Drywall is composed of compressed gypsum. It has a smooth surface and is commonly used for building smooth walls. However, if a screw or nail is inserted into it, it can often cause the wall to loosen and fall to the floor. Drywall anchors will help prevent this from happening.
These screws are designed to spread behind or inside the drywall panel, distributing pressure to lock the anchor in place. Today, we’re going to talk about the best drywall anchors, examine the most common types, and see which the strongest drywall anchor that money can buy is.
Top 3 Picks
Best for Heavy-Duty Use: The Hillman Group 370054 Toggle Bolt
With a holding capacity of up to 55 pounds, these toggle bolts are the best choice for hanging lightweight items.
Most Versatile Option: Glarks Wall Anchor Screws Assortment Kit
When you’re looking for molly bolts with several applications, this kit comes with 42 molly anchors in six sizes, and they are ideal for use with 1/2” to 3/4” drywall.
Best for Light-Weight Use: Qualihome Store Drywall Plastic Anchors with Screws
Easy to install, designed with strong ribs, and eliminating the need for a pre-drilled hole, this is definitely a set to consider for light-weight use.
What is a Drywall Anchor?
A drywall anchor is an insert that can be used to secure a hollow wall or a drywall panel. It works by creating a firm mount using a combination of a screw and an insert.
It is a type of hardware that goes between the drywall and the screw. It’s commonly used to secure the wall without loosening the drywall. Other anchors include those that feature wide threads that carve out ridges in the wall for traction. A drywall anchor is used when creating a mount point without a wall stud.
We’ve often found that people search specifically for sheetrock anchors, so we’d like to talk about the difference between drywall and sheetrock. Sheetrock isn’t actually a different type of wall, but a brand of drywall. Much like Adidas is a brand of sporting shows.
As a patented name, sheetrock basically contains a few added chemicals for the patent to be given to the US Gypsum Company but, other than that, sheetrock is just drywall. So, if you’re looking for sheetrock anchors, just take a look into the wall anchor types we’ve talked about in the upcoming section.
Types of Drywall Anchors
#1: Expansion drywall anchors
Expansion anchors, as the name implies, spread to form a tight link with the wall and are used to hold lightweight goods. The shank of the anchor is split in two. To secure it in place, you have to drill a pilot hole in the wall, insert the anchor, and hammer it using light taps to make sure the head is flush against the wall. As you insert a screw into the anchor, it will expand inside the wall, creating pressure that holds the drywall in place.
Expansion anchors are quite easy to install, being a go-to choice for home improvement enthusiasts. They are typically made from plastic, but can also be made using other materials, such as zinc-coated metal or nylon. They usually cost between $0.03 and $0.2 per piece.
Depending on the size and brand in question, expansion drywall anchors can hold between five and 25 pounds of weight. You shouldn’t use these with ceiling drywalls because of the downward pressure that might lead to the anchor slipping out of the surface.
#2: Threaded drywall anchors
Threaded drywall anchors, sometimes known as “self-drilling” or “self-tapping” anchors, are constructed of strong nylon or metal. They are some of the best drywall anchors for heavy items. They have sharp shanks and may be screwed into the wall using either a screw gun or a screwdriver. After inserting the anchor into the wall, the screw forces the anchor’s sides to flare and wedge the anchor snugly against the drywall.
These anchors can hold an impressive 25 to 75 pounds in weight, depending on the size you choose. They don’t need a pilot hole to install since they are self-drilling products. The price is a little higher compared to the previous category and can cost between $0.25 and $0.4 per anchor. They are easy to install and aren’t suitable for ceilings.
#3: Molly bolts
A molly bolt is often referred to as a hollow wall anchor with a very important feature: it can be removed after installation and reinserted. When you have medium-duty applications to deal with, hollow wall anchors are the way to go. They work by adding permanent screw threads to whatever material you attach them to.
When you want to install a molly bolt, you have to make a pilot hole into the drywall and place the anchor in the hole. There are sharp metal tips located on the underside of the anchor’s head and they are meant to pierce the surface of the drywall. As you place a screw inside the anchor, the anchor is compressed with each twist so that it can expand on the sides.
If you insert the screw correctly, it can always be removed from the anchor (which stays inside the wall at all times). This makes it useful in situations where you replace items in the same location.
