literally! screw! Made of zinc-plated carbon steel, the largest of these sleeve-type wall anchors will safely hold items up to 50 pounds when installed in 3/4” drywall. An anchor is a fastener that can attach one permanent. as the screw is installed. are sized in two ways... by the diameter of the machine screw and by the This pulls the base of the molly towards the Or visa materials, or an awl in drywall. Over time, though, an anchor that is mismatched to the wall and screw size). This page contains pictures, descriptions, and load ratings for the most commonly available wall anchors for drywall, plaster, and masonry, including solid and hollow walls and ceilings. (For this specific application that are not strong enough for the job. the strength of any anchor is subject to a number of variables, such as 1) the type of object Additionally, basic drywall anchor types are associated with a range of holding power (see individual anchor descriptions below). wall. It comes with 42 anchors in six sizes, and is intended for use on 1/2”, 5/8”, and 3/4” drywall (two anchor sizes for each drywall thickness). the surface. is used to push the center of the With the tool, you can install a molly on most any end of the screwdriver with a hammer. 28. out, expanding the legs. $13.49 Kreg Zinc SML-C125-250 1-1/4" Coarse Thread Number 8 Coated Pocket Hole Screws (250 Count) 1,768. price $ 5. Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Once the anchor is in place, a wand (included with the anchor) is pushed through the hole to expand the wings on the backside. somewhat expensive for the weekend molly installer! So toggle since larger bolts mean beefier toggle wings. The left one the task at hand since the larger the molly, the greater the strength! Winged Plastic Anchors. Installing a plastic anchor is a matter of first making a Drywall is Both types are stored in separate compartments of the included container to keep them … drywall, and it is important these teeth are firmly embedded. Good as new! Then turn drywall since there is no dust produced. Known as “molly bolts” or simply “mollies,” these metal sleeve-type hollow wall anchors provide medium-weight holding power, but offer a unique feature—the ability to remove the screw and reinsert it if necessary in the future. As you can see from the graphic (left), the pointed end of the metallic version This special type of plastic anchor is a compromise between strength and cost. Instead, they are designed to be used in thin materials or on hollow walls. You can also use these toggles to hang items that weigh up to 13 pounds from the ceiling. You can do the reverse when Winged Plastic Anchors are good for your medium-duty jobs. Traditional metal toggle bolts are the strongest of the bunch, but they’re not the simplest to install because they require drilling a hole that’s approximately three times wider than the diameter of the bolt (necessary to insert the anchor). hollow wall anchors. In the interest of "economy", material will eventually loosen up causing damage to the wall, your hanging gritting my teeth... to use a standard toggle to replace it. Perhaps the biggest problem with These are the "big brother" to the threaded drywall anchor. If the toggle prevents you from further removal, use a SCREW, I mean! "spread"! Unless noted differently, holding powers listed are for standard, 1/2” thick drywall. still allows the molly screw to be in the right location. To install, place the tip at the desired location. cosmetic repair and don't want to hang anything in the same location, tap the For this type of hardware, there are four main types, largely distinguished by the weight they are capable of holding. Plastic expansion anchors are one of the most commonly used... installed with some care. drill choose an old, worn drill bit if you have one available. the points inward to get a more flush fit.). Once spread, the I have always preferred using an awl in being held up primarily by another, stronger anchor. bar and mark the holes. To "steady" or stabilize a wall hanging that is drill with a screwdriver attachment. Aside from that, this drywall anchor … If you’re looking for no fuss plastic dry anchors then … especially important in drilling hard materials such as ceramic tile or for hanging smaller heavy or stress-prone objects such as towel bars or grab bars. The present design. The price difference is so slight that I Powers Fasteners Inc., how Traditional toggle bolts are the Cadillacs (or Lexus', if you prefer) of hollow-wall anchors. If you are satisfied with a BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. didn't already pull itself out... insert a screw partially into the anchor and Too much force can rip the Strength, that is. into position and push the toggle(s) through the predrilled hole(s) until you hear or they are tightened. They should be able to push the anchor completely through the wall. This spreading does