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Last Updated on November 18, 2024 by John Patterson
Interested in hanging heavy items on your drywall but not sure what to use for mounting? Look no further! In fact, in this Drywall Anchors vs Toggle Bolts article, we will take a look at the two most common options – drywall anchors and toggle bolts.
Drywall anchors are small plastic or metal devices used for creating support when attaching items to drywall. They are simple to set up and great for light-duty things such as photo frames and small shelving units. In contrast, toggle bolts are for heavy-duty applications..inserted into the wall and expand to hold larger items (TVs, bathroom fixtures, heavy shelves); They’re tough metal fasteners that hammer in the wall.
Selecting the appropriate mounting solution is crucial to safeguard your installation for a long time. Knowing the benefits and disadvantages of both will allow you to choose the most appropriate one according to your unique requirements. So, join us in comparing drywall anchors and toggle bolts to help you choose your next building project whether it be DIY or professional.
What is a Drywall Anchor?
The drywall anchor is an important tool for hanging on a dry well. They are an intermediary between the wall and the item that is being hung, providing a solid hold where screws will not do on their own. The drywall is softer so screws can not grip in it without pulling out. This is where anchors do their job in spreading the weight and preventing damage.
Drywall anchors may be plastic, expansion or self-drilling. Each type is uniquely designed and used based on the item weight and wall type so that users may select an option accordingly. No matter if you are putting up a lightweight picture frame or a heavy mirror, there is an anchor built to complete the task.
It is very much DIY-friendly, as typical drywall anchors are. They don’t require any special skills to install—just a basic understanding of the type of anchor and the use of a simple drill. This makes your walls great at holding heavy objects (with the right anchor), which is why many home improvement projects begin here.
How a Drywall Anchor Works?
Drywall anchors are woven into a tale of magic through load distribution. If a screw penetrates drywall without an anchor, it will only dig into the material directly around it, which isn’t very secure. Drywall anchors work by expanding after they have been inserted, giving you a larger surface area in contact with the wall and spreading your weight over a bigger area.
The installation usually involves drilling a hole into the drywall, inserting the anchor in there, and then engaging the screw through that anchor to enter into the wall. When the screw penetrates, it expands the anchor and jams it in place. To make things even more simple, some anchors such as self-drilling ones require no pre-drilled hole at all.
Drywall anchors are more versatile regarding the amount of weight one can hold, depending on the type. Something lightweight — perhaps a small framed photo — will require nothing more than a simple plastic anchor, while something heavier will call for heavy-duty products like sleeve anchors. No matter what type, the idea is simple: allowing screws to anchor into materials that otherwise could not support them.
What is a Toggle Bolt?
The next great product that can help you to make sure things stay on the wall should probably come with a weight limit attached toggles. While drywall anchors are designed to simply physically expand within the drywall, toggle bolts use a clever toggle that expands behind the wall and locks into place.
This type of fastener consists of a bolt with two wings attached. The wings are folded down against the bolt as it is inserted, then spring open once they have passed through to the other side of a wall. When in toggle action, they provide a firm hold and enable toggle bolts to be great for hanging heavy items.
This type of bolt is for high-strength applications. They’re ideal for securely attaching shelves, TV brackets or other heavy items. The durability and dependability of these types are why stakeholders love using them on job sites, thus bringing peace-of-mind for hanging items that weigh a bit, or hold some value.
How Does a Toggle Bolt Work?
A toggle bolt operates on a simple yet ingenious principle. Toggle bolts must be inserted into a hole that has been drilled into the drywall, so the wings are compressed. That wing snaps open when they have passed through to the other side, providing a broad (and strong) grip that spreads the load over a wider area.
Installing a Toggle Bolt Requires Drilling a Hole Big Enough for Its Folded Wings The bolt and wings go through the hole, then when you tighten the bolt the wings pull tight to the back of the drywall. It is this tension that ultimately yields toggle bolts a tremendous amount of holding power.
Toggle bolts are designed to hold far more weight than a standard drywall anchor. They’re especially helpful in cavities where the substance by itself cannot anchor properly. Toggle bolts are capable of providing the necessary strength behind even your most ambitious DIY dreams- when installed correctly.
Drywall Anchors vs Toggle Bolts
Many factors go into using a toggle bolt vs wall anchors. Both options have unique pros and cons as they serve different scenarios. Recognize these differences to help you select the right one for your project.
Materials and Strength
They are generally composed of plastic or metal. Plastic anchors are the lightest type and are used for lighter pull loads while metal anchors provide extra strength for medium-weight items. However, toggle bolts are completely metal and therefore have a stronger durability for the heaviest of loads. Toggle bolts are made for when you’re installing something heavy.
Installation
Drywall anchors are usually not too difficult to install. They can usually be plugged in with little effort and tools, so they can easily be used for quick projects. Installing toggle bolts takes a little more precision since the hole needs to be the width of the folded wings. But when you put them on, they have an incredibly strong hold.
Costing
Drywall anchors are usually less expensive than toggle bolts overall. They offer a cost-effective solution for light to moderate loads. Due to their strength and complexity; toggle bolts are a bit more expensive but worth every cent for heavy-duty uses. Your budget and the requirements of the job may dictate which you choose.
DRYWALL ANCHORS & TOGGLE BOLTS FAQ
What is better for light fixtures?
Drywall anchors are typically sufficient for light fixtures that have their weight evenly distributed (like a framed picture or light shelves). They are simple to install and give decent support for things weighing almost 50 pounds, depending upon the type.
Can toggle bolts be reused?
Remove toggle bolts, and you lose the toggle mechanism, since it’ll fall behind the wall. That means you cannot reuse them. Remember that removing a toggle bolt means you might have to get a new one, or choose another anchoring method that needs periodic removal.
Are there any alternatives to this, however?
More than one type of alternative exists: molly bolts and expanding anchors. These provide a happy medium between the ease of use found with drywall anchors and the added strength provided by toggle bolts, allowing for their use in multiple scenarios. For lighter loads, you could also use the expandable anchors, which are also called wall plugs.
In Conclusion
Whether you go with a drywall anchor or toggle bolt really depends on your use case. Drywall anchors are a cheap and simple option for lightweight items. For heavier packages, toggle bolts offer more secure strength. Being aware of these differences enables you to choose wisely and keep your projects successful as well secure.
If you are excited to learn additional about how to fasten things to walls, we recommend our guides on alternative fastening techniques. Good luck with the DIY, and may your walls never crumble!
