Maya Ellison
Plastic wall anchors are a useful tool for hanging lightweight items such as pictures, small shelves, or light fixtures. They are typically cone-shaped and expand within the wall when a screw is inserted, gripping the back of the wall to provide stability. However, one common issue with plastic anchors is that they can sometimes pull out of the wall, especially if they are used to hang heavy items or subjected to vibration or pounding loads. To prevent this from happening, it is important to select the right type of anchor for the specific application, ensuring that the anchor is rated to hold the weight of the object being hung. The size of the pilot hole and the stability of the material behind the wall are also critical factors in ensuring that the plastic anchor does not pull out.
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What You'll Learn
Use the right anchor for the job
When it comes to hanging items on your walls, selecting the right type of anchor is crucial to ensure that your objects remain securely in place. Here are some important considerations to help you choose the most suitable anchor for your specific needs:
Weight of the Object:
The weight of the item you plan to hang is a critical factor in choosing the right anchor. Different types of anchors have varying weight capacities. For example, plastic ribbed anchors are commonly used for lightweight objects, typically supporting up to 10 pounds per pair. On the other hand, threaded drywall anchors can accommodate heavier objects, rated for weights up to 25 pounds. If you intend to hang heavier items, consider using hollow-wall anchors, which can hold up to 30 pounds per pair on plaster, paneling, or hollow walls.
Wall Type:
The type of wall you are working with will also influence your choice of anchor. For instance, if you have plaster walls, self-drilling anchors are recommended. Traditional plastic anchors may not be the best choice for plaster walls as they can tear apart during installation. Metal anchors are often a better option for plaster, but be cautious not to apply too much torque to avoid damaging the wall. For drywall, plastic ribbed anchors, threaded drywall anchors, and hollow-wall anchors are suitable options.
Expansion and Grip:
Consider the mechanism by which the anchor expands and grips the wall. Plastic ribbed anchors, for example, expand within the wall when a screw is inserted, with their sharp threads biting into the surrounding material. The amount of ribbing on the anchor affects the friction and grip, so choose accordingly. Additionally, ensure that the pilot hole is the correct size to allow for adequate expansion of the anchor. If the hole is too big, the anchor may not grip securely and could pull out.
Installation Ease and Stability:
Some anchors are designed for ease of installation. Self-drilling wall anchors, for instance, feature sharp teeth that eliminate the need for pre-drilling, making them ideal for projects requiring drilling through drywall. Strap toggle anchors, on the other hand, are more challenging to install but offer superior holding strength. They are made of zinc-plated steel or stainless steel and can typically hold up to 100 pounds.
Pilot Hole Considerations:
When using plastic anchors, the size of the pilot hole is critical. It should be slightly smaller than the anchor to ensure a tight fit. If the hole is too large, the anchor may not expand enough to grip the surrounding surface securely. Additionally, consider the material behind the drywall. If you have brick or concrete, you may need to push through the drywall to reach a stable substrate.
In summary, choosing the right anchor for the job involves considering the weight of the object, the type of wall, the expansion and grip mechanism, installation ease, and the size of the pilot hole. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and select anchors that are specifically designed for the weight and type of application you intend to use them for.
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Avoid plastic anchors in ceilings
Plastic wall anchors are useful for hanging lightweight pictures and small decorative objects. However, they are not suitable for ceilings unless the object being hung is very lightweight. Plastic wall anchors can support up to 30 pounds, but if the weight is outward pressure, as with a shelf, a larger anchor is necessary.
Plastic ribbed anchors are the most common type of anchor for lighter items. They can hold up to 10 pounds per pair and are installed by drilling a hole, inserting the anchor, and tapping it into place. They have a flange at one end to prevent them from being pulled through the wall. Winged plastic expansion wall anchors have wings that prevent the anchor from pulling out of the wall. Screw-in anchors are used for lighter items such as picture frames, small shelves, or light fixtures. They are easy to install and do not require pre-drilling.
When installing plastic wall anchors, it is important to select the right anchor for the job. The hole should be drilled slightly smaller than the diameter of the wall anchor for a tight fit. The anchor should be pushed into the hole and tapped gently with a hammer until it is flush with the wall surface. A screw is then placed in the centre of the anchor, and as it is tightened, the anchor will expand to grip the sides of the hole.
Plastic wall anchors can fail if they are subjected to vibration or pounding loads. They are also not suitable for plaster walls, as they tend to tear apart rather than drill in. When removing plastic wall anchors, they can often be carefully pulled out with needle-nose pliers or a screwdriver. If they are tightly embedded, a utility blade may be necessary to cut the anchor or the top layer of drywall.