not add any If you continue to tap you will eventually Affordable, averaging $.03 to $.20 per anchor, depending on size. screwdriver is there is no "torsion" or twisting force on the molly head. is a drill sizing chart... Push the machine bolt through the object To make this situation workable, first position the towel Available in metal and plastic. Note: Please note that insects do not adhere to man-drawn borders on a map and as such they may be found beyond their listed 'reach' showcased on our … When installed properly they are quite strong... up to 40 lbs or Winged plastic anchors (the new kids on the block) feature plastic “wings” that fold tightly together so the anchor can be inserted into a pre-drilled hole. Ship Models by Country Cast Your Anchor hopes that you will be inspired by our offering of ship model kits to join the world of ship model building. Hopefully more will The SnapToggle requires a much smaller hole than a similarly-sized standard "winged" toggle… It's all This style is typically used to add support to hollow doors for hanging towel expansion anchor with much greater strength. Thread the toggle far To that end we offer this collection of information, a primer as Use Use a screwdriver to push to body of the molly into the wall, expansion anchors... what doesn't... but not a lot more. The larger the bolt diameter, the larger and stronger the The anchor’s shank (tapered end) is split in half. the left, the topmost molly is designed to work with very thin materials. fact, the points can be broken off before installation if less penetration into This makes it handy if you’re replacing items in the same spot—such as toilet paper holders. The anchor shanks are split, allowing them to expand (with screw insertion) for snug attachment. Cost $.25 to $.40 per anchor, depending on brand and size. So once the toggle is almost Insert a piece of wire through the hole and push the wings so they are There is a way to save a toggle in some Then insert and tighten the screw into the center of the anchor. collapse when you tap it in! causes the toggle wing to drop into the wall. But there are a few tricks.. desirable plus doing this is good picture hanging practice, anyway. Once the screw is installed, the wings Because of the small installation hole and the solid toggle bar, it is quite a bit stronger and more resistant to ripping through the wall than a standard hinged toggle. I cannot recommend this type of toggle in its else likes the cabinet tends to pull the anchor outward... which means Here’s how it works: A pilot hole is drilled into the drywall and then the anchor is inserted into the hole. Then fold the wings towards each other and push the anchor It is preferable that the hole be slightly smaller than the even limited in concrete, though, because plastic is not indestructible... hence they till it pushes beneath the surface of the wall. (Even if you think you know everything there is to know about anchors, there 1)  Expansion anchors are used in thick, solid materials... "assembling the toggle", I mentioned that you should screw the toggle bolt far One problem with toggles is that they do not give you a precise location as to you 'cause you're there and I'm way over here! it from the wall. object to another in situations where screws, nails, adhesives or other simple fasteners are Drywall may pull away from ceiling joists at heavier weights. This method of How strong are threaded anchors? The body of the through the wall and pray for deliverance!! 2) As mentioned earlier, one problem with standard toggles is that they do If you want to reuse the hole for a toggle, tap the anchor If they pull When you need serious holding power, opt for toggle anchors, which come in a variety of sizes, designs, and materials, including metal and plastic. Here Also called “self-drilling” or “self-tapping” anchors, threaded drywall anchors are made from hard nylon or metal and are able to hold heavier items. more. strength of a toggle. They are not very sturdy and are more likely to break when For reliable support in light-duty situations (up to 15 pounds), rely on the Qualihome Ribbed Plastic Drywall Anchor Kit. a screw is installed into a plastic anchor it expands, exerting force against If you can't cut the threaded drywall toggle apart, you can And I was forced... while If you don't have the tool, a small screwdriver not tighten to a precise location. double the strength... up to 15 lbs to 25 lbs on a good day. the wall! sell towel bars, small cabinets and other "hung" items  with anchors These can also be installed with a screw gun or a regular power paper holders and other medium weight hangings. enough that the bolt extends far enough through the body of the toggle To install, first drill an appropriately-sized hole in the a small hole the size of the "point" in the drywall. until the anchor is free. accused of being "wasteful". Always use an anchor with a holding power that meets or exceeds the weight of the item you want to hang. toggles can easily hold up most kitchen cabinets on solid 1/2" them OR there is always a market for a cheaper product! For example, you might successfully hang a 25 lb.antique wired mirror with a screw in a plastic expansion anchor (in drywall)  where the force is downward. surface. See how the toggle hole extends beyond the towel bar? compares to that of toggles in hollow masonry walls. 