Ideal for walling, drywall is not as good as a base for placing items. Drywall is made from drywall and paper and covers large areas inexpensively. It’s great for soundproofing, but these pros also make drywall a weak base for installing wall shelves, paintings, towel racks, or light cabinets.
If it is not possible to place the fasteners of the item you want to hang on the wooden wall studs, always the best option, they should be placed on drywall. Since fasteners that are inserted directly into drywall break easily, special drywall anchors will do the job quickly and efficiently.
3 Types of Drywall Anchors
1- Drywall anchor?
A drywall sleeve anchor is a plastic sleeve or insert that fits into a small pre-drilled hole in the drywall. When the supplied drywall screw is screwed into the sleeve, the sleeve expands. This helps the metal screw stay in the wall with increased cut resistance.
Drywall anchors are usually the least expensive type of drywall anchors. They are best for very light items like paintings and light mirrors that range from 5 to 20 pounds.
2- Drywall Threaded Dowel?
The drywall corkscrew anchor is a large plastic or metal screw-shaped threaded insert designed for self-drilling (no pilot hole) in drywall. The supplied metal screw is then inserted into the anchor and it is this second screw that holds the item to the wall.
Corkscrew anchors work in much the same way as sleeve anchors, although they are much more reliable because the sleeve cuts deep into the hole it creates.
Corkscrew drywall anchors are more expensive than sleeve anchors. They are convenient for placing heavier items such as shelves. light cabinets and towel racks.
3- Wing Style Drywall Anchor?
With a wing-shaped drywall anchor, the object is held firmly in place by the wings, which are pressed against the back of the drywall, while the flange on the front is pressed in the opposite direction.
A pin bolt is an example of a wing type anchor. A pair of spring loaded fenders are pushed through the pre-drilled hole. The wings are then hammered into the back of the drywall by turning the bolt.
Wing anchors are generally the most durable type of anchors, ideal for shelves, heavy mirrors or paintings, and TV stands.
Safety Consideration?
Heavy objects such as pedestal sinks, large cabinets, and wall-mounted kitchen cabinets should not be anchored to the wall with drywall anchors. Instead, place heavy objects securely on wall posts.
How to install a drywall sleeve anchor?
When installing drywall anchors, you will need the plastic sleeve anchors with the supplied screws, a flat or Phillips screwdriver, drill, drills, drill set, and a hammer.
1- Select Drill?
Select the correct bit size by following the instructions on the packaging of the drywall anchor. If you don’t have instructions, calculate the bit size by comparing the bit to the liner axis. When in doubt, use a smaller piece than seems appropriate.
2- Drill in drywall?
Insert the drill into the drill. Punch a hole in the drywall.
3- Push the sleeve in?
Push the sleeve into the hole by hand. If the sleeve is tight, gently tap it with the hammer.
4- Drill a screw in the bushing?
Drill the screw in the plastic sleeve with a drill or hand screwdriver.
How to install a drywall screw plug?
You will need a hammer, a small nail, and a screwdriver to install the drywall thread anchor.
1- Drill hole?
For nylon (plastic) anchors, punch a small hole to begin with by driving a nail into the drywall. Metal anchors do not need a starting hole as they are strong enough to create on their own.
2- Turn the anchor all the way?
Attach a Phillips or flat head screwdriver to the toothed head of the anchor. Turn clockwise, applying strong (but not strong) pressure to drive the anchor into the drywall.
3-Finish anchor?
Rotate the anchor until it is flush with the drywall paper. Do not twist too hard, otherwise you risk ripping off the head of the anchor.
4-Add screw?
Add the supplied screw to the drywall anchor.
How to Install a Wing Style Drywall Anchor?
You will need a drill, drills, and a screwdriver to drive the wing anchor into the drywall.
01- Drill hole?
Refer to the product manual for the diameter of the drill that will be used to drill the hole.
02- Attach the bolt to the item?
If there is a bolt attached to the fenders, remove it. Insert the bolt into the hole in the item you want to attach to the wall.
03- Put the wings on the bolt?
Screw the fenders onto the bolt. Make sure the exposed portion of the fenders is facing the bolt head.
04- Insert the wings and the bolt into the hole?
Squeeze your wings. Slide into the hole.
05- Stretch your wings forward?
Pull the bolt and its bit forward with one hand. You should feel the wings touch the back of the wall. Maintain this pressure by turning the bolt clockwise.
06- Attach the bolt and element to the wall?
Continue clockwise rotation until the item is securely attached to the wall. Do not over tighten.
How to remove drywall anchors?
Drywall anchor?
To remove the drywall anchor, you will need a drill, flat-blade screwdriver, and pliers.
01- Remove the screw?
Using a hand screwdriver or cordless drill, remove the screw from the plastic sleeve.
02-Pry up the side of the sleeve?
The plastic anchor sleeve has a flange that fits snugly against the drywall surface. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry up the edge of the flange.
03- Remove with pliers?
Grasp the edge of the flange with pliers. Pull out the anchor sleeve.
Drywall Threaded Dowel?
Remove the item and screw on the anchor. Insert the end of the screwdriver into the toothed head of the anchor. Turn counterclockwise until the anchor is free.
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