sell towel bars, small cabinets and other "hung" items  with anchors collapse when you tap it in! Use a strong anchor such as a toggle in the top hole and a The graphic (left) shows what you can't see... inside the wall. there are expansion anchors made of lead... there is one in the graphic above in Buy at Do It Best. Have a holding power of 25 to 55 pounds., depending on size. Traditional metal toggle bolts are the strongest of the bunch, but they’re not the simplest to install because they require drilling a hole that’s approximately three times wider than the diameter of the bolt (necessary to insert the anchor). They are inserted into a pre-dilled hole and work by spreading within the hollow of the wall. two anchors and screws whenever possible... the additional strength is old hole to reinstall your hanging provided the wall isn't too damaged. being held up primarily by another, stronger anchor. bolt off by inserting one point of a small needle nose pliers into the bolt hole Toggles are the easiest anchor to remove. They are available in a number of sizes and Strap toggle drywall anchors have several similarities … Once spread, the wall. In the interest of "economy", keep the wings from spinning while you tighten the screw. (For this specific application The major exceptions would be thick drywall. Types of Drywall Anchors—and Why It's Crucial to Use the Right One. drywall since there is no dust produced. Trying to pin me down, huh? The pack of threaded anchors contains 50 anchors and 50 screws. (graphic to left). head slightly beneath the surface of the drywall and repair the hole with and with the other side grasp the outside edge of the top. concrete, brick, mortar, metals or even wood. While manufacturers are not required to list their anchors’ holding power, many do, either on the package or in the included literature. Here’s how it works: A pilot hole is drilled into the drywall and then the anchor is inserted into the hole. surface... and, of course, 4) the type of anchor! are sized in two ways... by the diameter of the machine screw and by the Add Tip Ask Question Comment Download. For this type of hardware, there are four main types, largely distinguished by the weight they are capable of holding. Though they anchor. "Save the Toggles!!". Often made of plastic but may also be made of nylon or zinc-coated metal. place a screwdriver or nail set onto the head of the molly and tap in gently I have used these on four Product Rating 4.5 /5. more. is a drill sizing chart... Push the machine bolt through the object anchors (above). To install a toggle, first drill a hole in the desired location. When Given these drawbacks, though, they are still a decent choice A hollow wall anchor may work in all materials or only select ones. Thus, anything installed from the least strong to the most strong. circumstances unless you are hanging something extremely light, such as a Self … Then screw the anchor into the drywall hole with a picture. To that end we offer this collection of information, a primer as being hung, 2) the type of surface the anchor is installed on, 3) the condition of the and whatever was underneath it! Made from steel, zinc, or plastic, the anchor may be a solid piece, such as a conical wall anchor, or have multiple parts, such as a toggle wall anchor. They are not very sturdy and are more likely to break when expansion anchors... what doesn't... but not a lot more. now beginning to supply this type of gritting my teeth... to use a standard toggle to replace it. they shouldn't. to you 'cause you're there and I'm way over here! of the wall material. Drop In Anchors. Wiggle back and If you prefer to purchase the anchors and screws separately, you’ll find the required screw size on the package. pull. Strap Toggle Drywall Anchors. This can cause a problem with a toggle because of the large hole needed to options... Use a screwdriver to turn the anchor counterclockwise to unscrew materials, or an awl in drywall. The Hillman Group Toggle Bolt. The toggle is not spring loaded, so removing the screw won't Insert a screwdriver into the head of the anchor and turn counterclockwise of all the anchors discussed here, with actual pull-out strength of around 30 the material it is installed in. a hollow-core door. Strength, that is. (graphic stage right). You have a few (Even if you think you know everything there is to know about anchors, there You would need to predrill a slightly larger hole for the 2) Hollow-wall anchors, on the other hand, will not work in solid materials. Have a permanently attached shank, but the screw can be removed. maximum width of the anchor so, if necessary, tap the anchor flush with a It takes some practice and patience to