7 Different Types of Drywall Anchors with the key FAQs

Last Updated on November 18, 2024 by John Patterson

Are you looking at your wall thinking that it is time for fresh shelves, a beautiful piece of art or that stylish new lamp? So, before you start pounding in nails or grabbing the first tools that come to hand, we need to discuss drywall anchors. Not to be underestimated, these tiny heroes hold your decor as well as things in place and away from the walls where they belong. We will be taking a look at the different types of drywall anchors available, their unique strengths and how to choose the right one for you.

Different Types of Drywall Anchors

#1. Expansion Drywall Anchors

These anchors are typically used for light- to medium-weight objects and they offer no shortage of versatility when it comes to installing them; expansion drywall anchors could be your best bet. Usually made of plastic, these anchors expand when you drive a screw into them and they lock the anchor in place with the drywall. Kits come in all skill levels, and this is where most DIY folks start because of its simplicity and effectiveness.

Best for: These are ideal for decorative wall hangings such as picture frames, small mirrors and light-weight shelving units. They expand inside the wall for a solid hold to stop any slipping. But when using heavier, they may not be appropriate because too much load might arise the wall.

With expansion drywall anchors, you’re supposed to pre-drill a hole before inserting the anchor. It makes sure that it fits well and reduces chances of harming your wall. Do not allowed screw with monitor anchor size to 1, for best support.

#2. Threaded Drywall Anchors

Threaded drywall anchors, aka self-drilling anchors, provide a simple option for hanging lightweight objects. When these anchors are being screwed in, they cut their own thread into the wall which means no pre-drilling is required. They are flexible, almost effortless to set up for those synthetic or metal pieces.

Best for: Threaded drywall anchors give a secure grip and are perfect for mounting small cabinets, photos, and light fixtures. They are easy to remove and replace, without doing too much damage to the wall. Since they are dependent on the strength of the drywall, they aren’t good to use for really heavy loads though.

Use pressure but do not over-torque when installing threaded anchors. This will ensure a solid fit and prevent the anchor from pulling out of the wall material.

#3. Molly Bolts

Molly bolts: Molly bolts is an excellent option for semi-weight applications. Once inserted, these metal anchors will expand behind the panel and hold you firmly in place. They are more durable and can carry comparatively heavier loads than plastic anchors.

Best for: Hang heavier items such as curtain rods, medium-size mirrors or large framed art with molly bolts. They have a solid construction which offers stability and will keep your decor in place for longer.

The molly bolt has to be drilled into the wall using a pilot hole. The anchor needed a reliable and firm bonding inside, which makes this hole will ease the insert-and-tap. With this important part, you can then hang your belongings and not have to worry that anything will fall off.

The expansion anchor will be locked in place, so as soon the bolt sits inside you tighten the screw. Here, an anchor is attached to the wall in a strong bond.

#4. Winged Plastic Anchors

Plastic Winged Anchors: These have a special design that is used for light and medium weight jobs. These have flanges or wings that open behind the drywall once you install them, giving more stability and weight distribution.

Best for: These anchors are great for towel racks, small shelves, and wall organizers. Winged plastic anchors distribute the load over a wide area, minimizing the chances of wall damage while providing a firm grip.

You can use winged plastic anchors by drilling a hole and inserting the anchor. Once installed, inserting a screw into the anchor pulls it together causing its wings to spread locking it in place. This design prevents the anchor from being withdrawn under load.

#5. Toggle Bolts

When it comes to mounting something heavy, toggle bolts are the ideal option. These anchors have a spring-loaded toggle which deploys behind the wall and provides impressive holding power. Toggle bolts are heavy-duty fasteners that consist of metal.

Best for: So, for heavy things like big mirrors, wall-mounted TVs or shelving units, toggle bolts are your best friend; they distribute the weight among a foothold on the wall. The design is so strong that it grips well in plaster or hollow walls.