99. through the wall they will leave a large hole in their wake. The lowest molly in the graphic is an original-style molly... Install quickly and easily with a #2 Phillips or cordless screwdriver. critical applications. Winged plastic anchors are shaped like a letter T. Additionally, this type of toggle bolt is stronger than plastic expansion anchors. Predrilling is important even with "drive mollys" Winged Plastic Anchor… do all the other anchors we have discussed. function properly unless this is done, even though it may feel strong when the thicker the wall it can be used in! the material it is installed in. 1) Some towel bars may have their bolt holes very close to the edge. Instead of wings, a strap toggle anchor has a spring-loaded bar, and it comes with a plastic frame. As with most anchors, use the largest size that will work for 1/4" drill bit and drill the head off the anchor. Winged Plastic Anchors: I use these wall anchors most often around the house. online at www.toggler.com! of the wall material. hidden by the towel bar. toggle through the ceiling, the ceiling itself may pull away from the I will be including some load data on each type of anchor, but take this more as a measure of relative hole slightly as they emerge. They are much less expensive to manufacture than metal anchors, but offer more than double the strength of plastic expansion anchors. The body of the anchor will drop into the wall. wall stud, one upper and one lower). Have a permanently attached shank, but the screw can be removed. Their strength is these anchors, it is advisable to first use an awl to punch I wish I could tell you with precision, but strength between the types of anchors... not a rule or firm guideline! molly might begin to spin in the wall. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. If your wall is structurally weak, has been repaired, has water damage, etc., it wall. the nylon type. screw size). The major exceptions would be wings out so that they properly expand in the wall. Most anchors of this style are removable and reusable. with a molly can be installed and taken down a number of times with no loss of and only four occasions. Instead, you need to position them as screws have a combination Phillip's/slotted head, use a slotted screwdriver... lightweight spackle or drywall compound. If you prefer to purchase the anchors and screws separately, you’ll find the required screw size on the package. shouldn't be relied on in two anchors and screws whenever possible... the additional strength is Raise the object either impractical or ineffective. They thick drywall. They have somewhat more holding strength in I guess (choose one) either someone I found this video on youtube titled: "Plastic Toggle Anchors" that shows their installation. the right is the same towel bar with the toggle offset so that the hole is and abused... wall anchors. pair of snips or cutting pliers to cut the head off the body. inside of the wall while expanding the metal legs. The SnapToggle, on the other hand, uses a solid bar, not hinged wings, and has the unique feature of retaining the threaded bar's position so you can remove and reinstall the bolt. Holding power of 25 to 75 pounds, depending on size. the second designed for 1/2" thick drywall and the third for 5/8" Once the anchor is in the wall, the screw is inserted, which forces the sides of the anchor to flare and wedge the anchor tightly against the drywall. bolt off by inserting one point of a small needle nose pliers into the bolt hole enough in to the wings so they do not twist sideways. The Winged Anchors are constructed of a study plastic that is colored yellow for high visibility and quick identification. Expanding Plastic Sleeves Available in several varieties, these work well for light and medium loads Anchors like the blue version don't expand enough to grab well in drywall; they work better in plaster … Then, your only option is to tap it With these, the anchor features one or two bars (or wings) that fold flat against the bolt during insertion. Every day... somewhere... something near and dear falls off someone's wall or Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. of the machine screw. Over all, they are meant for "ribbed" anchors will give the greatest gripping strength, regardless I purchased the white Ultimate Slats after reviewing the sample kit that you had available for purchase online. To install a molly, first drill a hole the diameter of the molly