Selecting the right jot down ofwall anchoris critical when securing items to a wall.

Some anchors are extra-sturdy for hanging valuable or heavy items.

They are used when there is not awall studto nail or screw into.

Drywall anchor on wooden surface

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Some anchors are best for light items, while others are only for brick or concrete.

Use corrosion-resistant fasteners in moist or humid areas.

If installingcement backing board for tiles, buy specially coated, corrosion-resistant screws.

Cement board screw anchors on wooden surface

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Notches under their heads help the screws burrow into the board and sit flush.

They are heavily threaded and made to be used with concrete, masonry, and more.

Less costly versions are made from zinc-plated steel.

Expansion anchor on wooden surface

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

They’re designed to spread open once anchored to provide a stronger hold.

Hollow wall anchors are used for medium-duty applications, such as hanginglight decorative shelves.

Plastic hollow wall plug anchors require that you first drill a pilot hole.

Hollow wall anchors on wooden surface

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

When the screw is installed, the plug will expand and lock into place.

The threads cut deep into the material for a secure hold and a pull-out-resistant grip.

It’s also known as a self-drilling or self-tapping anchor.

Plastic hollow wall plug inserted into drywall

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

A threaded drywall anchorcan be removedand reused at another location.

The toggle will spring open on the other side of the wall.

Turn the bolt to draw the toggle against the back of the wall.

Threaded drywall anchors inserted in drywall

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Winged Plastic Anchor

Winged plastic anchors are used for medium-duty applications and require pilot holes as well.

A special tool is used to expand the wings after the anchor has been inserted.

They offer twice as much strength as regular plastic expansion anchors.

Small toggle bolts on wooden surface

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

The wings are pulled firmly against the wall after the screw is installed.

Plastic anchors should be installed carefully to prevent them from being damaged.

Tip

Winged plastic anchors can hold between 25 and 35 pounds each when used in drywall.

Winged plastic anchors on wooden surface

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

They hold expansion springs to help support the weight the springs are bearing.

They secure both ends of the springs, allowing for easy extension adjustment.

They work with rebar and threaded and smooth dowels.

Spring anchor on wooden surface

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

They also hold up under almost any climate, moisture, or weather conditions.

Sleeve Anchor

Best for:Heavy masonry jobs

Sleeve anchors work best with masonry and concrete fixtures.

They can be used to attach a sign to concrete or install an outdoor light on masonry.

Adhesive anchor and bottle on wooden surface

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

They can also attach metal to masonry and foundations.

As the screw is tightened into the hole, the sleeve will expand.

Ensure the item’s weight does not exceed the anchor’s weight limit.

Metal sleeve anchor on wooden surface

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Some anchors may require special installation tools.

Installing Hollow Wall and Drywall Anchors

Toggle bolts hold firmly on hollow drywall walls.

To install:

Toggle drywall anchor bolts hold the most weight.

Plastic anchors, best for light items, tap easily into pilot holes.

It’s also easy to screw into plastic anchors.

But they are difficult to remove.

Metal drywall anchors have higher weight limits but can be more complicated to install.