Here are the three types of drywall anchors and how to install them.
Drywall anchorshelp you attach items to walls whenwood studsare unavailable behind the drywall.
Made offragile gypsum and paper, drywall tears away when it’s unsupported.
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Before You Begin
Drywall anchors haveweight limitsand recommended usages.
So, pick thebest drywall anchorfor your project.
Instead, attach heavy items firmly to wall studs.
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How to Install a Sleeve Anchor
You’ll need the plastic sleeve anchors plus the provided screws.
Tip
When in doubt, use a smaller bit than the one that seems appropriate.
you might always enlarge the hole if needed.
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Drill the Hole in the Drywall
Fit the drill bit in the drill.
Drill a hole in the drywall.
Tap the Sleeve In
Push the sleeve into the hole by hand.
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If the sleeve is tight, gently tap it with the hammer until it is flush with the drywall.
If the sleeve resists, do not continue to tap.
Instead, remove it, drill a slightly larger hole, then insert a new sleeve.
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Apply firm (but not hard) pressure, to draw the anchor into the drywall.
Finish the Anchor
Turn the anchor until it is flush with the drywall paper.
Do not twist too hard or you risk stripping the head of the anchor.
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Add Screw
Add the provided screw to the drywall anchor.
Attach the Bolt to the Item
If the bolt is attached to the wings, detach it.
Slide the bolt through the hole in the item you want to attach to the wall.
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Put the Wings on the Bolt
Thread the wings onto the bolt.
double-check that the open part of the wings is facing toward the head of the bolt.
Insert the Wings and Bolt in the Hole
Compress the wings until they are flat.
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Slide this into the hole.
You may feel or hear the wings snap open once they are in the hole.
Pull the Wings Ahead
With one hand, pull the bolt and its attached item toward you.
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You should feel the wings touch the back of the wall.
With the other hand, use a screwdriver or drill to turn the bolt clockwise.
Remove Screw
With the manual screwdriver or cordless drill, remove the screw from the plastic sleeve.
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Use the flathead screwdriver to pry up the edge of the flange.
Remove With Pliers
Grab the edge of the flange with the needle-nose pliers.
Pull the anchor sleeve straight out.
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Drywall Threaded Corkscrew Anchor
Remove the item and screw from the anchor.
Place a screwdriver end onto the notched head of the anchor.
Turn counter-clockwise until the anchor is free.
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Drywall Wing Style Anchor
With a screwdriver, turn out the bolt counter-clockwise.
The wings will drop into the wall.
Remove the item from the bolt.
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Weight restrictions are your primary reason for not using drywall anchors.
If you’re mounting heavy items, locate the wood studs and mount your item using them.
Studs are spaced every 16 to 24 inches.
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Drywall anchor packaging will list limitations and often require a certain wall thickness to be effective.
Most drywall is a 1/2-inch inch thick.
Never use a drywall anchor on ceilings unless it’s made for that purpose.
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You don’t need a power drill to install anchors.
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