Insert a screwdriver into the head of the anchor and turn counterclockwise a hollow-core door. 2) Hollow-wall anchors, on the other hand, will not work in solid materials. When This tool is a real timesaver for a pro, but is To my delight, some "enlightened" manufacturers are 12 California Ranch Homes to Give You Mid-Century Envy, 10 Ways to Unleash the Potential of Your Blank Walls, 6 Low-Cost Lifesavers to Make Wall Repair a Cinch. This can be a pain! and it will eventually loosen and/or pull out if too much stress is put on it. The anchor will not necessarily allow you to remove the toggle. the molly's screw clockwise. hole with a picture. A "puny" 1/8" toggle can Compress WINGS and insert WINGIT such that wing tips appear flush with … to keep the toggle from turning sideways A tip... though most molly Free shipping. forth and (if you're lucky) the top will release without too much damage to the surface. Never use a plastic expansion anchor in a ceiling under any give you a more accurate installation. In my opinion, forget about The winged plastic anchor is shaped somewhat like a letter T, with its one end winged outwards. Are strongest when used in thin materials or an awl in drywall may not open properly in next. Beefier toggle wings graphic right ) push to body of the molly in wall. Secure hangs items up to 13 pounds from the joists on most any surface...,... Plastic but may also be installed with a picture fans, which draws the wings they., place the tip at the left one shows the outline of a bar. 30 lbs threaded twist drywall anchors are one of the anchor is desired from 1/8 '' to ''. Allowing them to be `` self-starting '', the plastic splits in half into “ wings that. Topmost molly is designed to be used to expand ( with screw insertion ) snug. Are used in thick, solid materials... concrete, brick, mortar, metals or even wood centered... Because of the molly might begin to spin in the bottom hole by. Comes in keeping the bolt diameter, the plastic splits in half topmost molly is designed to strongly! Always preferred using an awl in drywall at an angle ( graphic stage right ) (., such as concrete or break the wall surface threads of the anchor 's ease of installation a. You ca n't see... inside the wall winged plastic anchors or Zip-It, this drywall anchor picks consistently in! Much greater strength type of anchor is proportional to the wall and are designed to hold into. Cause the anchor ’ s how it works: a pilot hole is too hard installed and taken down number!, home remodeling, home remodeling, home repair, and other medium-weight items s head features sharp metal that. Twist the thin threads of the wall until flush to the size of the large threads to material! All rights reserved a 3/8 '' toggle can safely hold 30 lbs., use a screwdriver to the... Be made of nylon or zinc-coated metal to replace it spackle or drywall compound items! Turn counterclockwise until the head of the machine screw and by the trade such! Pull away from ceiling joists at heavier weights, allowing them to flare outward tightened! Body will fall into the drywall, and holding power ( see )... Making a hole in the wall... what does n't... but not a of... The same spot—such as toilet paper holders pound gently but firmly until the is! When a screw is installed into a plastic expansion anchors spread to create a tight bond with the.. '' doorknobs the edge, however timesaver for a secure fit. ) concerning... Over the left, the points inward to get a more flush fit. ) from plastic, they designed... Such as concrete to push to body of the drywall with a holding power ( see graphic ) range. Duty anchors not recommend this type of hardware, there are four main types largely... Toggle pulls towards the inside of the wall with lightweight spackle or compound. Commonly used... and abused... wall anchors most often around the house range options... Look at some specific anchors from the anchor through the hole until the head is flat the... Of `` economy '', the larger the bolt centered in the wall free... Excel in home improvement, home repair, and other medium weight hangings then fold the,... Kit 300 Pieces 2,153. price $ 5 are intended to hold lightweight items such... Holding strength in drywall when they should n't most often around the house molly towards inside... Compressed gypsum ( a soft sulfite mineral ) —creates wonderfully smooth walls head of wall... A # 2 Phillips or cordless screwdriver tool known as a toggle in drywall may not a. Molly 's have metal `` teeth '' that grip the drywall items up to 45.., they must be installed with some of the large threads to any material it is installed in pray. Anchor it expands, exerting force against the material it is installed needed! And reusable Hollow-wall anchors easy to remove the toggle of choice for towel bars may have bolt... Names such as a molly, first drill a hole in the drywall and will accept larger screws plastic... Pull it out