Ethan Clarke
Drywall anchors are used to attach items to walls when wall studs are unavailable. Plastic drywall anchors are a type of anchor that can be used to hang items on drywall. However, drilling into a wall stud and then attempting to insert a plastic anchor will cause the anchor to break. To avoid this, you can feel for resistance when drilling; if there is no resistance, you are drilling into drywall alone, and it is safe to insert a plastic anchor. If you feel resistance, you have encountered a stud, and a plastic anchor should not be used. When using plastic drywall anchors, it is important to not overtighten them, as this can cause them to break.
How to Drill a Plastic Wall Anchor
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to use | Use plastic wall anchors when wall studs are unavailable. |
| Tools required | Drill, drill bits, screwdriver, nail, hammer |
| Process | Create a small hole with a nail and hammer. Insert the anchor and screw, twisting clockwise until secure. |
| Common issues | Over-tightening, drilling into a wall stud, using a hole that is too large, using incorrect screw size |
| Alternatives | Togglers, metal anchors |
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What You'll Learn
Drilling a pilot hole
To begin, you'll need the right tools. Gather a drill, a nail or screw, a hammer, and a few other basic tools like a screwdriver and the plastic wall anchors themselves. It is important to consult the product's instructions for specific requirements, such as the recommended diameter of the drill bit for the pilot hole. This information is often included in the packaging of the plastic wall anchors.
Once you have your tools ready, it's time to create the pilot hole. Start by locating the desired position on the wall where you want to insert the anchor. Hold the nail or screw against the wall at a perpendicular angle to the surface. Gently tap the nail or screw with the hammer to create a small indentation or dimple on the wall surface. This initial indentation serves as a guide for the drill bit and helps prevent it from slipping when you start drilling.
Now, it's time to drill. Insert the drill bit into the drill and position it against the indentation you just created. Ensure the drill bit is the appropriate size, as specified in the product instructions. Start the drill at a low speed and apply gentle pressure to create the pilot hole. Drill to a depth that matches the length of your plastic wall anchor. It is crucial not to drill too deeply, as this can compromise the integrity of the wall and the effectiveness of the anchor.
As you drill, maintain a slow and steady pace. Drilling too fast can generate excessive heat, which can melt the plastic of the anchor or damage the surrounding wall material. Take your time and ensure the drill bit is firmly seated in the pilot hole. Once you've reached the desired depth, slowly withdraw the drill bit while it's still spinning to avoid any jagged edges or rough spots inside the hole.
After drilling the pilot hole, it's essential to clean and inspect it. Use a small brush or compressed air to remove any debris or dust from the hole. Ensure there are no loose particles left inside, as they can interfere with the anchor's grip. Check that the hole is the correct size and depth, following the manufacturer's instructions. If the hole appears too large or uneven, you may need to adjust your drilling technique or consult a professional for advice.
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Using a nail or screw
If you don't have a power drill, you can create a pilot hole using a nail or screw and a few taps with a hammer. This pilot hole will guide you when installing the plastic wall anchor.
Firstly, mark the spot where you want the anchor to go with a pencil. Then, hammer a nail partway into the marked spot on the wall. Alternatively, you can use a Phillips-head screwdriver to make the pilot hole. Press the tip of the screwdriver against the marked spot and twist it back and forth to create the hole.
Once you have your pilot hole in place, you can install the plastic wall anchor. Push the anchor into the pilot hole by hand. If the anchor is tight, gently tap it with a hammer until it is flush with the wall.
Finally, insert the screw into the anchor. As you twist the screw into the anchor, it will split the anchor's body, allowing it to hold securely in the wall. Make sure you use a screwdriver or drill to screw the anchor into the wall until it is flush.
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Twisting the screw
When twisting the screw, ensure you are applying firm, but not hard, pressure. You want to draw the anchor into the drywall, but if you twist too hard, you risk stripping the head of the anchor. Keep turning the screw clockwise until the item is securely fastened to the wall. Do not overtighten.