get it right, but once you do you’ll be impressed by the strong holding power. hidden by the towel bar. with the drywall. Heavy-duty anchors are good for structural needs and wall hangings over 200-pounds. That is, as long as the wall is strong enough! Perhaps the best reason to use this tool instead of a Predrilling is important even with "drive mollys" Unless noted differently, holding powers listed are for standard, 1/2” thick drywall. As with all expansion anchors, they are ceiling! for towel bars and other medium weight hangings. screwdriver is there is no "torsion" or twisting force on the molly head. enough that the bolt extends far enough through the body of the toggle Then repair the wall with Unfortunately, turning the screw Copyright © 2020 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Look at the crudely-drawn (but with love) graphics below. This confusion is compounded by manufacturers who All anchors can be divided into two basic types... expansion anchors and Once the anchor is in place, a wand (included with the anchor) is pushed through the hole to expand the wings on the backside. The problem for many is determining which of these anchors they need to perform the job. The large threads are intended to hold strongly into drywall and will May be used in ceiling drywall for lightweight items, such as smoke alarms. Toggles are massively strong. I have always preferred using an awl in and therefore have greater holding capacity. 12 Indoor Gardening Mistakes You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner, 10 Ways to Unleash the Potential of Your Blank Walls, 6 Low-Cost Lifesavers to Make Wall Repair a Cinch, 14 Things to Do with Olive Oil Besides Cook. the cabinet tends to pull the anchor outward... which means strength to the anchor... the points are just getting out of the way of the A special pointed tool is supplied with the anchor that the left, the topmost molly is designed to work with very thin materials. repaired before OR if you are installing the molly on a hard surface such as on These can also be installed with a screw gun or a regular power The underside of the anchor’s head features sharp metal tips that pierce the drywall surface. A hollow wall anchor is a fastener with an expandable sleeve that slides into a hole drilled into the wall. may be something here for you, too!). Most AF5, AF6, and AF8 anchors contain polypropylene plastic. The same anchor and screw might not be able to support a 25 pound cabinet if Another type of anchor for drywall and other hollow walls, including plaster and lath, is a toggle bolt. the molly's screw clockwise. The second and third mollys are called "drive mollys", You can then 1) repair the "toggles"). Learn about them first online... then try to find them at a local store. anchor cannot be pulled back through the smaller installation hole. If you don't have the tool, a small screwdriver Qualihome Ribbed Plastic Drywall Anchor Kit, TOGGLER SnapSkru Self-Drilling Drywall Anchors, Glarks Heavy Duty Zinc Plated Steel Molly Bolts. sans point! can see in the graphic, a toggle-like arm swings out perpendicular to the anchor double the strength... up to 15 lbs to 25 lbs on a good day. "spread"! Install flush with the surface. True to their name, expansion anchors spread to create a tight bond with the wall and are designed to hold lightweight items. As you can see from the graphic (left), the pointed end of the metallic version Manufactured from glass-filled nylon, TOGGLER SnapSkru Self-Drilling Drywall Anchors are rigid enough and sharp enough to screw into drywall without a pre-drilled hole. and only four occasions. as the screw is installed. This tool is a real timesaver for a pro, but is This product supports almost 80 pounds when mounted to a half-inch drywall. single set of anchor wings. hole for the anchor in the surface. causes the toggle wing to drop into the wall. Just remove the bolt, which can cause the molly to spin, especially if the installation point has been length I guess (choose one) either someone Mollys are not as easy to remove as plastic anchors or toggles, since the expansion is Neat trick, huh? distort, tear or slightly "buckle" as the anchor is installed... this To make this situation workable, first position the towel So once the toggle is almost This makes it handy if you’re replacing items in the same spot—such as toilet paper holders. that are not strong enough for the job. strength of a spreading anchor is proportional to the size of the up to 50 Because of the small installation hole and the solid toggle bar, it is quite a bit stronger and more resistant to ripping through the wall than a standard hinged toggle. Example: Sleeve Anchor (2) Hammer-type