When it comes to mounting items on walls and ceilings, drywall anchors are the ultimate solution. These powerful fasteners can hold a wide range of objects in place, from delicate artwork to heavy-duty shelving units. By providing a secure grip on drywall surfaces, they eliminate the need for screwing into drywall itself, which can cause items to fall or become loose over time.
For DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike, having reliable drywall anchors on hand is essential for completing home and office improvement projects efficiently. Whether you’re hanging a picture frame, installing shelves, or mounting a TV, these versatile anchors can help ensure your work stays secure and sturdy. With their ability to grip even the most stubborn drywall surfaces, they offer unparalleled peace of mind.
In terms of practical applications, drywall anchors are incredibly versatile. They can be used to support everything from family photos and decorative mirrors to smoke alarms and kitchen shelving units. Their strong hold also makes them ideal for installing light fixtures, pot racks, and even towel hooks in bathrooms.
The 8 Best Drywall Anchors
When it comes to securing items to hollow-door drywalls, having the right anchors can make all the difference. Among the numerous options available, a few stand out from the rest. The TOGGLER Snaptoggle Drywall Anchor is our top pick for its ease of use and reliability. Its counterpart, the TOGGLER Toggle Bolt Hollow-Door Drywall Anchor, also deserves an honorable mention. For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, the Hillman Group Toggle Bolt offers a DIY-friendly solution.
Meanwhile, the ARROW Drywall Drill Bit and Screw-it Self-Drilling Drywall/Hollow-Wall Anchor Kit cater to users seeking a more precise and efficient method of anchoring. Lastly, Qualihome’s Ribbed Plastic Drywall Anchor Kit and Self Drilling Drywall Anchors offer value-packed alternatives for those on a budget. Ultimately, the choice of anchor depends on personal preference, the nature of the project, and the type of materials being used.
Our Top Pick for the Best Drywall Anchors
Our top recommendation for drywall anchors is the TOGGLER Snaptoggle Drywall Anchor, an exceptional choice for securing heavy objects to your walls. Whether you’re looking to hang a mirror, install shelves or mount a TV, this anchor provides unparalleled stability and peace of mind. Its impressive holding power makes it perfect for supporting even the heaviest of loads, ensuring that your decorative pieces or storage solutions remain securely in place.
To explore pricing options, head over to Amazon.
How to Choose the Best Drywall Anchors
When it comes to choosing the right drywall anchors, consider starting with a comprehensive drywall anchor kit. These kits are often bundled with everything you need to get started, including high-quality anchors themselves. But that’s not all – many kits also include compatible screws and sometimes even a drill bit or two. A prime example of this is the Qualihome Ribbed Plastic Drywall Anchor Kit, which provides users with a complete solution for their drywall fastening needs.
Types of Drywall Anchors
When it comes to securing items to drywalls, there are three primary types of anchors: expandable, toggle bolt, and threaded self-drilling. Each has its unique characteristics and applications. The first type is expansion drywall anchors, which can be used with various materials such as drywall, concrete, brick, mortar, or sheet metal. They work by expanding against the drywall to create a firm hold.
These anchors are ideal for light-duty projects, weighing up to 20-30lbs, making them suitable for hanging pictures or small shelves. Toggle bolt drywall anchors, also known as Molly Bolts or hollow wall anchors, are designed specifically for hollow walls. They have wings or arms that fold flat during insertion but flare outward against the back of the drywall once installed.
This unique design creates a strong perpendicular brace along the back of the drywall, ensuring a secure hold even with heavy items up to 200-300lbs. The third type is threaded self-drilling anchors, which are recommended for light-duty to medium-duty applications and are easy to install. They feature a sharp, pointed shank that can be screwed into the wall. For precise holes, a cordless power screwdriver is a great option.
These anchors can support items weighing up to 75lbs, depending on their size.
8 Best Drywall Anchors – Reviews
TOGGLER Toggle Bolt Hollow-Door Drywall Anchors
The TOGGLER Toggle Bolt Hollow-Door Drywall Anchors are an excellent choice for DIY enthusiasts seeking a reliable and versatile solution for various home improvement projects. With an ultimate tensile strength of 143lbs, these high-performance anchors can be used in a range of substrates, including drywall, plaster, wood, sheet metal, stainless steel, and hollow doors.
One of the standout features of this product is its ability to resist corrosion when used with stainless steel screws, making it an ideal choice for anchoring electrical components. The non-conductive design ensures safe installation and use. The anchors’ unique design includes thicker arms that provide extra holding power behind drywall or ceilings, making them particularly well-suited for hollow walls.
Additionally, the smart key-activated locking system allows for effortless one-person installation, eliminating the need for a second person to hold the anchor in place while you screw it in. The anti-rotation/vibration-proof fins prevent the anchor from spinning as it’s inserted through the wall, ensuring a secure and stable installation. The vibration and shockproof design also prevents damage to walls or ceilings.
