If it’s not possible to drive the fasteners for the item you wish to hang into the wood wall studs—which is always the best option—they must go into the drywall. Since fasteners driven directly into drywall easily tear out, special drywall anchors will do the job quickly and efficiently.
3 Types of Drywall Anchors
Drywall Sleeve Anchor
A drywall sleeve anchor is a plastic sleeve or insert that fits into a small, previously drilled hole in the drywall. When the provided drywall metal screw is turned into the sleeve, the sleeve expands. This helps the metal screw to stay in the wall, with greater shear strength. Drywall sleeve anchors typically are the least expensive type of drywall anchor. They’re best for very lightweight items, such as pictures and light mirrors that range from 5 to 20 pounds.
Drywall Threaded Corkscrew Anchor
A drywall corkscrew anchor is a large plastic or metal threaded screw-shaped insert designed to be self-drilled (no pilot hole) into the drywall. A provided metal screw is then tapped into the anchor, and it’s this second screw that holds the item to the wall. Corkscrew anchors operate much like sleeve anchors, though they are far more robust because the anchor’s sleeve digs deeply into the hole it creates. Corkscrew-style drywall anchors are more expensive than sleeve anchors. They’re helpful for attaching heavier items such as shelves. light cabinets, and towel bars.
Drywall Wing Style Anchor
With a drywall wing-style anchor, the object is held firmly in place by wings that press against the back of the drywall while a flange on the front presses in the opposite direction. A toggle bolt is one example of a wing-style anchor. A spring-loaded pair of wings is pushed through a pre-drilled hole. Next, the wings are drawn into the back of the drywall by turning a bolt. Wing-style anchors tend to be the strongest type of anchor, ideal for shelves, heavy mirrors or pictures, or for TV mounts.
Safety Considerations
Heavy items such as pedestal sinks, large furniture, and kitchen wall cabinets should not be installed on the wall with drywall anchors. Instead, attach heavy items firmly to wall studs.
How to Install a Drywall Sleeve Anchor
When installing drywall anchors, you’ll need the plastic sleeve anchors with provided screws, a flathead or a Phillips screwdriver, drill, driver bits, a set of drill bits, and a hammer.
How to Install a Drywall Threaded Corkscrew Anchor
You’ll need a hammer, small nail, and screwdriver to install a threaded drywall anchor.
How to Install a Drywall Wing Style Anchor
You’ll need a drill, drill bits, and a screwdriver to attach a wing style anchor on drywall.
How to Remove Drywall Anchors
Drywall Sleeve Anchor
You’ll need a drill, a flathead screwdriver, and needle-nose pliers to remove a sleeve-style drywall anchor.
Drywall Threaded Corkscrew Anchor
Remove the item and screw from the anchor. Place a screwdriver end onto the notched head of the anchor. Turn counter-clockwise until the anchor is free.
Drywall Wing Style Anchor
With a screwdriver, turn out the bolt counter-clockwise. The wings will drop into the wall. Remove the item from the bolt.
