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Wall Anchors 101

HSM staff

The only thing more frustrating than trying to find a stud in the right place is having a frame fall off of the wall and break. Fortunately, employing the proper wall anchor will allow you to hang your items securely anywhere you wish. The following information will provide you with an overview of some of the most common anchors available for both hollow and solid surfaces.

For hollow surfaces like drywall, tile over drywall, plaster, and hollow-core doors you will want to employ a hollow-wall anchor. These anchors are designed to be used on thin or hollow materials. They work by spreading out within the hollow space (making them inappropriate for use on solid surfaces). The strength of a hollow-wall anchor is relative to the amount of spread. In other words, the greater the spread the greater the hold.

STRAP TOGGLE BOLT
Strap toggles are the strongest toggle bolts available; use them for heavy objects such as shelving, cabinets, or large mirrors. They work by first passing the metal channel and plastic strap through a predrilled hole. Then, pull the ends of the straps until the channel rests flush behind the wall and use your other hand to slide the plastic cap until it is flush with the wall. Snap off the straps, insert hardware and tighten.

Strap toggles will not fall behind the wall once the hardware is removed. This will allow you the flexibility to remove items when painting or upgrading.

TOGGLE BOLT
A toggle bolt is also used to support heavy items, but employs a wing-shaped toggle for support. It works by first threading the mounting hardware and toggle onto a screw. Then, the toggle is squeezed closed and passed through a pre-drilled hole. Once the toggle is placed inside the hole, the wings will pop open and the screw is tightened to secure it against the wall.

Once the hardware is removed from a toggle bolt, the toggle will fall behind the wall. So, use it with items that you do not plan on moving.

MOLLY BOLT/SLEEVE TYPE
A molly bolt does not open against the wall as far as a toggle bolt or a strap toggle bolt. Therefore, it’s not as strong. The largest molly bolts can hold up to 50lbs; use them to attach coat hooks or towel bars. To install a molly bolt, predrill the proper size hole and tap the bolt until the head is flush with the wall. Turn the bolt's screw clockwise until you feel strong resistance.

The expansion in molly bolts is permanent. If you don't wish to hang another item in the same location, use a screwdriver to gently tap the bolt until it is pushed beneath the wall's surface. Then, cover over the hole with spackle.

THREADED ANCHOR
Threaded anchors are available in both nylon and metal versions and are essentially threaded nuts with a point on the end- the metal ones are more durable. This type of anchor works best with lightweight items (15lbs - 20lbs) that will not be handled often. They are simple to install, too. Use an awl to make a small hole for more accurate installation. Then, use a screwdriver to drive the anchor into the wall. Once it's level with the wall, insert your mounting hardware and tighten being careful not to over tighten.

To remove a threaded anchor, insert a screwdriver and turn counterclockwise. Patch the hole with spackle.

For solid surfaces like brick, concrete, solid wood paneling, and solid doors employ an expansion anchor. These work by expanding when a screw or bolt is inserted into them. The strength of these anchors is dependent upon the strength of the material in which they are being inserted. Therefore, they really aren't always appropriate for application in hollow surfaces.

PLASTIC EXPANSION ANCHORS
Plastic expansion anchors are the most commonly used anchor and are available in numerous styles and sizes. Larger anchors have a greater hold capacity because they will accommodate larger screws. Additionally, those that are more heavily ribbed will have additional grip which adds to their strength. Still plastic expansion anchors are only appropriate for lightweight items (10lbs or less) and are NEVER appropriate for use on ceilings.

To install one, first make a small hole using an awl. Next, drill a hole according to the packaging instructions. Then, insert the anchor by carefully tapping it with a hammer until it's flush with the surface. Finally, insert your mounting hardware and tighten.

METAL EXPANSION ANCHORS
Metal expansion anchors work just like their plastic cousins, but are stronger and more durable because of their metal composition. Use them for heavy items like light fixtures, mirrors, or on ceilings. Installation of a metal expansion is exactly the same as for a plastic one.

FYI
The plastic expansion anchors that are often included with the fixtures you buy are not always appropriate for your particular application. Many manufacturers simply include the cheapest anchors available. So before utilizing them, make sure that they will provide a solid foundation for your item.

Can you use plastic expansion anchors in drywall?
Sometimes. The item you are hanging must be either lightweight or hung directly on the anchor's screw for heavier weight ones. Additional strength can be added by using two anchors instead of one.

What's the Difference?
Wall anchors will only accept a particular type of thread on the hardware to be inserted into them, machine or coarse. Machine threads are more numerous and run close to one another. Coarse threads are less numerous, larger, and spaced further apart than machine threads.