This article is about how to install drywall anchors. As a diy-er you will face many situations when you have to insert screws in drywall, like when hanging a picture. Unfortunately, the sheetrock is not a very good material if we speak about driving in screws, as they won’t be locked firmly and consequently they cannot sustain any object. Nevertheless, you can install screws in drywall, but first, you have to install a drywall anchor. Generally speaking, drywall anchors come in a large variety of types, but we recommend you to use the most recent ones, the plastic anchors which screw in drywall without having to pre-drill it.
Installing drywall anchors properly is essential for many projects, so we recommend you to read carefully our techniques, tips and warning, as to get the job done properly from the very beginning. Nevertheless, if you want to hang a heavy item, you should use a stud finder and insert a long screw directly in the wood stud. If for certain reasons this is not possible, you have to use a toggle anchor, which is able to hold heavier objects as compared to a plastic drywall anchor.
Work with patience while you take the measurements, otherwise you will have to repair the wrong holes you drill in drywall. If you have to install more than one drywall anchor and you want to make them level, you should use a laser level or a 3′ spirit level. Stick a post-it under the holes, before installing the dowels, to catch all the residues.
Made from this plan
Materials
- Drywall anchors
- Drill bits
Tools
- Level, measuring tape, carpentry pencil
- Hammer, rubber hammer
- Drill machinery and drill bits
- Electric screwdriver with torque control
Tips
- For hanging heavy objects, you have to use a toggle anchor
- Threaded drywall anchors (plastic anchors) are recommended only for average weight, up to 20 pounds/10 kg
- Make sure you don’t install the anchor on electric wires, above an outlet or light switch
My best tips on installing drywall anchors:
Installing drywall anchors is essential for hanging anything heavy, from shelves to artwork, on your walls. Drywall alone isn’t strong enough to hold weight, so anchors ensure a secure hold without damaging your walls. Here are my best tips to help you install drywall anchors correctly and with confidence.
1. Choose the Right Type of Anchor
There are several types of drywall anchors, each suited for different weights and purposes. Choose the right one based on the load you’ll be hanging:
- Plastic expansion anchors: Good for light loads (10-25 lbs) like small pictures or light shelves.
- Threaded (self-drilling) anchors: Great for medium loads (25-75 lbs) such as mirrors or heavier shelves.
- Toggle bolts or molly bolts: Ideal for heavy loads (75+ lbs) like large TVs or cabinets.
2. Mark the Location
Before installing an anchor, decide exactly where you want it to go. Use a pencil to mark the spot on the wall where the anchor will be installed. It’s important to avoid studs if you’re using drywall anchors, as they’re designed for drywall-only support.
3. Drill a Pilot Hole (if needed)
For some anchors, such as plastic expansion anchors or toggle bolts, you’ll need to drill a pilot hole before inserting the anchor. Choose a drill bit that’s slightly smaller than the anchor to ensure a snug fit. If you’re using self-drilling anchors, skip this step—they don’t require a pilot hole.
4. Insert the Anchor
- For plastic expansion anchors, tap the anchor into the hole with a hammer until it’s flush with the wall.
- For threaded anchors, screw the anchor into the drywall by hand or with a screwdriver until it’s flush.
- For toggle bolts or molly bolts, fold or collapse the anchor and insert it into the pilot hole. Once inside, it will expand or lock in place.
5. Tighten the Anchor
After inserting the anchor, tighten it in place. For threaded anchors, simply screw them further into the drywall. For toggle bolts or molly bolts, pull the bolt back against the wall to engage the toggle mechanism, then tighten the screw until the anchor is secure.
6. Install the Screw
Once the anchor is in place, you can install the screw or hook that will hold your item. Insert the screw into the anchor and tighten it until it’s secure, but be careful not to overtighten as this can weaken the anchor’s grip.
7. Check for Stability
After the screw or hook is installed, gently tug on it to ensure it’s secure. The anchor should be firmly in place without wiggling or shifting. If it feels loose, remove the anchor and start over with a new one or a different type.
8. Avoid Overloading the Anchor
Each type of drywall anchor has a weight limit. Be sure to check the packaging and avoid exceeding this limit. If you need to hang something very heavy, consider using multiple anchors or mounting directly into a stud.
Bonus Tip: Use the Right Tools Using the right tools—such as a drill, screwdriver, and level—will make the installation process smoother and help ensure your anchors are properly installed.
Installing drywall anchors
Drywall anchors
In this article we show you how to install plastic drywall anchors (threaded anchors). They are used to support weights up to 20 pounds/10 kg. They are very efficient when needing to hang pictures, paintings or other objects which are not very heavy.
For installing heavy items, we recommend you to install toggle anchors, as they are specially designed to support higher forces. Nevertheless, even the threaded anchors come in a large variety of dimensions and forms.
Marking the spot before installing drywall anchors
The first step of this project is to mark the spot where you want to install the drywall threaded anchor. Consequently, use a pencil and mark the spot by drawing a X exactly over the place where you are about to insert the plastic anchor. Use a spirit level to align the dowels, one with another.
Install drywall anchor
Threaded anchors can be installed in two ways. First, make a hole with a drill bit and then inserting the anchors with an electric screwdriver with cross screw head.
The second option (as you see in the image), is to insert the threaded anchor without making any hole, by using a special dill bit (can be found at any diy store for no more than 5 $) or by using a cross-screw head (in the case of threaded anchor which have a sharp end).
Installing drywall anchors
In order to drive in the threaded anchor, you have to use an electric screwdriver with variable speed. In order to perform a proper job, you have to use a low speed at first and then you have to increase it a little. Make sure the head of the plastic anchor is aligned with the drywall.
By following these steps, you can confidently install drywall anchors to safely support items of various weights. Whether you’re hanging light decor or heavy shelving, these tips will help you get the job done securely and effectively.
Thank you for reading our article on how to install drywall anchors and we recommend you to read the rest of our drywall projects. Don’t forget to share our articles with your friends, by using the social media widgets.
EXPLORE MORE IDEAS:
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |