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Nails and screws are not designed to install securely into drywall and other wall types, such as tile. Instead, use drywall anchors to hang your mirrors, shelves, decorations, artwork, and more. There are a variety of drywall anchor types from which to choose, and the best ones for you will depend on the items you plan to hang. To help you narrow down your options and find the right product, we compiled this guide of some of the best drywall anchors online. Here are our top choices.
Courtesy Amazon
TOGGLER SNAPTOGGLE BA Toggle Anchor
Prices taken at time of publishing.
These sturdy toggle drywall anchors are ideal for hanging large, heavy items. They work on materials up to 3 5/8 inches thick, including drywall, gypsum board, and concrete. One thing we particularly like about these drywall anchors is that the channels stay in place when installing bolts, whether by hand or with a screw gun. These anchors also come with plastic tabs that make them easy to align.
Pros
Cons
Good for: Those seeking a sturdy set of anchors that can hang large, heavy items.
We find that customers who like this product are pleased with their durability and high weight capacity. Others feel these anchors are difficult to insert, and some users are disappointed they do not come with screws.
Courtesy Amazon
Swpeet Assorted 24 Pcs Toggle Bolt
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This set of toggle bolts includes three sizes: 1/4 inch, 3/16 inch, and 1/8 inch. The bolts have a durable and corrosion-resistant zinc coating and feature a wing-nut design that presses against the wall to keep items in place. The set comes with both screws and toggle bolts.
Pros
Cons
Good for: Those seeking a drywall anchor set with multiple bolt sizes that can hang a variety of light-to-medium-weight items.
Our team finds that customers impressed by these drywall anchors say they’re sturdy and easy to install. Others are pleased there are multiple sizes in the same pack. However, some customers feel as though these anchors break easily, and some claim that they’re too big to use in small holes.
Courtesy Amazon
ITW Brands 25310 Drywall Anchor
Prices taken at time of publishing.
These anchors can hold up to 75 pounds, making them a good choice for hanging light fixtures, towel bars and other bathroom accessories, or small mirrors. Our team likes the twist-and-lock mechanism that keeps them in place. The set includes 50 total anchors.
Pros
Cons
Good for: Consumers who want high-quality anchors that can hold items between 50 and 75 pounds.
We find that customers that are pleased with these drywall anchors like that they’re easy to set up and have a secure base. Several customers like how useful they are for setting up curtain rods in particular. However, some reviewers feel these anchors strip easily, and others say they hold less weight than advertised.
Courtesy Amazon
Qualihome Plastic Drywall Anchor Kit
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This pack of 100 plastic drywall anchors is great for projects that involve hanging several small items, such as a gallery wall. The anchors split and expand inside the wall for maximum support. They also include a ribbed shank that prevents them from turning inside the hole during installation. These anchors are reusable, helping you save money.
Pros
Cons
Good for: Customers seeking a durable set of plastic anchors that can hang small items, such as photographs and decorative materials.
Our team finds that those who like this product say the anchors are highly versatile and sturdily designed. Several others are happy they come with a drill bit. However, some customers feel these anchors are hard to get into the wall, and several others find that the drill bit is too large for the anchors.
Courtesy Amazon
Ansoon Zinc Self-Drilling Drywall Anchors
Prices taken at time of publishing.
These durable drywall anchors are made with heavy-duty zinc for extra durability. Each anchor holds up to 50 pounds and works in drywall up to 5/8 inch thick. Additionally, these anchors don’t require predrilling and feature a deep-thread design that provides strong engagement.
Pros
Cons
Good for: DIYers looking for a well-built set of reusable drywall anchors that can hold medium-sized items.
We find that customers who leave positive reviews like that the anchors are well-built and durable. Others like that they’re versatile and hold a large amount of weight. Those who leave negative reviews claim these anchors are difficult to insert and require predrilling. Others say they have issues with the anchors being too fragile despite being made of metal.
When purchasing drywall anchors, consider factors such as weight limit, screw size, and material to ensure you buy the best product for your needs. Read our guide below to learn more about the most important considerations.
A drywall anchor’s weight limit determines how heavy of an item you can hang from it. If you’re hanging a small photograph or towel holder, the weight limit will matter less than if you’re hanging a shelving unit or large mirror. Ensure you know the weight of the item you’d like to hang before purchasing anchors. It’s particularly important to be aware of your item’s weight if it’s fragile, as using too small of an anchor could cause it to fall and break.
Many drywall anchors come in kits that include the necessary screws. If you buy a drywall anchor set that does not come with screws, carefully check that you have the right size screws for the anchors, and purchase them if you don’t. The correct screw size is often listed on the package.
Drywall anchors are typically either metal or plastic. Metal anchors are stronger, more durable, and better for holding large items. Plastic anchors are less expensive and often come in larger packs. They are better suited for hanging small items, such as small artwork and pictures.
There are several different types of drywall anchors, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are the main drywall anchor types you will encounter and what their common functions are.
Toggle bolt anchors, also called industrial bolt anchors, are ideal for heavy-duty use. They are available in both plastic and metal and have a butterfly-like shape with wings that lock against drywall. While durable and designed for large items, they can sometimes be challenging to install because they require drilling a large hole.
These anchors expand to create a tight bond with drywall when installed. They are usually made of plastic and are best suited for lightweight items.
Self-drilling anchors, also called threaded anchors, can easily cut through walls and require only a screwdriver for installation. They’re typically made from hard nylon or metal and are designed to hold heavy items.
Molly bolts, also called “mollies,” are screws encased with metal that expand inside predrilled holes. They are best suited for medium-sized items and are removable if necessary, which is a rarity among drywall anchors.
Steel-hollow anchors are sturdy and can typically hold at least 40 to 50 pounds per anchor. They feature metal casing with a screw and a load-distribution washer. When inserted, they expand and tightly hold onto drywall for extra stability.
There are certain items you simply can’t hang from a nail or screw, especially on drywall ceilings and walls. With drywall anchors, you can securely hang heavy objects and ensure they stay in place. Here are some things you can hang with drywall anchors:
If you can locate a wall stud using a stud finder, you won’t need to use a drywall anchor, as nails driven into studs can hold a large amount of weight.
The weight drywall anchors can hold varies significantly based on the type of anchor and the specific model. Typically, smaller drywall anchors can hold anywhere from 10 to 50 pounds, while more heavy-duty models can hold up to 200 pounds.
You can install self-drilling anchors without using a power drill by screwing them into drywall with a screwdriver. For most drywall anchors, however, you should drill a pilot hole in the wall using a drill bit that’s smaller than the anchor’s width. Then, place the anchor in the pilot hole and lightly tap it with a rubber mallet until it is fully inserted. Avoid hammering in drywall anchors, as it could break the drywall and create too large of a hole.
Some drywall anchors are designed to be reused, but it’s important to check the individual product description first if you plan on using an anchor more than once. Most toggle bolts, for example, are not reusable. Reusable metal or plastic anchors still need to be carefully removed. If the anchor is broken once you remove it from the wall, it can’t be reused.
Drywall anchors are useful tools for any homeowner looking to hang items from their walls. But finding the best drywall anchors for your needs is challenging if you don’t know what to look for. We created this guide by researching the best drywall anchors and considering various models and sizes, including toggle anchors, self-drilling anchors, hooks, plastic anchors, and more.
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of drywall anchors with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and backyard fencing to pool vacuums and snow blowers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
Company news
Self-drilling anchors are first applied in tunnel construction, i.e., NATM.
But in recent years, this innovation reinforcing material is introduced to civil engineering, such like micropiling and soil nailing, and underground construction.
Here are 7 tips help you understand SDA better.
What is self-drilling anchor (SDA, IBO)?
Definition:
Self-drilling anchor is a type of hollow steel bar that is used in the construction industry for supporting structures.
It is made of steel and has a hollow core that allows for grouting and drilling at the same time.
What is self-drilling anchor system?
The self-drilling anchor system can be used in a variety of geotechnical applications, such as foundations, slope stabilization, and retaining walls.
It consists of a continuously threaded, hollow bar that can be drilled into the ground and filled with cement grout to provide reinforcement and stability to a structure.
The SDA system is designed to be easy to install, with minimal disturbance to the surrounding terrain, and is often used in difficult soil conditions where traditional anchoring methods may not be suitable.
What are the components of a whole SDA system?
The components of a whole Self Drilling Anchor (SDA/IBO) system typically include:
Hollow Anchor Bars: These are self-drilling, hollow steel bars that serve as the reinforcement and grout conduit for the micropile.
Drill Bit: This is used to drill the hole for the micropile.
Injection Pump: This is used to inject grout into the hollow bar during installation.
Plate: This is typically used to provide a load transfer between the micropile and the structure being supported.
Nut: This is used to secure the hollow bars together or to provide load transfer from the micropile to the structure being supported. Rayon Rock offers hex nut, spherical dome nut and collar nut.
Coupler: This is used to connect two hollow bars together to extend the length of the micropile.
Overall, the SDA system is a micropile system with a fully threaded, hollow, self-drilling anchor that can provide immediate axial loading capacity. The system is typically used for slope stabilization, foundation support, and retaining walls, among other applications.
What is the duration of the SDA system?
The Self drilling anchor system is a construction technique that involves the use of hollow steel bars to create micropiles for slope stabilization, foundation support, and retaining walls, among other applications.
As a construction technique, the duration of the SDA system depends on several factors, including the specific application, site conditions, and environmental factors.
Typically, the installation and construction process for an SDA system can take several days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the projec.
However, once the system is installed and in place, its lifespan can vary greatly depending on the aforementioned factors.
The galvanized coating applied to the hollow bars can further extend their lifespan.
Please note: All system components including the bearing parts (nut, plate) and coupler need galvanization.
What are the main suppliers of SDA/IBO systems?
Many construction contractors use this solution in their projects.
Such as Con-Tech Systems (CTS), which is a company that offers Titan IBO hollow bar anchors, soil nails, and micropiles. They are also the manufacturer of the CTS/Titan IBO system.
Additionally, other companies, such as Minova /MAI and DYWI/DSI, supply self-drilling anchor systems.
Who manufacture self-drilling anchor materials?
China is the biggest original manufacturing country of these products.
Many international brands have their OEM for the whole industry chain.
And there is a solid choice if you want to purchase accessories: Rayon Rock. You can get the highest quality nuts and couplers, which have been qualified by the strictest clients in this industry.
Are your products matchable to CTS/DYWI/ systems?
All Rayon products have exact standards to accompany the specific system.
Such as the thread, we follow the international ISO10208 standard for the normal R25, R32, and R38. For other series of SDA/IBO hollow bars, we offer accessories in customized standards.
All products have passed the trial of installation. And free samples can be provided for your test.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Self-Drilling Anchor System.