Introduction:
We all encounter situations where we need to mount heavy objects on drywall, but finding the right drywall anchors can be a challenge. In our office, we gathered our experts to discuss and share our favorite drywall anchors for various mounting scenarios. In this article, we’ll provide you with our top recommendations based on years of experience and expertise.
A Summary of Our Thoughts on Drywall Anchors:
When selecting the best drywall anchors, two factors are crucial to us: capacity and convenience. We need anchors that can reliably support the weight of the item we’re installing, while also being easy to install. These criteria are at the core of all our recommendations, as we personally use them ourselves. With over 100 years of combined experience, we aim to share our knowledge and assist those just starting out in this domain.
Traditionally, toggle bolts have been the go-to choice for heavy objects. However, we have recently discovered Snaptoggles, which offer similar or even better support with added features. Unlike toggle bolts that lose the rear part once removed, the Snaptoggle’s snap catch remains securely in the wall. This makes Snaptoggles an excellent choice for mounting TVs and other heavy objects.
Snaptoggles necessitate drilling a 1/2″ hole. For instance, when mounting a TV stand, aligning the mounting holes becomes simple. Snaptoggles allow you to insert a bolt directly into the fixed anchor, eliminating the need for the mount’s holes to fit the wider diameter of the toggle.
However, for heavy items like TVs, we still recommend attaching at least one side of the bracket to the studs. This way, most of the connection points shift from tension to shear, ensuring enhanced stability. This is especially important for articulating TV mounts and over-the-range microwaves. Incorrect installation could lead to the need for drywall hole patching.
You can find detailed instructions on the Toggler website. The installation process involves drilling a hole, inserting the Snaptoggle, tightening it by pulling the strap, and breaking off the plastic pull strap. Finally, attach the included machine-threaded bolt to the remaining socket. Another good option is the FlipToggle by Simpson Strong Tie, which is equally effective.
We rely on Snaptoggles for mounting TV stands, over-the-range microwaves, chunky wall sconces, vanity lights, and even chunky mirrors.
The Best Drywall Anchors for Heavy-Duty Mirrors:
When hanging heavy mirrors, we recommend turning to either the Simpson FlipToggle or the Toggler Snaptoggle available at Lowe’s. Hanging a mirror is a different ballgame compared to a simple painting. These anchors provide the pull-out strength necessary to support the weight of heavy mirrors effectively.
While we always advocate for securing items to studs whenever possible, FlipToggles or Snaptoggles come to the rescue if you can’t find a stud. They are among the best drywall anchors for heavy mirrors and similar items.
The Best Drywall Anchors for Medium Weight Items (50-100 lbs):
Continuing our exploration, let’s delve into drywall anchors suitable for medium weight items ranging from 50 to 100 pounds. While it’s common to stick with what works, there’s another option worth considering.
Standard self-drilling plastic anchors can handle up to 50 pounds, but their pull-out force is relatively low. To address this limitation, we recommend using anchors intentionally designed to split once the screws are inserted. These split anchors can support up to 75 pounds per anchor.
The Best Drywall Anchors for Heavy Duty Shelving, Floating Shelves, and Cabinets:
For heavy-duty shelving, floating shelves, and cabinets, our approach centers around attaching as many brackets as possible to the studs or cinder blocks in exterior block walls. To identify studs, consider using a stud finder.
With shelving, it’s crucial to prevent the brackets or attachment points from pulling out of the wall as weight is added. Drywall anchors do a fantastic job of resisting shear forces, but we still recommend securing the bracket to studs whenever feasible. For other connection points that endure less stress, self-drilling plastic drywall fasteners perform well. Once again, we suggest using split anchors, each with a capacity of supporting up to 75 pounds.
The Best Drywall Anchor for Medium Weight (25-50 lbs):
When it comes to medium weight items, ease of use takes precedence. For lighter loads, the EZ-Anchor Self-Tapping Drywall Anchor is an excellent choice. We’ve been using both the plastic and metal versions of these handy anchors for years.
In some cases, the metal version may loosen in the drywall if screws are inserted using a power tool. Therefore, we recommend exercising caution while tightening. On the other hand, the plastic version consistently delivers excellent results and is perfect for items weighing under 50 pounds. These anchors are always stocked in our inventory.
The Best Drywall Anchor for Lightweight Items (Up to 25 Lbs):
For lightweight items, the options are vast, including unconventional solutions like Super Hooks picture hangers or picture hanging kits using hooks and nails. However, be mindful that these solutions may not be suitable for items subjected to considerable force pulling away from the wall.
These solutions offer easy installation and removal, leaving only small holes that can be easily filled with drywall plaster or grout when necessary. Their simplicity makes them a practical choice for low-stress tasks.
The Best Drywall Anchors for Curtain Rods and Towel Rods:
When installing curtain rods, it is often possible to secure them to nearby studs. After locating the studs using a small drill, fasten the rods to the wall using suitable wood screws at these points. For the remaining brackets, traditional self-drilling drywall anchors will suffice.
Installing a towel rod requires a firmer attachment to the wall. Since stud placement is usually limited, you may be unable to hit a stud. In such cases, we recommend strong split plastic self-drilling anchors. Alternatively, the Simpson Strong Tie FlipToggle or previously mentioned Toggler Snaptoggle are excellent choices.
The Best Drywall Anchors for Ceilings:
Mounting objects from the ceiling requires high-tensile or high-pullout strength fasteners. Whenever possible, use a stud finder to locate studs and secure the objects to them.
Metal self-drilling toggle anchors are worth investigating, as they provide sturdy support. Similar to toggle bolts, they feature a metal backing that pulls against the drywall when screws are inserted. These fasteners can support up to 85 pounds per anchor.
How to Install Drywall Anchors:
We have published a comprehensive article detailing how to install various types of drywall anchors. It covers plastic sleeve anchors, self-drilling threaded anchors, Morley, and toggle bolts. Despite their differences, all these anchors achieve the same fundamental goal of expanding and gripping the drywall for stability.
Can You Reuse Drywall Anchor Holes?
One common issue with most drywall anchors is their limited reusability. Frequent screw removal can cause the anchor to back out of the hole, compromising its grip and creating minor damage. Toggle bolts can also drop into wall cavities when their machine bolts or screws are removed. However, with toggle bolts, you can simply reinsert another bolt to reattach the bracket.
Fortunately, our favorite anchors, such as Toggler or SnapToggle, offer a different solution. These anchors have a threaded female portion that remains in place even after screw removal. This unique feature makes them ideal for microwave wall mounts or flat screen TV mounts.
How to Fill, Patch, and Repair Anchor Holes in Drywall:
Drywall is generally forgiving when it comes to filling and repairing anchor holes. For small patches, minimal effort or time is required. To make an anchor hole disappear, remove the screws, sink the anchor slightly, and apply a small amount of paint caulk or drywall mud. A coat of paint afterward will make the hole seamlessly blend into the wall texture.
Conclusion:
We hope our recommendations and tips have been helpful. If you have any favorite drywall anchors or additional insights to share, please leave a comment below. We value your opinion and look forward to hearing your thoughts.