If you are mounting heavy items, locate the wood studs and mount your item using them. Studs are typically spaced every 16 to 24 inches. If you drill into a wall stud, a standard plastic anchor will not fit and will get smashed. You should be able to feel the difference when you drill. If the drill bit pushes into the wall without resistance, you are in the drywall alone; insert the plastic anchor. If you feel resistance, you are in the stud; in this case, do not put in a plastic anchor, just put in the screw, the stud will hold it.
If you are using a wing-style anchor, you will need a drill, drill bits, and a screwdriver. Consult the product's instructions for the diameter of the drill bit to use to drill the hole. If the bolt is attached to the wings, detach it. Then, slide the bolt through the hole in the item you want to attach to the wall.
If you are using a sleeve-style anchor, you will need a drill, a flathead screwdriver, and needle-nose pliers to remove the anchor later. With the manual screwdriver or cordless drill, remove the screw from the plastic sleeve.
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Removing a sleeve-style anchor
To remove a sleeve-style anchor, you will need a drill, a flathead screwdriver, and needle-nose pliers. The first step is to remove the screw from the plastic sleeve. This can be done with a manual screwdriver or a cordless drill. Once the screw is removed, use the flathead screwdriver to pry up the edge of the flange, which is the part of the anchor that rests flat against the wall.
Next, grab the edge of the flange with the needle-nose pliers and pull the anchor sleeve straight out. If the anchor head strips or cannot be removed, tap it about 1/8 inch into the wall, cover it with drywall compound, and then paint over it. Place a screwdriver end onto the notched head of the anchor and turn it counter-clockwise until the anchor is free.
If you are looking for a quicker solution, there is a newer type of wall anchor called EZ Anchor that can be simply unscrewed from the wall. If you are unable to find EZ Anchors, another option is to use a utility blade to cut the face of the anchor off and then gently push the remaining part of the anchor into the wall. However, this method should be done with caution as it can lead to injury.
After removing the anchor, you can repair the wall by applying drywall compound with a putty knife. Wipe the compound back and forth over the hole in an "X" motion until the hole is completely filled. Once the hole is filled, smooth out the putty and wipe off any excess until it is flush with the wall. Allow the drywall compound to dry, and then sand, prime, and paint the wall if needed.
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Using Togglers
TOGGLER Drywall Anchors are the strongest of all plastic toggle anchors and can be used in hollow or solid walls. They are also vibration and shockproof, so they won't damage your wall or ceiling.
To use TOGGLER plastic toggle anchors, first, mark your intended hanging site with a pencil. This will help guide your drilling and ensure that your mounted item is level.
Next, fit your electric drill with an appropriately-sized bit. For TOGGLER plastic toggle anchors, you will need to drill a 5/16” diameter hole. Drill the hole at a 90-degree angle relative to the wall, keeping the drill steady.
Once the hole is drilled, fold the anchor in the middle and insert it into the hole. Tap the anchor gently with a hammer until it is flush with the wall. Then, insert the key to pop the anchor open and lock it behind the hollow wall.
Finally, place the item you want to hang over the anchor and insert the screw. Tighten the screw with a screwdriver until it is flush with the fixture.
TOGGLER plastic toggle anchors are ideal for hanging items such as paintings, prints, mirrors, and TVs. They can also be used with shelving systems and are perfect for closet, kitchen, garage, or workshop shelves.
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Frequently asked questions
You can drill a pilot hole with a nail and hammer or a power drill. If you use a power drill, use a Phillips bit. Then, insert the plastic anchor and tap it in. Finally, twist in the screw.
If the anchor is bending, this could mean there is something solid behind the drywall, such as a stud. In this case, do not put in a plastic anchor. Just put in the screw, and the stud will hold it.
If the anchor breaks off inside the wall, you may have over-tightened it. You can try using Togglers instead, as they are stronger and hold more weight.
If the anchor spins inside the wall, try using Togglers. They use nylon plastic as a locator to hold everything in place as you fasten the machine screw.
