will compact the central frame of the plastic sleeve as you tighten it. This compacted sleeve creates a hook of bent material, providing more surface area behind the drywall.
• Self-drilling anchors: Also known as threaded drywall anchors, this variation of the plastic sleeve anchor has a screwlike corkscrew design and a pointed tip you install into drywall as you would an ordinary screw. Then you drive a screw through the center of the sleeve, causing the sleeve to split lengthwise and form two flared hooks. These hooks create more surface area and a stronger hold than other plastic anchor varieties. Use these easy-to-install anchors to hold tapestries and hanging plants.
• Toggle bolt anchors: Certain toggle bolt anchors can hold well over 100 pounds of weight, making them good a good option for a flat-screen TV or a heavy frame. Toggle bolts require drilling a larger hole than other designs since you need to provide enough space for the toggle to enter the hole before you tighten the screw. Once you begin tightening, the toggle will expand outward, creating a two-sided clamp on the back of the wall.

While there are different styles of drywall anchors, there are some general steps you will follow any time you install one:

1. 1. Locate studs, plumbing, or electrical. Use a stud finder to determine the location of objects behind the drywall. Framers place vertical studs either sixteen or twenty-four inches apart, and plumbers and electricians often place nail shields to protect their wires and pipes from nails and drywall screws. All of these metal fasteners or electrical wires will set off the stud finder alarm, informing you of areas where you should take caution before you drill. You can also use your knuckles to knock on the wall where you have possibly located a stud—areas between studs will sound more hollow. Additionally, access the breaker box to turn off all electricity to the location in the house where you will be working. This reduces your chances of electrocution if you unintentionally drill into electrical wires.
2. 2. Lay out your hole placement. Some drywall anchors require a pilot hole to fit sleeves or toggles into the wall. Misplaced holes are a minor hassle to repair, so take precautions to make as few mistakes with your drill as possible. If you are using a sleeve anchor design, choose a drill bit that is slightly smaller than your anchor to ensure a tight fit into the drywall. You can also use a level and tape measure or a laser level to lay out your drilling locations. When you take these measures to plan your predrilling locations, you can confidently place your holes with correct spacing and a visually level height.
3. 3. Place and tighten the screw. Place a screw in the center of the anchor with a handheld Phillips-head screwdriver or a cordless impact drill. As you twist the screw head clockwise (toward the right side), the anchor will split, compact, or tighten a toggle to create a firm hold on the interior face of the drywall panel. Ensure you follow any instructions that came with anchors you purchased from your local hardware store, and always tighten them slowly to avoid excessive tightening or damage to the wall surface.

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