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Drill a hole deeper than the screw length
Drilling a hole deeper than the screw length is a common practice when working with plastic anchors to prevent bulging. This technique is especially useful when dealing with concrete or dense materials. By creating a hole that accommodates the anchor, you can ensure a secure fit without the anchor protruding excessively.
When drilling into concrete, for instance, it is recommended to drill a hole deeper than the screw length. This allows the plastic anchor to be driven fully into the concrete, providing a more permanent solution. The extra depth ensures that the anchor can be hidden within the hole, maintaining a smooth surface and preventing any unsightly bulging.
Additionally, drilling a deeper hole can help address issues with spinning anchors. By providing more space for the anchor to engage, the risk of spinning is reduced. This is particularly useful when dealing with plastic anchors, which may have lower friction and holding power compared to metal alternatives.
The process of drilling a deeper hole involves careful planning and execution. First, select the appropriate drill bit size, considering the screw size and material type. It is generally recommended to choose a drill bit that is slightly larger than the screw shank diameter, especially when working with dense materials like concrete or hardwood.
Once the hole is drilled, it is important to remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated. This can be done using a vacuum or compressed air. After cleaning the hole, you can proceed with inserting the plastic anchor and driving the screw. By following these steps and ensuring the hole is deeper than the screw length, you can effectively prevent bulging and achieve a secure and aesthetically pleasing installation.
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Use lubricants to reduce friction
When installing plastic anchors, lubricants can be used to reduce friction. Lubricants are substances that reduce friction between two surfaces in relative motion. Friction occurs when two surfaces come into contact, causing abrasion, adhesion, and ploughing. Lubricants form a film between the surfaces, preventing them from seizing upon contact.
When choosing a lubricant for plastic parts, it is essential to consider the compatibility between the lubricant and the plastic material. Using an incompatible lubricant can cause stress cracking and failure of the plastic. Manufacturers typically determine compatibility by monitoring changes in the physical properties of the plastic, such as weight, volume, hardness, strength, and elongation, under various conditions.
Lubricants based on silicone, perfluorinated PFAE, mineral oils, and synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO) are generally compatible with plastics. These lubricants provide excellent performance and are suitable for a wide range of temperatures. On the other hand, lubricants based on esters and polyglycols are typically not recommended for use with plastics, although there may be exceptions depending on the specific type of plastic.
The viscosity of the lubricant is another important factor to consider. High-viscosity oils, such as those with an ISO VG of 100 or higher, are less likely to penetrate and adversely affect plastic materials. However, they may cause viscous drag at lower loads, so it is essential to select the appropriate viscosity for the specific application.
Additionally, the use of additives in lubricants should be carefully considered. Solid additives like graphite and molybdenum disulfide should be avoided as they can weaken plastic parts. However, PTFE solid additives can provide benefits such as reducing startup friction and providing dry lubrication.
By selecting a compatible lubricant with the appropriate viscosity and considering the use of additives, you can effectively reduce friction when installing plastic anchors, leading to improved performance and increased longevity of the plastic components.
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Use multiple anchors for heavy items
When hanging heavy items, it is recommended to use multiple anchors to distribute the weight evenly and prevent the fasteners from pulling out of the wall.
Firstly, mark the intended location of each anchor with a pencil. The number of anchors will depend on the weight of the item being hung. For larger pictures, for example, it is recommended to use two anchors to provide greater holding power and stability.
For each anchor, drill a hole in the wall. The hole should be smaller than the collar of the anchor to ensure a tight fit. If drilling into concrete or wood, use an electric drill. For drywall, a drill or an awl can be used, with the latter creating less dust.
Next, push the plastic anchor into the hole with your finger and gently tap it with a hammer until it is flush with the wall surface. Place a screw in the centre of the anchor and tighten it with a screwdriver. As you turn the screw, the anchor will expand to grip the sides of the hole.
By using multiple anchors and following the correct installation procedure, you can effectively hang heavy items on your walls without the risk of the anchors bulging or pulling out.
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Frequently asked questions
First, mark the intended location of the plastic anchor with a pencil. Drill a hole in the wall for each anchor. The hole should be smaller than the anchor for a tight fit. Next, push the plastic anchor into the hole and tap it gently with a hammer until it is flush with the wall surface. Finally, place a screw in the centre of the wall anchor and tighten it with a screwdriver.
Plastic anchors may pull out of the wall if the pilot holes are too big. Most plastic anchors are tapered, so they need to fit tightly in the hole. Plastic anchors can also fail if they are subjected to vibration or pounding loads. They are not suitable for use in plaster walls or old drywall boards.
If the plastic anchor is tightly embedded, use a screwdriver as a counter-screw bit. Tap the screwdriver with a hammer to make sure it gets a good hold, then apply pressure and twist it counter-clockwise. Once the anchor is loose, grip the edge with needle-nose pliers and pull it out.
