The best way to hang something from a wall is by screwing it into a stud. But if that is not an option, you can always use an anchor to hold things up. These are metal, plastic, or plastic-to-metal fasteners that are inserted into the drywall or concrete and gradually expand as they bear the weight. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs.
How to put in wall anchors can vary, but the basic process involves a pilot hole, a screw, and a screwdriver. To make a pilot hole, you can use a Phillips-head screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, or a hammer. For a better hold, make the hole slightly smaller than the anchor. Using the right drill bit can be essential.
You can also find some great products that do not require any screws or nails, such as the 3M Claw, which is a claw-shaped plastic anchor. It works like a normal hammer and a screwdriver, but its hooked end can grab into the wall and hold its own. A similar product is the Tap-n-Lock, which comes in a handy packaging that includes a diagram.
A hollow-wall anchor is a special type of anchor that is designed to be placed in a hollow space between studs. They come in a variety of styles, and the range of their use is huge. This is because they are able to be installed on virtually any kind of wall.
When you are ready to install your anchor, you can use a screwdriver or a nail to create a guide hole. However, you should be careful to avoid causing any damage to the drywall or the anchor itself, as a screwdriver can easily crack a wall. Once the anchor is in place, you can then use a pliers or pro tip to remove the screw.
There are some other types of anchors that can provide similar support. For example, toggle-bolt anchors fold in half when inserted into the drywall. Although they can hold heavy objects, their design may cause them to break. Molly bolts are usually weaker than toggles. In addition, they are usually less expensive.
Other types of anchors include the folding metal-jaw kind, which requires drilling a hole and then working a metal jaw into it. While they aren’t as strong as the toggle-bolt, they can handle some of the heavier loads.
If you aren’t sure what kind of anchor you need, you can use a screw-in molly-bolt anchor or the more robust toggle-bolt type. Both types are suitable for light-duty applications, although you may want to get two of each type for a more stable hold.
Choosing the right anchor can be a complicated task. There are many options, and you may have to do some research to figure out what you need. Luckily, you can pick up an anchor in a pinch at a hardware store. Depending on the type, they can support a wide range of weights, from small pictures to heavy-duty appliances.