When you can't find and screw into a wall stud, even with a trustworthy stud finder, drywall anchors allow you to mount your items on your wallboards in an efficient and secure manner. However, buying drywall anchors can be a frustrating experience because there are so many different types and sizes available, it's very hard to choose the best ones, and many of them have similar weight ratings and appearances, making it harder to choose the right one.
With a little information, you can ensure that your toolbox is equipped with the best drywall anchors and know the right type for different purposes. My top 3 picks, Toofix's Self-Drilling, HongWay Plastic Drywall Anchors, and Qualihome Self-Drilling, are some of the most recommendable drywall anchors. I have discussed their features below to emphasize why they stand out.
Using the best drywall anchor will enable you to easily hang wall decorations in your home without worrying about ripping your wall or having the item fall to the floor. Read on for the best drywall anchors and factors to consider when choosing one.
Let's first look at the various types of drywall anchors available.
Types of Drywall Anchors
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There are four types of drywall anchors you need to have in your toolbox to be prepared for any task. It is also important to understand how they work to pick the right one for the job.
1. Expansion Drywall Anchors
Expansion drywall anchors spread to create a firm bond with the drywall and are designed to hold lightweight items of around 20 pounds. These anchors need a pre-drilled hole before insertion. They can also be used with concrete, mortar, brick, or sheet metal.
2. Threaded Drywall Anchors
Also referred to as self-drilling anchors, threaded drywall anchors are made from metal or hard nylon and are ideal for light- to medium-duty applications. They can hold items of up to 75 pounds. Threaded drywall anchors look like screws and are easy to install because they require no pre-drilling. They have sharply pointed shanks that are screwed into the wall without a pre-drilled hole, but if you want a precise hole, a power screwdriver can help.
3. Toggle Bolt Drywall Anchors
Choose a toggle bolt drywall anchor for significant holding capability. These anchors are made specifically for walls that are hollow. When the anchor is inserted into the drilled hole, its wings flare outward against the drywall, but during insertion, they fold flat against the screw.
To guarantee that your chosen picture frame stays securely affixed to the wall, this special design creates a robust perpendicular bracing on the back of the drywall. A toggle bolt's design and material will determine how much weight it can support. Nonetheless, they can support up to 200 or 300 pounds and are perfect for medium-to-heavy-duty applications.
Best Drywall Anchors Reviews
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1. Toofix’s Self-Drilling Drywall Plastic Anchors with Screws Kit
- Starts easier than other self-drilling drywall anchors
- Deep thread design provides strong engagement in 3/8", 1/2" or...
- Pre-drills precise hole in gypsum wall board - No hole...
- Constructed from durable plastic to last for years. Can be easily...
- Kit Includes 20 Plastic Anchors, 20 #8 x 1-1/4'' Phillips Screws...
Since the kit is intended for use at home, it includes 20 plastic anchors and 20 Phillips screws. However, the kit only includes one length of screws (1 ¼ inches).
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2. HongWay 370pcs Plastic Drywall Wall Anchors Kit with Screws
- 【SPECIFICATIONS】370pcs Kit includes 5 different size plastic...
- 【EASY STORAGE】Comes in a handy Plastic organizer case with...
- 【GREAT QUALITY】Constructed from durable Plastic(nylon) to...
- 【WIDE APPLICATION】The zinc self drilling anchors are heat...
- 【CUSTOMER SERVICE】We take pride in delivering a quality...
If you need drywall anchors for large-scale applications, HongWay is the brand to go with. However, their weight capability of up to 20 pounds is inadequate, even for simple home projects. If this is not a worry for you, you will be pleased to hear that the HongWay drywall anchor kit comprises 370 parts, the most on our list.
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With so many elements included, I found screws in a variety of lengths, including 25, 30, and 38 mm, making this one of the most convenient kits I've dealt with. The set also includes zinc-plated screws and sturdy plastic (nylon) drywall anchors. The package comes in a handy plastic organizer with compartments to keep everything tidy and organized.
Finally, if you're dissatisfied with this product for any reason, the company provides a 30-day return period.
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3. Qualihome Heavy Duty Plastic Self Drilling Drywall Anchors and Screws Kit
- EASIER TO INSTALL THAN OTHER DRYWALL ANCHORS: Our self-drilling...
- PENETRATE THICK OR THIN DRYWALL WITH EASE: The wall anchors and...
- MADE FROM THE PREMIUM PLASTIC: These drywall anchors are made...
- CAN HANDLE LOADS UP TO 50 POUNDS: The #8 x 1-1/4'' phillips...
- YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR PRIORITY: Purchase today with confidence...
A Qualihome drywall anchor is a viable solution for slightly bigger installations that are intended for home use. I tested these anchors on thin and thick drywall, and it's astonishing how easily they penetrate both. Their self-drilling mechanism eliminates the need to pre-drill holes in the wall, making installation easier.
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These drywall anchors are an excellent choice for those seeking good value for money. They're made of robust, long-lasting plastic. Each package includes 50 screws (1 ¼ inches) and 50 anchors. Additionally, Qualihome drywall anchors can support loads weighing up to 50 pounds.
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4. TOGGLER SNAPTOGGLE Drywall Anchor
- HOLDS 2X MORE THAN WING TOGGLES - SNAPTOGGLES Holds up to 1,080...
- REUSABLE - Metal channel will not fall behind wall - anchor is...
- Great for hanging flat screen TV's, grab bars, handrails,...
- SMALLEST DRILL HOLE - Requires a 1/2-in drill bit. (not included)
- Package contains 4 anchors and 4 bolts (Bolts are 2.5 inches) -...