Molly bolts can hold between 25 and 55 pounds and require drilling a hole before you can install them. They have a shank permanently attached but allow you to remove the screw as needed. They can also be used in ceilings as they can hold lightweight items (such as smoke alarms).
#4: Toggle bolts
Toggle bolts are the strongest drywall anchor type, so if you’re looking for drywall anchors for heavy items, they are the solution. They can hold up to 100 pounds in weight (if they are made from metal, as a plastic anchor can only hold about 20 pounds). They are made from two types of materials:
- Metal drywall anchors are also known as metal toggle bolts, and they are the strongest option available. They are more difficult to install because the hole required for their setup is three times wider compared to the bolt’s diameter. The anchor has one or two bars which are capable of folding against the bolt as it is inserted. After the bolt is installed, a fast twist loosens the wings, forcing them to flare outward. When you tighten the bolt using a screwdriver, the wings will draw inward to create a bracing mechanism that keeps it in place. The most difficult part of the installation is keeping the bolt centered in the hole during the tightening process. It takes some time and patience to get it correctly, but once you do, the powerful holding strength will impress you.
- A winged plastic anchor comes with parts that hold together to make the anchor fit into a pre-drilled hole. When you’ve set the anchor in place, you push a wand through the hole so that the wings located in the back will expand. As you insert the screw, the wings will be drawn against the back of the drywall.
How to Install or Repair Drywall for a Kitchen Backsplash
Most homeowners eventually need to have drywall installed or repaired. It can be a bit challenging to get used to the process so if you’re not quite sure how to install drywall, then maybe it’s time to step it up. Just start with the kitchen backsplash. In this tutorial, you can check out the step-by-step process for repairing or installing drywall, something that sounds way more intimidating than it actually is. You’re going to need a bunch of tools and materials for this project, from drywall screws to primer and paint. The tutorial includes pictures to guide you through the process.
Finishing Touches to Fully Complete a Bathroom Makeover
No bathroom makeover can truly be complete without the details that make a difference. If you assume that renovating a bathroom means installing a new toilet, a vanity, and a shower cabin, you’ve got some road left ahead of you. In this tutorial, you will find a comprehensive list of those difference-making details and you will learn how to install towel hangers, lighting fixtures, and some cool bathroom accessories that complete the look of the room.
Best Drywall Anchors
The Hillman Group 370054 Toggle Bolt
These toggles are designed to hold heavy items such as shelving units (as long as they’re lighter than 55 pounds)and can also be used to hang items even from the ceiling that weigh less than 13 pounds. Due to their versatile nature and strength, toggle bolts are often used in various applications. You can purchase multiple products or settle for a single item if that’s what the situation requires. They are made from steel and have spring-action wings.
TOGGLER SnapSkru SP Self-Drilling Drywall Anchor with Screws
This type of drywall anchor is made from glass-filled nylon and offers the sharpness and durability that you’d expect from a self-drilling anchor. It doesn’t require a pre-drilled hole for installation, which makes the job a little easier. A single pack of these contains 50 anchors and the same amount of screws. They have a pretty decent holding power and can support items of a maximum of 45 pounds in weight.
Glarks 42Pcs 6 Size Heavy Duty Zinc Plated Steel Molly Bolt
When you want a versatile kit with drywall anchors that come in multiple shapes and sizes, this is worth considering. You get a total of 42 anchors which are available in six different sizes and work with a variety of different drywalls. They are made from zinc-plated carbon steel and can hold up to 50 pounds in weight (this also depends on what type of drywall you’re installing them in). If you were to install the smallest anchors in the kit, you’d get about 18 pounds of weight capacity.
Plastic Drywall Wall Anchors Screw Assortment Kit
If you’re in need of a plastic anchor, then how about investing in a set that has 300 of them? Available in four colors and 10 different sizes, these anchors have a reusable plastic case that keeps them organized and can be repurposed once emptied. The plastic itself is durable enough to last a few years, while the screws are made from stainless steel.
