To use a wall anchor, drill a pilot hole the size listed on the anchor package, tap or screw the anchor in until it’s flush with the wall, then drive the screw through your item into the anchor until it’s snug. Pick the anchor by weight: plastic expansion anchors for light items, self-drilling threaded anchors for medium loads, and toggle or snap-toggle bolts for heavy shelves and mirrors. Whenever possible, screw heavy items into a wall stud instead.
Types of Wall Anchors
| Anchor | Best for | Typical capacity* |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic expansion (ribbed) | Small frames, hooks, light décor | Light (about 5–25 lb) |
| Self-drilling threaded (zip-it) | Towel bars, curtain rods, medium frames | Light–medium (about 25–75 lb) |
| Molly bolt (hollow-wall anchor) | Shelves, mirrors | Medium (about 25–50 lb) |
| Toggle bolt / snap toggle | Heavy shelves, large mirrors, cabinets | Heavy (often 50–100+ lb) |
*Ratings vary by brand and wall thickness. Always use the weight on the package and stay well under it.
What You’ll Need
- Wall anchors and screws (often included)
- Drill and drill bits
- Screwdriver
- Pencil, level, and tape measure
- Stud finder (to avoid studs, pipes, and wires)
How to Install a Plastic Expansion Anchor
- Mark the spot and check with a stud finder that you’re not over a stud, pipe, or wire.
- Drill a pilot hole with the bit size on the package. The anchor should fit snugly—not fall in.
- Tap the anchor in with a hammer until it’s flush with the wall.
- Drive the screw through your bracket into the anchor. The anchor expands behind the drywall and grips.
- Stop when snug. Over-tightening can spin or crush the anchor.
How to Install a Self-Drilling Anchor
- Mark the spot.
- Press the pointed tip into the drywall and screw it in with a screwdriver or a drill on low speed until flush—no pilot hole needed.
- Attach your item with the included screw.
How to Install a Toggle Bolt
- Drill a hole large enough for the folded wings (check the package—often 3/8 to 1/2 inch).
- Thread the bolt through your bracket first, then screw the wings onto the bolt.
- Fold the wings and push them through the hole until they spring open inside the wall.
- Pull the bracket toward you to hold the wings against the back of the drywall, then tighten the bolt.
Tip: Snap-toggle anchors are easier: the channel stays in the wall, so you can remove the bolt without losing the anchor.
Wall Anchors vs Screwing Into a Stud
Pros
- Anchors let you hang items exactly where you want
- Quick and inexpensive
- Heavy-duty toggles hold surprising weight
Cons
- Weaker than a screw in a stud
- Can pull out if overloaded or over-tightened
- Not suitable for TV mounts or wall cabinets
Need to find a stud first? See how to find a stud in the wall.
Common Mistakes
- Drilling the hole too large, so the anchor spins
- Using a light-duty anchor for a heavy item
- Overtightening the screw
- Installing anchors in damaged or crumbling drywall
- Ignoring the weight rating for items that get pulled on (like towel bars)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I hammer in wall anchors?
Plastic expansion anchors are gently tapped in with a hammer after drilling a pilot hole. Self-drilling anchors are screwed in, and toggles are pushed through the hole.
Do you have to pre-drill for a wall anchor?
Yes for plastic, molly, and toggle anchors. Self-drilling threaded anchors don’t need a pilot hole in drywall.
Do you put the anchor in the wall before the screw?
For plastic and self-drilling anchors, yes. For toggle bolts, put the bolt through the item and attach the wings first, then push them into the wall.
Do wall anchors go all the way in?
Yes. The anchor’s head should sit flush with the wall surface so the item hangs flat.
How much weight can a drywall anchor hold?
From about 5 lb for small plastic anchors to 100 lb or more for heavy-duty toggles. Check the package rating.