This product offers excellent value with its high-quality materials and durable construction. The fact that it can be pre-installed without the screw or removed and reinserted without losing holding power is a major plus. The package includes 100 anchors and a setting key, making it an excellent choice for large-scale projects or those who want to stock up.
The pros of this product far outweigh the cons, which are relatively minor – the locking key can be stiff to use, and screws are not included (although these can be easily sourced separately). Overall, the TOGGLER Toggle Bolt Hollow-Door Drywall Anchors are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile solution for their DIY projects.
TOGGLER Snaptoggle Drywall Anchor
When it comes to securing heavy-duty items like mirrors, TVs, or shelves in drywall or concrete walls, you want a reliable anchor that can withstand the weight. The TOGGLER Snaptoggle Drywall Anchor is an excellent choice, offering an impressive ultimate tensile strength of 265lbs in ½-inch drywall and 1080lbs in a concrete block. This US-made anchor features an innovative design with longer and stronger plastic straps that won’t break off prematurely like other anchors on the market.
The corrosion-resistant zinc-plated steel channel provides 7 times more protection against rust than similar products, ensuring your anchor remains sturdy over time. The Snaptoggle is incredibly easy to install, requiring just one snap to secure it in place. Simply drill a ½-inch hole, slide the anchor through, and pull the straps until the channel rests flush behind the wall. Next, slide on the plastic cap and snap off the straps, leaving you with a solid foundation for your fixtures.
The Snaptoggle also boasts an anti-rotating design that prevents the anchor from shifting during installation, reducing the risk of damage to your walls or ceilings. With its reliable performance and ease of use, it’s no wonder this product has gained a loyal following among DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. While some users may find the installation process slightly complex, many have praised the Snaptoggle for its high-quality construction, great value, and extremely affordable price.
With a 20-pack including 10 anchors and 10 ¼-20-inch UNC bolts, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle even the most demanding projects. If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use anchor that can handle heavy loads, look no further than the TOGGLER Snaptoggle Drywall Anchor.
The Hillman Group Toggle Bolt
The Hillman Group Toggle Bolt offers a reliable permanent hanging solution for medium to large-scale home improvement projects. Crafted from heavy-duty zinc-plated steel, this toggle bolt can support impressive loads of up to 70lbs in drywall and 85lbs in concrete walls, making it an excellent choice for projects that demand strength. The slotted round head design enables easy installation using a Phillips head screwdriver, taking mere seconds.
The spring-action toggle mechanism is specifically designed for safe mounting in hollow walls, spreading apart behind the base material upon installation and locking securely into position to evenly distribute the weight of your chosen item over a larger area. As you screw the bolt into the wall while pulling it toward you, the anchor will be snugly secured, allowing you to hang a picture or install shelves.
The toggle bolt’s ability to adjust and accommodate a washer means that if needed, the screw can be removed before final installation. The pack includes 50 toggle drywall anchors, available in either a 1-pack or 2-pack, with options for both 3/16 x 3-inch and 4-inch sizes. The pros of this product include its high quality, excellent value, and exceptional durability, making it ideal for medium to heavy-duty projects.
This toggle bolt is also highly effective, super strong, and features spring wings that disperse the weight over a large area, providing a permanent and durable hanging solution. Additional benefits include ease of installation, a firm and safe hold in hollow walls, and the option to install with a Phillips head screwdriver.
ARROW Drywall Drill Bit
The ARROW Drywall Drill Bit is an all-in-one solution for completing light to medium-duty wall-mounting projects. Its sturdy blue and white plastic expandable ribbed drywall anchors can hold objects weighing up to 20lbs, making it ideal for small picture frames, shelves, or hook rails on solid wood walls or wood studs.
The kit includes 36 x 6-8 x ¾-inch anchors, 36 x 8-10 x 7/8-inch anchors, and a range of Phillips head screws (4 X 1-inch, 8 X 1¼-inch, 10 x 1½-inch, and 6 X 1-inch) along with two drill bits – 3/16-inch and ¼-inch. The drywall anchor kit also comes with a durable hard plastic organizer case featuring 11 compartments and a snap-tight lid for secure storage. You can purchase the ARROW Drywall Drill Bit in a 1, 2, or 3-pack.
On the plus side, it offers excellent quality, great value for money, and an affordable price point. The kit is perfect for beginner DIY’ers and provides backup emergency anchors. The strong plastic construction ensures the kit remains durable, while individual storage compartments keep all your bits organized. However, it’s essential to note that the kit may not be suitable for very heavy items or projects requiring high-strength anchors.
Pre-drilled holes are also a necessary prerequisite for optimal performance.
Screw-it Self-Drilling Drywall/Hollow-Wall Anchor Kit
The Screw-it Self-Drilling Drywall/Hollow-Wall Anchor Kit is an excellent option for medium to heavy-duty home improvement projects. Its durable zinc deep tread design ensures strong and secure engagement in 3/8, ½, and 5/8-inch drywall, providing maximum holding power. This kit is particularly useful for walls with studs behind them, as the anchors won’t break like plastic ones.
