There are a variety of drywall anchors available, each with its own benefits and drawbacks depending on the specific application and weight capacity needed. Toggle bolt anchors consist of a spring-loaded toggle attached to a threaded bolt. They are ideal for heavier items and are reusable. Plastic expansion anchors are common and easy-to-use anchors that are suitable for lighter items. Winged plastic anchors feature two wings that expand behind the drywall when the screw is inserted, providing a secure hold which makes them suitable for moderate weight items. Self-drilling anchors are ideal for projects that require a quick and easy installation. They feature a sharp tip that can be drilled directly into the drywall, eliminating the need for pre-drilling. Ultimately, the best drywall anchors will depend on your specific application and weight capacity needed.
Best Drywall Anchors For Mounting a TV
When it comes to mounting a TV on drywall, it's important to choose a strong and reliable anchor to ensure that the TV stays securely in place. Here are a few of the best drywall anchors for mounting a TV:
- Toggle Bolts: Toggle bolts are a popular choice for mounting heavier items, such as TVs. They consist of a spring-loaded toggle attached to a threaded bolt that expands behind the drywall to provide a strong hold. Toggle bolts can support up to 100 pounds or more, depending on the size and number of bolts used.
- Toggler Snaptoggle: These anchors are similar to toggle bolts but feature a one-piece design that can be easily installed without the need for separate bolts or screws. They are suitable for heavier items and can support up to 238 pounds in 5/8-inch drywall.
- Snap Skru Self-Drilling Drywall Anchors: These anchors are designed specifically for drywall and feature a sharp point that can be easily drilled into the wall without the need for pre-drilling. They are suitable for lightweight to medium weight items and can support up to 50 pounds per anchor.
- Winged Plastic Anchors: Winged plastic anchors are a cost-effective and easy-to-install option for mounting a TV on drywall. They feature two wings that expand behind the drywall to provide a secure hold and can support up to 50 pounds.
Ultimately, the best drywall anchor for mounting a TV will depend on the weight of the TV and the type of drywall being used. It's important to choose an anchor that is appropriate for the weight of the TV and to follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation. It's also a good idea to consult with a professional or experienced DIYer if you're not confident in your ability to mount a TV on drywall.
Best Drywall Anchors For Mounting a Monitor
When it comes to mounting a monitor on drywall, you want to choose a strong and reliable anchor that can support the weight of the monitor and keep it securely in place. Here are a few of the best drywall anchors for wall-mounting a monitor:
- Snap Skru Self-Drilling Drywall Anchors: These anchors are designed specifically for drywall and feature a sharp point that can be easily drilled into the wall without the need for pre-drilling. They are suitable for lightweight to medium weight items and can support up to 50 pounds per anchor.
- EZ Ancor Twist-N-Lock Drywall Anchors: These anchors are designed for easy installation and feature a twist-and-lock design that expands behind the drywall to provide a strong hold. They are suitable for medium weight items and can support up to 75 pounds per anchor.
- Plastic Expansion Anchors: Plastic expansion anchors are a common and easy-to-use option for mounting a monitor on drywall. They consist of a plastic sleeve that expands behind the drywall when the screw is inserted, creating a secure hold. They are suitable for lightweight to medium weight items and can support up to 30 pounds per anchor.
- Toggler Snaptoggle: These anchors are similar to toggle bolts but feature a one-piece design that can be easily installed without the need for separate bolts or screws. They are suitable for heavier items and can support up to 238 pounds in 5/8-inch drywall.
Essentially, the best drywall anchor for mounting a monitor will depend on the weight of your monitor and the type of drywall you want to mount it on. Always follow manufacturer instructions and if unsure, consult a professional or experienced DIYer.
Should You Use Drywall Anchors To Hang Heavy Items?
Drywall anchors are designed to provide additional support for hanging items on drywall, but they have their limitations. While drywall anchors can be used to hang lightweight and moderately heavy items, they may not be suitable for very heavy items.
If you're hanging a heavy item, such as a large mirror or a piece of furniture, it's important to use anchors that are rated for the weight of the item and the type of wall you are mounting it on. In some cases, it may be necessary to use specialized anchors, such as molly bolts or toggle bolts, that are designed to provide additional support and hold more weight. It's also important to consider the location of the item and whether the drywall itself is strong enough to support the weight. If the item is going to be hung on a wall that has a lot of foot traffic or is subject to frequent vibration, such as near a door or window, it may be necessary to use additional support, such as a stud or backing board, to ensure the item stays securely in place.
How To Use Drywall Anchors
It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific type of drywall anchor you are using, as the steps may vary slightly depending on the type and size of anchor. However, here are some general steps to take:Make sure you choose the correct size and type of drywall anchor for the weight of the item you are hanging. The packaging for the anchors will provide weight limits and other specifications. Before you drill, mark the location for the anchor. Use a pencil to mark the spot where you want to hang your item. Make sure the mark is level and in the right location. To drill a hole in the drywall, use a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the anchor. Gently tap the anchor into the hole with a hammer until it is flush with the wall. Put in the screw and use a screwdriver to tighten the screw until it is snug. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can cause the anchor to break or pull out of the wall. To check for stability, give the item a gentle tug to make sure it is secure. If it wobbles or feels loose, tighten the screw further or use a larger anchor.
What is the Best Way To Remove Drywall Anchors?
Removing drywall anchors can be tricky, but with the right tools and technique, it can be done easily. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw from the anchor. If the screw is stuck or difficult to remove, try using pliers to loosen it. Use a flathead screwdriver or a putty knife to push the anchor into the wall. This will help to break the anchor away from the drywall and make it easier to remove. To fill the hole left by the anchor, use spackle or drywall compound. Smooth the surface with a putty knife and let it dry completely. Once the spackle is dry, use sandpaper to smooth the surface and make it level with the surrounding wall. If the anchor is stubborn and won't come out easily, there are a few additional techniques you can try. Grab the anchor with pliers and twist it back and forth to loosen it. If that doesn’t work, use a drill to drill a hole into the center of the anchor and then insert a screw into the hole. Use the screw to pull the anchor out of the wall.
It's important to be patient and take your time when removing drywall anchors to avoid damaging the surrounding wall.