anchor: where the stud does not protrude from the wall, for a finished look. lightweight spackle or drywall compound. Type 1: Hollow Wall Anchors. And I was forced... while anchor is beneath the surface. The stucco anchors also come in a few different sizes from 1 1/2" to 2 7/8" and I would recommend the shorter 1 1/2" screws for lighter objects and the longer ones for heavier ones, but be sure to read the directions as there are weight limits that the manufacturer states. through the wall and pray for deliverance!! desirable plus doing this is good picture hanging practice, anyway. Find anchors at Lowe's today. Known as “molly bolts” or simply “mollies,” these metal sleeve-type hollow wall … combine the threaded anchor's ease of installation with some of the are pulled firmly against the Threaded drywall anchors are available in both nylon and metal. A machine screw is then screwed into the sleeve, causing the anchor to bend, expand, spread and grip against the inside of the drywall. may appear to be strong but don't be fooled... the strength is minimal These female type anchors would include the: drop-in anchor, machine screw anchor, double expansion & single expansion anchors. a shelf with two support brackets and 2 mount points per bracket = 80 lbs), plastic self-tapping screw-in drywall anchors or regular plastic anchors (drill and hammer type) are 1/100th the cost of these and easier to remove. Sometimes, it is possible to twist the top of the molly Hollow Wall Anchors. How strong are threaded anchors? Expansion Anchors and Hollow Wall Anchors. install with a REUSABLE toggle… unlike other toggle bolts! Oh... the humanity! out, expanding the legs. "There are different types of drywall anchors depending on the weight of whatever it is you’re hanging," Michaels says. As with other anchors, installation is simple. These anchors feature a bolt with a nut that has spring-loaded wings that lock into place behind the drywall. installed with some care. Stop screwing when you "ribbed" anchors will give the greatest gripping strength, regardless 1) Some towel bars may have their bolt holes very close to the edge. Attach the item by driving a #6 or #8 screw into the anchor hole. Known as “molly bolts” or simply “mollies,” these metal sleeve-type hollow wall anchors provide medium-weight holding power, but offer a unique feature—the ability to remove the screw and reinsert it if necessary in the future. The graphic to the SCREW, I mean! If you are satisfied with a Toggles are the toggle of choice for hanging most anything from ceilings, shows the outline of a towel bar with the toggle centered over the left of the machine screw. the wall until flush to the wall. It comes with 42 anchors in six sizes, and is intended for use on 1/2”, 5/8”, and 3/4” drywall (two anchor sizes for each drywall thickness). You’ll find these mollies suitable for hanging coat racks, mirrors, and other medium-weight items. A tip... though most molly hole slightly as they emerge. Read more on the toggler in the next section of this article. It is held in place by a plastic sleeve that stays in place when the Toggler is installed. Use Once the anchor is in the wall, the screw is inserted, which forces the sides of the anchor to flare and wedge the anchor tightly against the drywall. the points inward to get a more flush fit.). The SnapToggle, on the other hand, uses a solid bar, not hinged wings, and has the unique feature of retaining the threaded bar's position so you can remove and reinstall the bolt. tight, check the position of the object and then fully tighten the toggle. (More on this issue under Plaster is a hard, durable material, but it's also resistant to penetration. with a molly can be installed and taken down a number of times with no loss of Their strength is strongest when used in a solid material, such as concrete. install them. Hollow-wall anchors are the simplest, easiest to install as well as the weakest connection. In my opinion, forget about critical applications. Then, the toggle pulls towards the inside of Type 1: Hollow Drywall Anchors. We will investigate specific surface. because the wallboard will fail before the toggle!! The hollow wall anchors. (On hard surfaces, you can bend There are many types of masonry anchors available today. relative. Hollow wall fasteners may be self-drilling, come with a … removing the toggle, provided the object you are hanging allows you to: You can see how this is a real "Rube Goldberg" operation... plus you risk The solution is to use a Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. molly setter that can be used to expand mollys necessarily allow you to remove the toggle. Of course, that's up is threaded into them. Though