You can use the mini anchors to mount artwork weighing up to 40lbs, while the large anchors can hold up to 50lbs, making it ideal for installing shelves. One of its key features is that no pre-drilling is required, although you can still use a power screwdriver to create a precise hole in the wall. The anchors are also easy to remove. For convenient storage, the kit comes in a sturdy plastic box.
The 100-piece pack includes 25 large anchors, 25 mini-anchors, 25 #8 X 1¼-inch screws, and 25 #6 X 1¼-inch screws. Some of its notable pros include high-quality anchors, great value for money, durable construction from zinc, a deep thread design that creates strong engagement, and the ability to create precise holes in all types of drywall without pre-drilling. It’s also easy to screw in manually with a Phillips head screwdriver and can be easily removed.
Additionally, it’s ideal for 3/8, ½, and 5/8-inch thick drywall, and the large anchor holds up to 50lbs while the mini anchor holds up to 40lbs. It can also be used in walls that have studs and leaves a small footprint. The kit is well-rounded and contains anchors and screws, as well as a sturdy plastic storage box. While some users may find the smaller anchors slightly more difficult to screw into the wall, they are still suitable for most applications.
The main con is that the small anchors can break if used with a power drill.
Qualihome Ribbed Plastic Drywall Anchor Kit
The Qualihome Ribbed Plastic Drywall Anchor Kit is an excellent choice for lightweight wall-mounting applications. This versatile kit includes 200 pieces, comprising 100 #10 x12 x 1-inch anchors, 100 #10 x 1¼-inch screws, and a ¼ x 4-inch masonry drill bit. The kit’s robust plastic case features two compartments, allowing you to organize your anchors and screws efficiently.
The kit’s anchors are designed for light-duty applications, supporting items up to 20 or 30lbs, such as small picture frames, clothing hooks, or curtain rods. They can also provide additional support for heavier items. The ribs on the anchor prevent it from turning in the hole during installation, while the split provides a three-way expansion for increased holding power. The Qualihome kit offers great value for money, with a very affordable price point.
Its strong and sturdy plastic construction makes it an ideal choice for light-duty anchoring and additional support for heavier items. The kit’s versatility allows for use in a wide range of materials, including drywall, light masonry, masonry block, sheet metal, or wood. However, the kit does have some limitations. It requires a pre-drilled hole for installation, and the screws may be slightly larger than the anchors.
Additionally, while the kit is strong enough for most applications, it may not be suitable for very heavy loads.
Qualihome Self Drilling Drywall Anchors
For DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike, the Qualihome Self Drilling Drywall Anchors 100-piece kit is a versatile tool for medium to heavy-duty anchoring projects. This comprehensive kit includes 50 drywall anchors, 50 #8 x 1¼-inch Phillips head screws, and a sturdy plastic case to keep all your bits organized. The self-drilling anchors feature a sharp drill point that allows for direct insertion into double drywall, even when encountering wood studs.
There’s no need for hole preparation or pre-drilling, making the installation process quick and easy. The Qualihome drywall anchors boast a durable die-cast zinc deep thread design, providing long-lasting holding power in 3/8, ½, or 5/8-inch thick drywall. They’re suitable for mounting objects weighing up to 50lbs, such as artwork, family photos, or mid-sized shelves. While the kit excels in many areas, it’s not without its limitations.
Some users may find that the anchors don’t provide sufficient holding power for 50lb items in older drywall, and removing them can create a large hole. Additionally, pre-drilling may be necessary for thicker drywall, and the anchors can be challenging to remove once installed.
ITW Brands Plastic Dry Anchor
The ITW Brands Plastic Dry Anchor is an incredibly versatile solution for various wall-mounting needs in your home or office. Its exceptional strength and sturdiness make it an ideal choice for supporting a wide range of items, including large pieces of artwork, mirrors, television mounts, curtain rods, and shelves, with a combined weight capacity of 30-90lbs.
One of its standout features is the absence of pre-drilling requirements, as the anchors feature a twist-and-lock design that can be easily installed using a hammer, Phillips screwdriver, or cordless screwdriver. The pack also includes 50 #6 1¼-inch screws, eliminating the need to search for compatible fasteners. This product offers numerous advantages, including its high quality, excellent value for money, and robust construction.
Its adaptability makes it perfect for various mounting applications around your home or office. However, users may encounter difficulties when removing the anchors, and in some cases, they can break on thicker drywall. As with any product, it’s essential to carefully consider these factors before making a purchase.
Our Top Pick for the Best Drywall Anchors
When it comes to securing heavy objects to drywall, our top recommendation is the TOGGLER Snaptoggle Drywall Anchor. This versatile anchor offers unparalleled holding power, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications – from supporting heavy mirrors and TV mounts to installing lighting fixtures and shelves. Its reliability is particularly evident when dealing with substantial weights, ensuring your installations remain sturdy and secure.
You can check the current price and availability on Amazon.