Self Drilling Drywall Plastic Anchors with Screws
This is the first of two Qualihome drywall anchor options that we wanted to show you today. This particular set comes with self-drilling anchors which don’t need a pre-drilled hole to install. They can support up to 75 pounds in weight, which is pretty good for heavy-duty use. The pack contains 25 plastic anchors and the designated screws for each.
Ribbed Plastic Drywall Anchor Kit with Screws and Masonry Drill Bit
The second Qualihome choice for light-duty situations is this anchor kit. It comes with 100 pairs of anchors and their matching screws, which means you’ll get plenty of products for a really good price. All of the pieces come with a convenient storage box which can be repurposed for other things when you no longer need it to store the drywall anchors inside.
Using Drywall Anchors: Other Products to Consider
Drywall Saws
A drywall saw, which is also known as a keyhole saw, is a narrow, long, bladed tool used for cutting small, awkward features in various materials. There are two main types of keyhole saws: the fixed blade and the retractable blade. A retractable blade is usually equipped with a handle that’s made of wood or metal. It has a facility that allows the blade to retract to a length that’s ideal for minimizing friction.
The fixed-blade type is commonly used in the construction industry. Another modification that has been developed for this trade is a sharpened point at the tip which can be used to push or jab through soft materials. A compass saw is a type of tool that features a larger, coarser blade. It’s commonly used to cut through tough materials. Two different types of saws are used for different tasks.
Patch Kits
Drywall, while useful in a lot of situations, has certain limitations and is prone to different types of damage. Gypsum is vulnerable to moisture because it has the properties of various paper, organic additives, and binders. When exposed to moisture, the gypsum will eventually turn into a gooey paste that can be used to cause prolonged immersion.
The porous nature of the board allows water to quickly reach the core, which can then grow inside. However, due to its weight, the board may cause water to enter a room through the ceiling, which can then separate from the ceiling.
If the paper faces of your drywall are eaten by termites, the paper’s backing material can easily chip or break as it gets eaten. This causes the painted surface to look like it’s being stretched out to the touch. The structural damage caused by termites to the drywall can be caused by ingesting the paper. This can cause the paint to chip and break. A professional restoration specialist can help restore the drywall in most cases.
For different types of drywall repair work, patch kits can come in handy as they allow for a quick fixing of the problem in question.
Drywall Alternatives
Drywall is typically the first wall surface that builders and home painters use when it comes to creating a new look. But, it can also be a bit boring. In this article, you will discover there are plenty of different types of drywall alternatives that can make a wall look more elegant, interesting, stylish, adding more personality to your home. Some of the alternatives that are mentioned here include plywood, wood planks, exposed bricks, and even unfinished concrete.
Wall Texture Types
If you’re not looking for a drywall alternative and you want to work with drywall to mold it to the aesthetic of your choice, this article includes some interesting ideas on wall texture types that you might want to dry as you’re renovating your home. You will learn how to make a popcorn texture, what the Venetian technique looks like, and how to make a slap brush wall texture.
FAQ
How much weight can drywall anchors hold?
There are a lot of factors that weigh in on this answer, so it really depends on the type of drywall anchor we’re talking about, as well as its size and the brand in question. For instance, threaded drywall anchors can hold up to 75 pounds in weight, while some toggle bolts can hold up to 100 pounds.
What type of drywall anchor do I need?
The type of drywall anchor that’s suitable for you is going to depend on what you’re looking to hang. As we mentioned earlier, some types of drywall anchors are suitable for holding really heavy objects, while others can’t be mounted on the ceiling because they will slide out.
Do drywall anchors really work?
Yes, drywall anchors can be very efficient when you choose them properly. They need to be installed according to the type of anchor in question and, as long as you respect the weight limit and understand the features and limitations of the different types of anchors available, you can have really sturdy drywall anchors that get the job done.
Conclusion
Choosing the right drywall anchors can make or break your home improvement project. A drywall anchor is an insert that’s commonly used to secure a hollow wall or a drywall panel. It goes between the screw and the wall, creating a secure and effective mounting point. Many anchors have a variety of design features, such as a dropout point, which allows them to be dropped into place. Considering the fact that drywall can crumble if you insert a screw or a nail inside, then it is most definitely important to invest in drywall anchors.
The post A Must Have for Home Improvements: The Best Drywall Anchors appeared first on Home Decorating Trends - Homedit.
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