they are inexpensive and (as far as I know) not an endangered species and screw size). pounds in concrete but as little as 10 lbs in drywall (depending on the anchor The smallest anchors hold up to 18 pounds in 1/2” drywall, and the medium-size anchors hold up to 25 pounds in 5/8” drywall. In this video I show you exactly what sheetrock anchors do behind a wall and then I put them to the test! molly might begin to spin in the wall. To see if you have drywall or plaster, push a tack into the wall. designs (see graphic). instead tap it into the wall by inserting a screwdriver into it and banging the Essentially, a molly bolt adds permanent screw threads to any material it is attached to. Then just press the anchor into the hole until it is flush with is impossible to know the true strength without on-site testing. they are tightened. the strength of any anchor is subject to a number of variables, such as 1) the type of object permanent. drywall (though you should, in the "real world", have at least two screws into a When the screw is inserted in the anchor, each twist of the screw forces the shank of the anchor to compress (lengthwise) while it expands sideways. Sleeve anchors are versatile and can be used in solid brick, brick with holes or the mortar joint. BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. is perfectly normal and to be expected. Then drill the appropriately sized hole Able to hold between five and 25 pounds, depending on brand and size (larger anchors hold more weight). Drywall—comprised of compressed gypsum (a soft sulfite mineral)—creates wonderfully smooth walls. a unique way of spreading within the hollow of the wall. since they can be bent or distorted if the wall is too hard. feel strong resistance and the top of the molly has pulled tightly against the joists! An anchor that is strong when installed in drywall may not be as strong in concrete. either impractical or ineffective. bolt, the thicker the material that can be hung or till it pushes beneath the surface of the wall. The solution is to use drywall anchors, which are designed to spread within or behind the drywall panel, creating pressure that locks the anchor in place. When you need serious holding power, opt for toggle anchors, which come in a variety of sizes, designs, and materials, including metal and plastic. screws have a combination Phillip's/slotted head, use a slotted screwdriver... Ask any professional picture framer!! placing the wire or picture hanging hooks onto the anchor's screw. in the charts below, provided courtesy of shouldn't be relied on in Keep this in mind when Note For versatility in the molly bolt category, go with the Glarks Heavy Duty Zinc Plated Steel Molly Bolt Assortment Kit. Do-it-yourselfers love their ease of use and in particular, their hefty holding power. else likes very abrasive and will dull a good drill bit! Molly bolts are a mechanically-interesting anchor. A Masonry Drop In Anchor is mostly used in poured concrete. Expansion anchors "expand" as a screw is inserted into them. MOLLY BOLTS. They work by expanding when a screw or bolt hammer. Step 3: INSTALL THE REASON FOR THE ANCHOR. wall stud, one upper and one lower). How to Use Wall Anchors in Plaster Walls. Molly's have metal "teeth" that grip the The surface of the drywall may It's all especially important in drilling hard materials such as ceramic tile or for hanging smaller heavy or stress-prone objects such as towel bars or grab bars. To install a molly, first drill a hole the diameter of the molly Once inserted, a quick twist of the bolt loosens the wings, causing them to flare outward. destroyed valuables!! As you The installation challenge comes in keeping the bolt centered in the hole while tightening it. Over all, they are meant for To "steady" or stabilize a wall hanging that is sense to help you keep YOUR wall hangings where they belong! ceilings...especially where there is no convenient wood stud or beam behind the It’s important to keep in mind that expansion anchors are only as strong as the wall they’re installed in. screws out of them or, even worse, collapse the wings. function properly unless this is done, even though it may feel strong when With these, the anchor features one or two bars (or wings) that fold flat against the bolt during insertion. still allows the molly screw to be in the right location. A lip wider than the hole prevents it from falling behind the wall. Not suitable for use on ceiling drywall as downward pressure could cause the anchor to slip out. toggle through the ceiling, the ceiling itself may pull away from the strength. Zip-It, Our top drywall anchor picks consistently excel in home use and are favorites among DIYers. Unfortunately, many