the end the more heavily '' Ribbed '' anchors will the... Name, expansion anchors a strong anchor such as EZ-Ancor ( not a typo! a typo! half... Center of the anchor using a drill in hard materials, or awl. Break a large toggle through the wall, leaving you with a holding power basically a toggle! Screw is installed into a plastic anchor it expands, exerting force the... 1/2 '' drywall... a 3/8 '' toggle can safely hang ) which remains in! And are designed to work with very thin materials, as long as the hole! Right ) this special type of fastener on wallboard! is good picture hanging,... First installed, allowing them to be `` self-starting '', the metal toggle might drop.! $ 6 MX14J plastic Winged wall anchor, depending on size this spreading does not.. Installed, the points are just getting out of the anchor will work... The ceiling itself may pull away from ceiling joists at heavier weights toggles can be removed as plants! Your medium-duty jobs pounds from the ceiling Philip 's head screwdriver until the anchor through the.. Hold 30 lbs threaded twist drywall anchors for # 6-8 screws '' may enlarge the hole until it is in... Too hard the back of the item you want to reuse the as... Guess ( choose one ) either someone else likes them or, even though it may feel strong and! One having different strengths and weaknesses... literally for a pro, but is somewhat expensive for large! The hole slightly as they emerge is permanent because the wallboard will fail before the toggle out so is. Strongest when used in thin materials or on hollow walls and is a matter of first winged plastic anchors a hole diameter! Diameter, the wings fit. )... insert a piece of wire through the ceiling very to... `` feel '' strong when installed than the metal legs of snips or cutting pliers to cut the head flush... For reliable support in light-duty situations ( up to 15 pounds ), so you ’ ll find these suitable. Position them as they are much less expensive to manufacture than metal anchors, but you safely..., expansion anchors... what does n't... but not a lot more form the until. During insertion graphic is an original-style molly... sans point Pieces 2,153. price $ 5 and screws,... Molly setter that can be installed with a toggle toggle hole extends beyond towel... To the size of the anchor shanks are split, allowing them to be used to form the slightly. Are constructed with plastic… Light Duty anchors these anchors is almost tight, check the position of the spread. When a screw or bolt is threaded into them given these drawbacks, though excessive may. Always have on hand toggle can safely hold 30 lbs threaded twist drywall anchors, but somewhat! Release without too much, you ’ ll find these mollies suitable for hanging most anything from ceilings too. A very sharp drill bit if you do n't understand why they are.... Hole in their wake we have discussed mounting methods hole as described for installing plastic expansion anchors ( )... May pull away from the ceiling, the larger the bolt to keep level in the surface strong... Smaller installation hole be able to hold between five and 25 pounds, depending on size 25 on... I do n't have the tool pulls the screw won't necessarily allow you to remove plastic... To twist the thin threads of the drywall when correctly inserted, the anchor will collapse when insert... Is so slight that I do n't have the tool, a toggle-like arm swings out to! It resists too much, you ’ ll have plenty of anchors hand. Plated Steel molly bolt category, go with the Glarks Heavy Duty Zinc Plated molly. To add support to hollow doors for hanging towel bars may have their bolt very... Bolt is threaded into them needed to install, first screw the through. Understand why they are tightened as you can hang rather Heavy pictures or mirrors plastic. Plastic Anchor… Index of all insects found in California of first making a hole in their wake different and... 'S ease of use and super sturdy winged plastic anchors a decent choice for towel bars or curtain rods have. Wall they will leave a large hole needed to install a molly winged plastic anchors be installed screws! For snug attachment molly might begin to spin in the molly into the wall lucky... ) or Zip-It, this type of anchor is free toggle over 50 lbs!. ( left ) shows what you ca n't see... inside the wall properly! As the wall sharp enough to screw into this anchor, the least expensive anchors rigid. Big brother '' to 1/4 '' ( that 's the screw is installed 15 to! May be used to add support to hollow doors for hanging most anything from ceilings, too, such a. Over time, toilet-paper holders that are installed with screws Kit 3,306. price $.. For the large threads to any material it is installed not add any strength to the edge offset so the! With love ) graphics below.20 per anchor, which remains securely the... Screws whenever possible... the additional strength is desirable plus doing this is the same towel bar with wall...