I wound up being in a pinch for time a while back when hanging some pictures so I just willy-nilly drove construction screws into drywall and some with cheap anchors :smack:. Although the stuff I hang is not more than 1-3 LBs, I felt the need to go back and do it right. I picked up a pack of Cobra anchors and am pretty pleased with the result, they will do fine, but due to the price I will not be buying them again (probably due to the cheap drill bit included). I want to remount a bathroom mirror and a toilet paper holder, a smoke detector and small key shelf with some better quality hardware due to the cheapo anchors coming loose. Relocating the mounted objects to studs is not a viable option/would be out of convenient reach/placement.
Question;
In your humble opinion, what do you suggest I get? Anyone try those big white self-tapping anchors with the coarse threads? Do they hold up well? Any recommendations are much appreciated, anecdotes as well. I get bored and like to do little refinements around my place every now and again, I’d like to have a “go-to” general anchor and a little stockpile of quality ones for future use.
For heavy objects and equipment subject to some strain (shower curtain rods, toilet paper holders, small shelves, etc.) I usually use toggle bolts. They spread the load over a fairly large area on the back of the wallboard and don’t leave a large hole. The key to using them successfully is to place a small piece of rubber or plastic tubing on the bolt between the toggle and the head. This will center the bolt in the larger hole required to insert the toggle.
When you need to remove the toggle bolt, just unscrew the bolt and let the toggle drop inside the wall (who cares?), patching the (very neat and clean) hole with some spackle.
If you want the bolt head to protrude, just run a nut on the bolt and snug it against the wall using a washer. It will easily hold 40-50 pounds.
Once I found Wall Dog anchors, they became my go to for most drywall hanging. One piece, so no need to keep the screws together with the anchors, works like a normal screw, cheap, readily available and hold well. Popular Mechanics review here.
I’ve also used the Raptor design reviewed in the article and like them as well. I use them for heavier objects where I want/need fewer holes in the wall.
ETA - The last thing I used Wall Dog anchors to hang was a full length mirror to which I had added a 1/4" plywood backing and 1" wood frame. No exactly light, but 2 Wall Dogs were all I needed.
My walls are thin, made at a time when 3/8" drywall was the norm, so I don’t trust those auger-style anchors to do the job–they would just rip a hole in my wallboard.
My go-to anchor is the crown bolt anchor, a nicer version of toggle bolts: there are 4 braces behind the wall, and the anchor doesn’t move if you take the bolt out (e.g. mounting something that requires passing the bolt through a bracket).
They are easy to install: use a phillips head screwdriver or awl to punch a slightly undersized hole, tap it in place with a light hammer, then drive the screw home until you feel the grippers take solid hold on the back side.
To remove the anchor, use a drill slightly larger than the bolt to break the flange free, then push the anchor into the wall.
I can see those wouldn’t work great with 3/8" drywall, but 1/2" or better will do fine. They also work great for securing things to foam should the need ever arise.
I use the taper screw anchors in half inch drywall when I need to anchor something moderately heavy. The white plastic ones are seriously inferior to the zinc/zamac variety. Use the screws that come with them if you can because too long or too big (ex. #8 screw in #6 anchor) will result in the anchor torquing out of the drywall.
Good quality plastic expansion anchors are perfectly fine for lighter applications. I use a 1/4" masonry bit to pilot the hole. Also a good idea to pilot a hole for the tapered screw anchors.
Towel bars or anything heavy should really be screwed into framing on at least one end.
Toggle bolts can be stronger, but tend to make a big mess.
Thanks for the suggestions! Since they are light loads, I am going to go with those self tapping white screw ones. I love toggle bolts and crown bolts, I have used them, but its a bit much for what I am working with. I use them for really heavy stuff, and still don’t trust drywall enough.
Alright, I bought them and tried them. AMAZING. These things are fantastic. I went along and remounted my smoke alarms and fire extinguishers as well as a bathroom mirror and clocks because they are so good. Nice and secure. Fantastic! Much better than those Cobra one’s I bought. Thanks for the recommendation!