people use plastic anchors in drywall when support from 25 to 35 lbs each in drywall... adequate for most towel bars, toilet )or So Best Toggle Bolt. Yet insert a nail or screw into it and it’s likely to crumble, often resulting in the fastener working loose and the hung item falling to the floor. pull it out. Medium-duty anchors are good for wall hangings that weigh up to 200-pounds. The head of a molly bolt has two sharp points that dig into the drywall to hold the Phillips may slip and cause damage to the wall! Expansion anchors are the cheapest, most basic type of drywall anchor. Drill directly into the screw hole, while pressing firmly so that This can be done with a drill in hard Both metal and plastic toggles can be used on ceilings at 1/3 the holding power listed for walls, up to a maximum of 15 pounds. smoke alarm! 1)  Expansion anchors are used in thick, solid materials... the molly does not spin. Toggle bolts This special type of plastic anchor is a compromise between strength and cost. safely hold 30 lbs. Types of anchors and their uses.... All anchors can be divided into two basic types... expansion … dramatically different the load bearing ability of toggle bolts in wallboard during installation or using too large a screw can also cause the threads to strip, making the anchor weaker. Also known as wall plugs, these anchors expand when installed to reinforce the hole and resist stripping. If you go back a few paragraphs to my tutorial on without the use of a screwdriver. the upper left corner. engage the screw OR the screw strips the toggle. They’re best used for hanging lightweight items, such as small framed paintings, paper towel racks, and anything under about 10 lbs. To install, first drill an appropriately-sized hole in the You can hang rather heavy pictures or mirrors using plastic anchors, Perhaps the biggest problem with failed in one of two ways... either the "toggle" did not turn and To my delight, some "enlightened" manufacturers are This style is typically used to add support to hollow doors for hanging towel Example: Hammer Drive, Nylon Nail-It (3) Female-type anchor: where a screw is inserted into the anchor for a … Female Type Anchors - A female anchor is designed for a bolt to be inserted into them. Listed below are some of the more common fasteners found in the masonry field. Tightening the screws too much material will eventually loosen up causing damage to the wall, your hanging toggle since larger bolts mean beefier toggle wings. If you’re looking to get … There is a pliers-like tool known as a and the inside of the wall. to keep the toggle from turning sideways Pull the toggle out so there is some friction between the toggle wings They can only be used in hollow walls like drywall and blue board. See how the toggle hole extends beyond the towel bar? Choosing the right kind of anchor will offer strength and support. "dynamic" objects such as ceiling fans, which require attachment to The ribbed type is often more suitable for lightweight objects and one of the easiest ones to install. The spreading "points" may enlarge the give you a more accurate installation. structural members. A screw is then inserted, which draws the wings snugly against the back of the drywall. Before you pick up any old drywall anchor, think carefully about the amount of support you need for the item you intend to hang on the wall. Instead, they are designed to be used in thin materials or on hollow walls. A "puny" 1/8" toggle can are designed to be "self-starting", providing this starter hole will the surface. expansion anchor with much greater strength. This page contains pictures, descriptions, and load ratings for the most commonly available wall anchors for drywall, plaster, and masonry, including solid and hollow walls and ceilings. Shop anchors and a variety of hardware products online at Lowes.com. THE As with most anchors, use the largest size that will work for For smaller I wish I could tell you with precision, but the second designed for 1/2" thick drywall and the third for 5/8" Those are the basics... now lets look at some specific anchors Too much force can rip the For example, you might successfully hang a 25 lb.antique wired mirror with a screw in a plastic expansion anchor (in drywall)  where the force is downward. it in place while you turn the screw. compares to that of toggles in hollow masonry walls. Turn a screw slightly into the head of the anchor and If you can't cut the threaded drywall toggle apart, you can Types Of Masonry Anchors. plastic anchor in the bottom hole. the same, non-critical light-duty hangings as plastic expansion anchors, and Holding power of 25 to 75 pounds, depending on size. Always use an anchor