How To Use Drywall Anchors

Expansion anchors

Expansion anchors are the most typical drywall anchors used in the home and are usually included with mirrors, towel rods or decor that weighs up to 25 pounds.

• Pre-drill a hole into the drywall. Refer to the package or manual for drill bit size. Different-sized anchors require different-sized holes and screws.
• Tap the anchor with a hammer until the head is flush with the drywall.
• With a screwdriver, insert the screw into the expansion anchor.

Family Handyman

Self-drilling anchors

Holding up to 40 pounds, self-drilling anchors, whether they are plastic or metal, are equipped with a drill tip, so you can skip predrilling and go straight into the application.

• Simply screw the self-drilling anchor into the wall with a screwdriver until the anchor is flush with the drywall, then add the screw.

Family Handyman

Hollow wall anchors/Molly bolts/Metal anchors

Hollow wall anchors are metal anchors that can handle 20 pounds or more.

• Pre-drill a hole using the drill bit recommended on the package or slightly smaller than the anchor barrel.
• Tap the anchor into the hole using a hammer until it is flush with the drywall.
• Rotate the machine screw with a screwdriver until the anchor securely grabs onto the backside of the drywall.
• Remove the machine screw to connect the item to the newly installed anchor.

TMB Studio (2)

Toggle bolts/Butterfly anchors

Toggle bolts spring their toggles against the back of the drywall to distribute the weight of whatever it’s anchoring to the wall. A single toggle bolt can hold up to 70 pounds, but it does require a larger pre-drilled hole than other types of anchors, and removing the machine screw means the toggle falls behind the wall.

• Pre-drill a hole using the recommended bit.
• Insert the machine screw through whatever is being mounted to the wall and then thread the toggle onto the screw’s end.
• Pinch back the spring-loaded toggle “wings” and push them through the pre-drilled hole.
• Use a screwdriver to tighten the machine screw. As it twists, the machine screw draws the toggle toward the back of the drywall. Once it feels tight, the anchor is set.

TMB Studio (2)

Snap toggle/Zip toggles/Pull toggles – they have many names

Snap toggles combine the strength of the toggle bolt and the ease of the plastic anchor. Another benefit is that it uses a plastic retainer that allows the machine screw to be removed once the anchor is installed in the wall. So, if you want to hang a heavy picture or mirror up to 70 pounds, this will be a lifesaver!

• Pre-drill a hole using the bit size recommended by the packaging.
• Insert the toggle into the wall, then pull it toward you until the toggle is resting flat in place.
• Slide the plastic cap until it is securely seated in the hole in the wall. Make sure to get this cap tight to the wall. If that helps, use needle-nose pliers to assist as you slide the cap against the wall.
• When the cap is seated, bend the straps back and forth until they snap of at the cap.
• Securing the hanging object requires inserting the machine screw through the plastic cap and tightening it with a screwdriver until snug.

Family Handyman

FAQs

When should you not use drywall anchors?

Don’t use drywall anchors if there is a stud. It won’t add any support since most anchors use the wall or the space behind it to distribute weight. If a stud is behind the wall, it is all that you need to secure a screw into the wall.

When should you not hammer a drywall anchor into the wall?

Use a hammer to tap an unthreaded drywall anchor into the wall. If it has threads like a screw, this type of anchor needs to be inserted with a screwdriver.

Can you put screws in drywall without anchors?

Yes, you can use screws in drywall without anchors, but it will only hold about 10 pounds.