Buzz
Even if you’re not a DIY expert, there are some tasks almost everyone faces eventually, such as mounting a towel rack or installing a shelf. These projects highlight a key issue: drywall is notoriously poor at bearing weight. When you attempt to hang items on your walls, you quickly realize how inadequate drywall can be.
The challenge of mounting objects on drywall
Drywall consists of a thin layer of gypsum, making it ideal for creating walls but terrible for holding heavy items. If you’ve ever mounted a shelf only to watch it collapse under the slightest weight, you understand drywall’s limitations. While wooden studs you can drill into exist behind the drywall, offering a more secure option, they are often inconveniently spaced, making them less practical for many projects.
This is the reason drywall anchors were created. These plastic or metal sleeves expand when drilled into, spreading the load across a larger area behind the drywall. This even distribution of force enhances the anchor's ability to hold weight securely.
If you’ve ever bought items like towel racks or toilet paper holders from a hardware store, you’ve likely encountered the flimsy plastic anchors included in the package. You’ve probably also experienced the frustration of trying to make them work, leading you to question the laws of physics. However, relying on these free, low-quality plastic anchors is a major mistake when mounting items on your walls.
Avoid using inexpensive plastic anchors for drywall installations
The primary issue with budget plastic drywall anchors is their poor quality. In theory, they should function perfectly—drill a hole, insert the anchor, screw in the fastener, and the anchor expands to create a secure hold. However, reality often looks like this: as you turn the screwdriver, the anchor spins with it. The screw fails to grip, and you either abandon the task or apply excessive force, pushing the anchor through the wall and leaving an oversized hole.
Another drawback of these cheap plastic anchors is their limited weight capacity. Even if you manage to secure them, they can’t handle much weight or stress. Over time, they loosen, and removing them often leaves behind a damaged wall that requires a larger anchor. The best approach is to discard the free anchors immediately and opt for a superior alternative, such as toggle bolts.
Opt for toggle bolts when mounting items on drywall
Toggle bolts consist of a spring-loaded mechanism and a bolt. They come in various diameters, dictating the size of the hole you need to drill. Typically, these range from 1/8th to 1/4th of an inch. While the smallest ones often match the size of free anchors provided with items like towel racks, it’s always wise to verify the bolt diameter before use.
Toggle bolts are remarkably simple to install:
Detach the bolt from the fastener.
Pass the bolt through the mounting bracket.
Reattach the bolt to the fastener, ensuring the fastener folds toward the bracket.
Fold the fastener and insert it into the pre-drilled wall hole.
Pull the bracket gently until the fastener grips the back of the drywall.
Secure the bolt until the fastener is firmly pressed against the wall.
Step five is critical: If you fail to pull the toggle bolt snugly against the drywall’s rear, the bolt will simply spin without securing properly.
For a simpler installation, consider using a snap toggle (also known as a strap toggle). These toggle bolts include plastic straps that help secure them tightly against the back of the drywall. Once set, you snap off the straps and tighten the screw, making the process more user-friendly.
Toggle bolts are not just more dependable and easier to use—they also support significantly more weight. Depending on your drywall’s thickness, some toggle bolts can handle hundreds of pounds, far surpassing the 15-20 pound capacity of the free plastic anchors included in most kits. While you might not need to perform chin-ups on your towel rack, toggle bolts ensure it stays firmly in place for good.
While free plastic anchors might seem convenient, their quality reflects their price. Upgrade to better fasteners and rest easy knowing your toilet paper holder won’t budge.
