Using Wall Anchors in Drywall

 I just hung a shelf in my bathroom.  I don’t know about you but it seems that every time I want to hang something in drywall there is never a stud where I need it.  If you are building or remodeling it is always nice to try to anticipate where you are going to hang shelves, towel racks or curtain rods and put in extra studs there.  We did that for curtains and some towel racks but I could not plan out every single place where I might want to hang something.  That is where wall anchors come in.  There are so many different kinds and I have some opinions on a few of them that I have used.

Plastic expansion anchors

Personally I hate these.  These types of anchors are usually included in whatever you buy that needs to hang on the wall.  For the most part they are completely useless. They bend so easy during installation, if they don’t have a lip on them they will almost always push right through the wall.   

Overall, plastic expansion anchors are not very strong. The actual pull-out strength can be as little as 10 lbs in drywall, depending on the anchor and screw size.  

Never ever use them in ceilings.  They will most assuredly pull out.  You have to use a toggle in a ceiling.

Threaded Drywall Anchors

This is my very favorite type of anchor and it is basically a large, threaded nut with a point on the end. The large threads are intended to hold strongly into drywall.  They have a large lip on the end and will not push through the drywall. 

They are "self-starting",   It helps to put in a pilot hole with an awl so the anchor goes where you want it to go.  Screw the anchor into the drywall with a Philip's head screwdriver or power drill until the head is flat against the wall surface. 

Threaded drywall anchors are available in both nylon and metal.  I have used both with good results.  Always check the box for what weight they are rated for.  I always over do it when I hang anything with wall anchors, better safe than sorry I say.

There are also threaded drywall anchors that also have a toggle.  They are also easy to install with a screwdriver or screw gun and they have a toggle that pops out as you put the screw in.  They are very strong and can hold up to 40 lbs or more. 

So, when needing to hang something in drywall consider your choices of dry wall anchors.  Be sure to get one rated for the weight of whatever you are hanging and don’t feel like you have to use the ones that come with your item.  You can do better at the hardware store and have a safer, stress free installation.