DIY Choosing 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.
Below is a chart for choosing and using wall anchors. Load capacities are approximate. For an installation demonstration for some of these anchors see the Using Wall Anchors page.
conical  |
drywall, plaster, concrete, brick sizes from 3|16in. to 5|16in. holds up to 30lbs. |
ribbed  |
drywall, plaster, concrete, brick sizes from 3|16in. to 5|16in. holds up to 30lbs. |
ribbed/expansion  |
drywall, plaster, concrete, brick sizes from 3|16in. to 5|16in. holds up to 40lbs. |
winged  |
drywall, plaster, concrete, brick sizes from 1|4in. to 3|8in. holds up to 40lbs. |
lead sleeve  |
concrete, brick, block, stone sizes from 3|16in. to 3|8in. holds up to 125lbs. |
wood plug  |
concrete, brick, block, stone sizes from 1|8in. to 1|2in. or more holds up to 125lbs. |
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.
plastic toggle  |
drywall, paneling sizes from 3|16in. to 5|16in. holds up to 40lbs. |
toggle bolt  |
drywall, plaster, paneling, cinder block sizes from 1|8in. to 1|2in. shaft 2in. to 6in. holds up to 100lbs. |
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.
lag shield  |
concrete, brick, mortar sizes from 1|4in. to 3|4in. holds up to 150lbs. |
hollow expansion  |
drywall, plaster, paneling sizes from 1|8in. to 1|4in. short and long shanks holds up to 150lbs. |
masonry wedge  |
concrete, mortar, stone sizes from 1|4in. to 1 1|4in. shaft 1 3|4in. to 12in. holds up to 150lbs. |
masonry sleeve  |
concrete, brick, mortar, stone sizes from 1|4in. to 3|4in. shaft 7|8in. to 6in. holds up to 150lbs. |
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.
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.