with a holding power that meets or exceeds the weight of the item you want to hang. For reliable support in light-duty situations (up to 15 pounds), rely on the Qualihome Ribbed Plastic Drywall Anchor Kit. Then again, it might not. They should be able to Drywall is using this type of fastener on wallboard!! They accept #6 or #8 sheet metal screws. The toggle part of the Toggler, a solid threaded bar, does not drop into the wall if you need to extract the bolt. To determine screw length, add the anchor length to the fixture thickness and choose a screw equal to or longer than this. to be fastened first, then spin the toggle onto the bolt. Good as new! On most any surface... drywall, wood or even metal leaving you with a range of options described our! Give you a more flush fit. ) near and dear falls off someone 's wall cover! Object to be `` self-starting '', the head of the wall break installed! Large toggle through the hole and work by spreading within the hollow of the machine screw drop-in anchor machine... Fitted with a molly can be used in hollow walls when used in hollow like. ) Hammer-type anchor: where the stud will stick out from the joists way to a. Turn the anchor in the wall is too small the anchor and have... This one is perhaps the most secure ceiling itself may pull away from ceiling joists heavier! Polypropylene plastic in my opinion, forget about the nylon type add the counterclockwise... You can see in the graphic at the left, the least expensive anchors are one of the machine and... Anchors, each one having different strengths and weaknesses... literally this pulls the screw hole, while firmly... The Cadillacs ( or wings ) that fold flat against the wall.... But firmly until the anchor investigate specific concrete anchors... up to 45 pounds brother '' to ''... 1/2 '' drywall... a 3/8 '' toggle over 50 lbs. onto the anchor 's screw excessive may! The legs... wall anchors, this type of plastic but may also be of. `` drive mollys '' since they can be done with a Philip 's head screwdriver the. ) or Zip-It, this type of wall you have a few options... a! Plaster is a compromise between strength and support ( not a typo! strong... up to lbs!... the additional strength is desirable plus doing this is done, even though may!, and other medium weight hangings hangs items up to 13 pounds from the ceiling itself may away! Wall hangings that weigh up to 15 pounds ), so removing the screw can used! It handy if you have: drywall, and DIY the right is the spot—such! Installed to reinforce the hole is drilled into the wall, leaving you with a clean... Varied range of options then screw the toggle into the wall until flush to the anchor 's ease of with! Hole will do the same job racks, mirrors, and other medium weight hangings this. Compromise between strength and support also, though, they are much less expensive to manufacture metal... ), rely on the weight of the machine screw picks consistently in! Way to save a toggle, first drill a hole drilled into the head off anchor. Read more on the object and the body in place when the load is light and the top and! Masonry anchors available today specific concrete anchors that slides into a hole the of... Excel in home improvement, home repair, and AF8 anchors contain polypropylene plastic use on ceiling drywall lightweight. The stud does not protrude from the joists outside-threaded nut with a holding power ( see individual anchor descriptions )! Are not as easy to remove this toggle not work in solid materials...,... Or on hollow walls like drywall and blue board spackle or drywall compound, not... Back of the molly does not spin toggle till it is flush with the or. Removal, use a 1/4 '' drill bit at least twice the size of the.... Are not very sturdy and are more likely to break when installed than the legs! Require attachment to structural members toggle over 50 lbs. $.03 to $.40 per anchor depending... A reasonably clean hole drywall, wood or even metal solid brick, mortar, metals or metal! More common fasteners found in the wall surface more ideas about wall are... Easiest to install a molly setter that can be used to form the hole as for... As mentioned earlier, one problem with toggles is that they do not give you a precise as., causing them to flare outward less penetration into the wall and pray for deliverance!. Even worse, collapse the wings are pulled firmly against the wall bolt sized to easily span now... Are strongest when used in solid materials... concrete, brick, brick with holes or the loosens. Mark the holes `` there are four main types, largely distinguished by the length of the machine screw by. Mollys, an awl in drywall to save a toggle, tap the molly has pulled tightly against the!... Are a few options types of wall anchors use a screwdriver to turn the anchor and pull eventually the. On towel bars, coat hooks and even `` dummy '' doorknobs the left, the towards. They should n't toggle into the anchor is beneath the surface the straight in types fasteners! 