DIY Choosing and Using Wall Anchors

Wall anchors become necessary when no solid framing exist to hold nails, screws and picture hooks. These anchors come in three basic types; sleeve, toggle and expansion. They can be used to hang shelving, artwork, mirrors and brackets on hollow and solid wall materials.

When choosing a wall anchor use one that will safely support the weight of the object to be suspended. As a general rule, hollow walls like drywall will hold less weight than solid walls like concrete and some plasters, using the same anchor. Likewise hollow ceilings, like drywall and plaster, will hold less weight than hollow walls.

This page contains pictures, descriptions and load ratings for the most commonly available anchors for drywall, plaster and masonry walls and ceilings. Also included are installation instructions for expansion and toggle anchors. The load capacities stated in these listings are approximate, be sure anchors are installed correctly and firmly for full capacity.

Sleeve Wall Anchors

Use sleeve anchors for hanging small shelves and wall art. These anchors are used in solid and hollow wall materials including drywall, plaster, concrete and brick. The anchor is driven into a slightly undersized, pre–drilled hole. As a screw is threaded into the anchor it spreads slightly to press against the sides of the hole. These anchors are intended for light loads up to about 30lb. when used in drywall, to heavy loads of about 100lb. when used in solid masonry walls. These anchors will not hold as much weight in a ceiling and should only be used for very light duty.

Toggle Wall Anchors

Toggle wall anchors are used in hollow walls including drywall, plaster, paneling and cinder block. These anchors make use of a spring action to expand prongs inside a hollow wall. The prongs are then pressed tightly against the inside of the wall by driving the included screw. A pre–drilled hole large enough to insert the toggle is required.

All mounting hardware must be assembled on the anchor before it is installed in the wall. This can be a major obstacle for heavy wall units requiring several anchors that must be installed simultaniously. Heavy and light duty toggles are available for mounting loads of about 40 to about 100 pounds. These are the best anchors for a plaster or drywall ceiling but they can be pulled through the drywall with too much weight so use for light loads like plants or lamps but not much more.

Expansion Wall Anchors

Expansion anchors are available for hollow and solid wall materials. Hollow wall expansion anchors are used in drywall, plaster and paneling. These anchors are driven into a pre–drilled hole. The included screw is driven into the anchor, crimping the side against the inside of the wall as demonstrated below.

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.

Installing an Expansion Wall Anchor

Drill a hole in the wall material large and deep enough to allow the barrel of the anchor to fit easily.

Clear debris from the hole and tap the anchor in place. Make sure the bolt and barrel are tight and use a hammer to drive the anchor into the hole, digging the collar teeth into the wall material to hold it in place.

Turn the bolt in the anchor until it expands tightly against the inside of the wall. Push hard against the bolt head with a screwdriver to keep the teeth engage as you turn it.

After installation these anchors will stay in place when the bolt is removed to install brackets or hangers.

Installing a Toggle Wall Anchor

Disassemble toggle anchors and install any wall brackets before inserting the anchor into the wall. Thread the toggle back onto the bolt a turn or two to reassemble.

Use a sharp bit to drill a hole in hollow walls large enough to pass the toggle hinge.

Pinch the toggle arms together and push the anchor into the hole until they spring open inside the wall.

Push with the bolt head flat against the wall the then pull the bolt back to be sure the toggles engage the wall.

Hold the bolt out while turning to keep the toggle engaged or it may spin and not tighten on the threads.

As the anchor tightens it will hold the toggles in place. Tighten the bolt until the anchor is firmly set into the wall.