Image Source: toggler.co.uk
While the Snaptoggle's gripping strength is astounding, I discovered it could only support that weight on vertical walls. You can also use it on ceilings, although drywall cannot take that much weight horizontally.
With an upgraded design for precise alignment, the stronger and longer plastic straps do not break off prematurely like previous plastic straps and can always be snapped off level with the ceiling or wall. The zinc-plated steel channel is corrosion-resistant, making it suitable for usage in ½ inch thick drywall and 3 5/8 inch thick concrete.
The kit contains 4 drywall anchors and 4 UNC bolts, but packaging may vary. This might not be the most, but it is decent for most households.
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5. Self Drilling Drywall/Hollow-Wall Anchor Kit with Screws
This Self-Drilling Drywall/Hollow-Wall Anchor Kit is suitable for medium- to heavy-duty home improvement projects. These hollow wall anchors have deep threads for strong and solid engagement in several drywall sizes, including 3/8, ½, and 5/8 inches.
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They are very handy for walls with studs behind them, and you do not need to pre-drill a hole because these anchors are self-drilling. However, I used a power screwdriver to create a precise hole in the drywall. They can also be easily removed.
The small drywall anchors provided optimal holding force for a 40-pound artwork and are ideal for settings where anchors must be concealed. Furthermore, the huge anchors can support up to 50 pounds, which is ideal for shelf installation.
These drywall anchors come in a strong plastic package for easy storage. The bundle consists of 25 big anchors, 25 tiny anchors, 25 # 8 X 1 ¼ inch screws, and 25 # 6 X 1 ¼ inch screws.
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Best Drywall Anchors Buying Guide
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1. Weight Capacity
A drywall anchor is installed to support the screw and the goods you will hang on it, thus it should be able to withstand heavy weights with ease. Although most items have a weight capability of 50 pounds, heavy-duty models may handle up to 250 pounds, which is ideal for large art pieces and shelving. To avoid harming your projects, make sure to check the weight rating capacity of the drywall anchors before purchase.
2. Number of Pieces
You will need many drywall anchors whether you are installing them at home or on a construction site. As a result, all products arrive as a collection of multiple anchors. Sometimes you're lucky enough to locate screws in the kits.
While low-cost choices may include 40 or 50 pieces, more expensive options may include 100 to 300 pieces, making them ideal for bigger applications and heavy-duty use. As a result, evaluating the number of pieces of the product you want is critical to determining how many drywall anchors you will receive.
3. Screws
Drywall anchors are normally used along with screws; hence almost all drywall anchor products include anchors and screws. You should also check the screws included in the kit. Although most of the screws are Philips head screws, in some cases, you can find flat-head screws. Another issue to consider with the screws is the screw length which may include options like 1 1/4, 1 1/2, and 1 3/4 inches. Other products can also give you screw sizes matching your anchors and preferences.
4. Anchor Size
In addition to having multiple heavy-duty usage drywall anchors, you need to ensure that you have the right size and type of anchors to enable you to use the screws of your choice. Various screw length ratings are compatible with many drywall anchors, including 1 1/4 inches, 1 1/2 inches, 1 3/4 inches, and more. While choosing between anchor types and lengths, you must ensure that it matches the screws you wish to use.
5. Warranty
Warranty included with drywall anchor products is important. Most products that come with a warranty are durable and ideal for long-term use. However, the warranty periods may differ, with most products having a 30-day warranty, but others may go up to 1 year.
4. Installation Type
If you are handy with a screw gun, you most likely won't blink at pre-drilling holes, but self-drilling anchors can save you a lot of time. You can also choose hammer-in anchors. However, pushing through the backing paper may tear it. But if you keep your hole centered, a drywall saw and a sharp awl can be easier to use instead of a drill.
5. Reusable Designs
Some drywall anchors will easily pop out of the wall when you remove the screw, but others require poking inside the screw hole with wire to straighten out the anchor to enable you to pull it out. A few product designs are permanent, and you'll need to make larger holes to remove them.
6. Support Type
Pop toggle drywall anchors are easier to install and hold strongly than drywall alone. However, if you wish to hang a shelf, you will need anchors to distribute the weight. Anchor strength is often assessed by its capacity to distribute tensile loads across a large region within the drywall sheet.
Look for two-piece anchors with bracing inside the wall that clamps down when the screws are tightened through the anchors.
Frequently Asked Questions
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1. Can I also use a drywall anchor in concrete or wooden walls?
Although it may be impossible with all drywall anchors because of their strength, some drywall anchors are sturdy enough, and you can install them on wooden and concrete walls.
2. Can I use a drywall anchor and screws of different sizes?
A slight variation between the size of the screw and drywall anchor can be managed. However, a big difference can result in a loose fit or may damage your drywall and the anchor itself, which can be a loss.
3. How are drywall anchors installed?
Installing drywall anchors depends on the type you have. The self-drilling anchors are the easiest to install and use because they drill their own holes. Other types need a hole preparation. Some products may provide the drill bit for this with the fixings.
4. How much weight can drywall anchors hold?
The weight drywall anchors can hold varies immensely. Lightweight plastic drywall anchors can support up to 20 pounds, while the strongest can support 200 pounds or more. However, it is recommended that only a quarter of the maximum weight capacity is used per anchor.
Mostly, two or more drywall anchors are used, so you'll need to do a little math to find an installation with the appropriate capacity. Also, a drywall anchor's weight affects the weight a drywall can hold.