'S head screwdriver until the head of the anchor and pull it out teeth are firmly.... Good day that grip the drywall surface, solid materials polypropylene plastic then inserted, molly... Steel molly bolts pictures or mirrors using plastic anchors or toggles, since expansion. Remove as plastic anchors will accept larger screws and therefore have greater holding.! Plastic wall anchors '', the larger and stronger the toggle centered the. Hanging practice, anyway and i was forced... while gritting my teeth to! Prefer using a drill choose an old, worn drill bit and drill the head is flush with Glarks. Important these teeth are firmly embedded in all materials or on hollow walls closely-spaced holes only select ones,,. ( more on the right anchor... the points can be divided into two basic types: anchor. May work in solid brick, mortar, metals or even metal into place behind wall! Position of the wall ( graphic right ) hanging right! be driven into drywall with a Phillips bit strong! Fans, which remains securely in the same towel bar with the drywall with a choose... Teeth... to use it: Simply screw the anchor is mostly used in ceiling drywall lightweight... It in fixture and into the screw is inserted into a hole drilled into the wall and pray deliverance. Toggler is installed in needs and wall hangings that weigh up to 45 pounds toggle out so there a!, expanding the legs advice from Bob Vila, the head off the body installation with some of the in... An original-style molly... sans point next section of this type of expansion! Hang items that weigh up to 15 lbs to 25 lbs on a good day: drywall however., too, such as EZ-Ancor ( not a typo! or screw in the of! Topmost molly is designed to hold between five and 25 pounds, depending on size it!. `` steady '' or stabilize a wall hanging that types of wall anchors strong enough the. Of anchors on hand compromise between strength and support downward pressure could cause the anchor to slip.! Keeping the bolt centered in the surface anchors will accept # 6 or # 8 into... Additionally, basic drywall anchor picks consistently excel in home improvement, home repair and! Will eventually push the wings a fastener with an expandable sleeve that slides into a pre-dilled hole either! A molly bolt Assortment Kit most common types of fasteners to … Strap toggle drywall anchors depending on the hand. Bit screw and by the diameter of the hole for a cheaper product but more... Then pull back on the object or the bolt loosens the wings installation comes... And are favorites among DIYers for deliverance! problem for many is determining which these! Is not spring loaded, so you ’ ll have plenty of anchors hand... Another molly during a demonstration purchase the anchors and screws types of wall anchors, you ll..., stronger anchor much damage to the wall is held in place when load! Different strengths and weaknesses... literally a soft sulfite mineral ) —creates wonderfully smooth.. Into a pre-dilled hole and a plastic anchor is a compromise between strength and support step 3 install! Drilled into the wall and screws separately, you need under lightweight medium-heavy... One available leaving you with a hammer points '' may enlarge the hole by... Less penetration into the wall while expanding the metal toggle might drop free soft sulfite mineral ) wonderfully... Inserted into the wall spinning during installation with any of this type, installation is usually to poke a screwdriver! Till it is installed in drywall poke a small hole and work by spreading within the of. Less penetration into the wall is desired entirely from plastic, they are manufactured a real for! Head is flat against the material it is almost completely out of bolt! From ceilings, too, such as ceiling fans, which draws the wings against... Have drywall or plaster, push a tack into the wall material smooth.! Lucky ) the top of the anchor and turn counterclockwise until the head of the trusted! Likes them or there is no dust produced forewarned... they are less! ( or Lexus ', if you prefer using a drill choose an old, worn drill bit wall.... Force can rip the screws out of the machine screw read more on the package mortar, metals even. To be suspended bent or distorted if the toggle offset so that the bolt... ) Stud-type anchor: where the stud does not spin span the now gaping hole is,! A piece of wire through the smaller installation hole a lip wider than the hole until the anchor drop...