How To Know Which Wall Anchor To Use

By Robert Robillard on Workshop tips

Drywall Anchors ~ What’s The difference?

There are many styles of wall anchors, each one having different strengths and weaknesses. The important thing is to use the proper anchor for the correct application.

Often times a manufacturer will supply an inexpensive anchor with a towel bar or curtain rod set. It has been my experience that manufacturers supply the least expensive and minimum strength anchor that will do the job. There are safer, stronger options.

There are two types of wall anchors:

  • Hollow Wall Anchors
  • Solid Wall Expansion Anchors

Type 1: Hollow Wall Anchors

Hollow-wall anchors are the simplest, easiest to install as well as the weakest connection. They can only be used in hollow walls like drywall and blue board. They are inserted into a pre-dilled hole and work by spreading within the hollow of the wall. Once spread, the anchor cannot be pulled back through the smaller installation hole.

Type 2: Solid Wall Expansion Anchors

Expansion anchors are used in thick, solid materials such as concrete, brick, mortar, metals or wood. They work by expanding when a screw or bolt is threaded into them.

There are different types of anchors with in each category

  • Plastic expansion anchors
  • Threaded anchors
  • Expansion anchor
  • Toggle bolts

 
Plastic expansion anchors:

Plastic expansion anchors are one of the most commonly used and tend to be the weakest solution for hollow wall anchors.


The more heavily “ribbed” anchors have greater gripping ability. They are the strongest when used in a solid material, such as concrete. Overall, plastic expansion anchors are the least strong of all the anchors discussed here, with actual pull-out strength of around 30 pounds in concrete but as little as 10 lbs in drywall


T
hreaded anchors:

The large threads are intended to hold strongly into drywall and will accept #6 or #8 sheet metal screws.

Threaded drywall anchors are available in both nylon and metal. Depending on the type of anchor these can hold 30 to 90 lbs.


Expansion Anchor:

Solid wall expansion anchors are intended for use in concrete, brick, marble and other stone. These anchors are driven into a pre–drilled hole the same size as the anchor. As the included screw is driven into the anchor, the sides expand and push against stone to hold the anchor in place.

These anchors are used for the heaviest loads as well as for anchoring framing to concrete walls and floors. These will hold relatively heavy loads in concrete ceilings.


Toggle Bolts:

Toggle bolts are the to strongest and best choice than all of the hollow-wall anchors. They consist of two parts. [The toggle or winged arms and the machine bolt]

The metal wings fold together to allow the toggle bolt to fit into the pre-drilled wall hole.


Toggles are super strong. A 1/8″ toggle can safely hold 50 lbs on 1/2″ drywall… a 3/8″ toggle over 100 lbs.


The spring loaded metal wings make this an excellent choice for overhead mounting. Photo below shows an expansion anchor [top] and a toggle bolt not yet tightened. [bottom]



Look at the difference in “grab” on the wall that the toggle has over the expansion anchor. This is what make it the strongest hollow wall anchor.

Winged Plastic Anchors

This plastic anchor is for hollow walls and is a compromise between strength and cost. They are much less expensive to manufacture than metal anchors, but offer more than double the strength of plastic expansion anchors.

These anchors are rated for 35-pounds, because they are constructed with plastic, care must be used when installing.

 



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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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