To install toggle bolts, you must drill a hole big enough for the folded toggle to fit through. When inserted it opens behind the wall, becoming a strong point of anchoring. Tightening screw will fasten the bolt and keep your thing safe at anchor point.

#6. Self-Drilling Toggle Anchors

Self drilling toggle anchors combine self-drilling anchors and toggle bolts ecological system together. Fast to install, these solution-driven anchors are popular for medium to heavy-duty applications and do not require pre-drilling or presetting.

Q: What type of wall toggle anchors will I need to hang bookcases, heavy curtains or a wall-mounted cabinet? A: Self-drilling toggle anchors As they are so well designed, the weight is distributed perfectly, adding to the feature that ensures your things stay in place.

For example, self-drilling toggle anchors come together directly into the wall by means of just twisting screws. As the anchor drills through the drywall, this opens a toggle, locking it into place. This saves you from the need for extra tools and makes tool installation more effortless.

#7. Strap Toggle Anchors

They also part of strap toggle anchors that are original to heavy-duty projects. These feature a metal strap which is tightened behind the wall to anchor the hold. Strap toggle anchors are strong, but also show versatility making them a popular selection for challenging installations.

Best for: Strap toggle anchors are the most stability type of hand to be fixed equipment and are most perfect for large item wiring, such as ceiling fan mounts, heavy mirrors or wall cabinetry systems. This means they distributes its weight evenly and will not damage the wall.

For strap toggle anchors you drill a big hole, insert anchor with the strap out. Thread it through, pull the strap tight and snap off the excess. That locks the anchor into place behind the wall, creating a firm attachment.

When to Use Drywall Anchors?

Correctly using drywall anchors is one of the most important steps you need to take in order for whatever you’re mounting—with or without an anchor—to last long and remain safe. You cannot hang much weight on drywall itself, so anchors are needed for stability.

Lightweight Items

Plastic expansion anchors tend to work well for items weighing less than 20 pounds. These include tiny photos and light clocks.

Medium-Weight Objects

These threaded drywall anchors provide more support (20 to 50 lbs.) than their plastic counterparts, but they can still be used without the need for wall studs.

Heavy Objects

For items that weigh more than 50+ pounds, such as a large mirror or small cabinet, go for toggle bolts.

What are the Types of Plastic Drywall Anchors?

Plastic drywall anchors are the most versatile and have several different designs for various uses. They provide an affordable yet solid compromise.

Ribbed Plastic Anchors

These have a ribbed design that gives added grip in drywall, So make them suitable for slightly heavier items than smooth anchors.

Winged Plastic Anchors

As you insert the wings, they will expand for extra stability. Ideal for items that may eventually stress up against the wall.

Conical Plastic Anchors

They are relatively simple, easy to install, ideal for light-weight & temporary applications.

How to Use Plastic Wall Anchors Effectively?

There is a bit of art involved in really getting plastic wall anchors to hold solidly in place.

Choosing the Right Drill Bit

Drill Bit Size should Always be Equivalent to Anchor The hole should not be either too big, where grip is compromised, or too small so that it makes insertion difficult.

Installing the Anchor

Using a hammer, tap the anchor into the hole so that it is level with the wall.

Mounting Your Item

Screw your item in place once the anchor is secure (avoid overtightening as it can strip the anchor).

How Close Can Drywall Anchors Be Provided?

When using multiple drywall anchors, spacing is very important. If they are spaced too closely you can even compromise the drywall, but if they are spaced out too much your item might not be properly supported.

General Rule of Thumb

Keep at least an inch and a half between anchors for maximum stability.

Large Items

For larger installations, such as shelves or mirrors, evenly space anchors along the weight-bearing width of the item being hung.

Multiple Items

If you are hanging multiple pieces, space them out properly to limit the need of cutting the drywall as much as possible.

However, different types of drywall anchors slide into the wall more easily than others, so which one is best for you?

Factors include the weight of the item, type of drywall and personal preference.

For Lightweight Objects

Plastic expansion anchors are inexpensive and simple to install for lightweight decor.

Recommended For Medium Weight Applications

To support items such as curtain rods and heavier picture frames, you need to use threaded or screw-in anchoring.

For Maximum Support

For heavy-duty stuff, you can use toggle bolts that distribute weight.

What kind of drywall or hollow wall anchor comes in the largest diameter?

Larger diameter anchors offer a stronger hold and are best for those needing maximum support. However, toggle bolts usually the largest diameter and therefore ideal for holding very heavy loads.

Large-Diameter Toggle Bolts

These are extremely sturdy, making them perfect for heavy things like TVs that you want to mount on the wall.

Thick Ribbed Anchors

For medium to heavy fixtures, thick ribbed anchors work, though not as well as toggle bolts.

Oversized Threaded Anchors

Essential for placement of heavy objects and anchoring without realization of wall studs.

How many drywall anchors do I need?

Choosing how many anchors are required is a key part of ensuring safety and stability. Too high estimation can cause more damage to the wall, too low estimation may not be secure enough;

Single Items

For something like a mirror, if you have it far enough apart two anchors usually is fine.

Heavy-duty goods use several of them to be kept in position.

Use more anchors for large and heavy objects, spaced evenly to balance the structure.

Professional Advice

When in doubt, follow the installation instructions of the item or consult a professional for maximum safety.

Is the weight capacity of drywall anchors cumulative?

Maximum Cumulative Load: The maximum weight the set of anchors is capable of supporting.

Weight Distribution

The weight sharing capability between multiple anchors increases the overall weight capacity.

Manufacturer Guidelines

These are just estimates, always check with manufacturer specs for actual weight limits per anchor type.

Safety First

Together, the anchors must be able to support the weight of the item without any mishaps.

How much weight can drywall anchors hold in your home?

This way, you can avoid accidents while also prolonging your items and the wall.

General Ranges

Light duty can hold: up to 20 pounds, medium duty probably holds: up-to/50 pounds heavy duty: over 50 pounds

Testing Limits

But always double-check by testing weights in a gradual manner before committing 100% to the setup.

Room Considerations

Now, the type and condition of the drywall may vary by room, which will also affect how well your anchor works.

How heavy of a mirror can you hang in drywall?

While mirrors can enhance appearance and utility, hanging them safely requires careful consideration.

Assessing Mirror Weight

Before you plan out how strong of an anchor your mirror needs to be, weigh it ahead first.

Anchor Selection

You only need simple anchors for mirrors weighing less than 20 pounds; toggle bolts can be used for heavier items.

Safety Precautions

If anchors are not carefully installed, accidents may occur; so, in places where large crowds gather, ensure that the anchors are firmly assembled.

Do you trust drywall anchors when hanging your guitar on the wall?

Guitars are great for musicians to show off and perfect way to personalize any space. None of them are trustworthy drywall anchors, though, and failing at this job is not the kind of experience you want to be having.

Weight Considerations

Guitars are moderately heavy; most guitars are in a sweet spot of medium-to-heavy weight for anchors.

Anchor Confidence

Even heavier body style guitars can be supported by the quality toggle bolts or threaded anchors.

Aesthetic Display

In addition to protecting your instrument, proper anchoring also opens up creative options for displaying them safely.

In Conclusion

When it comes to dry wall anchors, choosing the correct one is the key to a successful home improvement project. From hanging light duty pictures the wall to mounting heavier shelves, there’s an anchor that will be perfect for your project. With a little knowledge, you can confidently face any wall-hanging challenge armed with the right kind of anchor.

If you are new to DIY or require the guidance of an expert, consult with an interior designer. They can provide useful advice on choosing and installing materials, to guarantee that your effort is not just ornamental but functional as well. You have walls that are basically an open canvas—so utilize them to the best of your ability with the right tools and knowledge.

Ready to get started? Using the right tools, learn how to approach drywall anchors. If you approach it right, you can change your place and be able to create a home that suits your style. Happy decorating!