Omar Khalid
Drywall anchors are used to attach items to walls when wall studs are unavailable. They are typically used for hanging lightweight items such as picture frames, small shelves, or light fixtures. Plastic wall anchors are also called expansion anchors, and they reinforce a screw in the wall surface so it can't be easily ripped out. They can be used in drywall, concrete, brick, metal, or wood. Installation is a simple process and typically does not require pre-drilling.
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What You'll Learn
How to use plastic wall anchors
Plastic wall anchors, also known as expansion anchors, are used to hang lightweight items such as pictures, mirrors, clocks, and small decorative objects on walls. They reinforce a screw in the wall surface so that it cannot be easily ripped out. Wall anchors can be used in drywall, concrete, brick, metal, or wood.
To use a plastic wall anchor, first, mark the intended location of the anchor with a pencil. If you are hanging larger pictures, consider using two anchors to provide greater holding power and stability. You can also use one anchor-and-screw combo as the primary holder and add a smaller anchor to hold the object steady.
Next, drill a hole in the wall for each anchor. Use an electric drill for concrete or wood walls and a drill or an awl for drywall. If you are using a self-drilling anchor, you may not need to drill a hole. Instead, you can simply tap the anchor into the wall with a hammer until it is flush with the wall surface.
Once the hole is drilled, push the plastic wall anchor into the hole with your finger and tap it gently with a hammer until it is flush with the wall surface. If the anchor bends, remove it and insert another anchor.
Place a screw in the center of the wall anchor. Make sure the screw is not too large for the anchor. Tighten the screw with a screwdriver. Do not insert the screw completely into the anchor, as a portion of the screw stem must be exposed to hang the object. As you turn the screw, the anchor will expand to grip the sides of the hole.
To remove a plastic wall anchor, place a screwdriver at the end of the notched head of the anchor and turn it counterclockwise until the anchor is free. If the anchor head strips, tap it about 1/8 inch into the wall, cover it with drywall compound, then paint over it.
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Marking the wall and drilling a hole
First, mark the intended location of the plastic anchor with a pencil. This will help you identify the exact spot where you need to drill. If you are using a molly bolt, also known as a "hollow wall anchor", you will need to decide between a pointed and unpointed style. Pointed tips can simply be tapped into place with a hammer, whereas dull-tipped unpointed anchors require you to drill a pilot hole into the drywall. Check the packaging of your molly bolt to determine which style you have and whether you need to drill a pilot hole.
If you are using a different type of anchor, such as a self-drilling anchor, you will need to drill a hole. Self-drilling anchors are ideal for projects that require drilling through drywall, as they feature sharp teeth on one end, eliminating the need for a pilot hole. However, it is important to be cautious during installation, as overtightening can damage the drywall and reduce the security of the hold.
When drilling a hole, it is important to use the correct tools. For concrete or wood walls, use an electric drill, and for drywall, use a drill, an awl, or a small finish nailer. Drill a hole for each anchor, ensuring that the hole is large enough for the toggle bolt to slip through when in its folded position. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging for guidance on the appropriate drill bit widths.
By following these steps for marking the wall and drilling a hole, you will create a secure foundation for your plastic wall anchor and ensure a successful installation.
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Inserting the anchor and screw
To begin, mark the intended location of the plastic anchor with a pencil. If you're hanging larger pictures, consider using two anchors to increase stability and holding power.
Drill a hole in the wall for each anchor. For concrete or wood walls, use an electric drill, and for drywall, use a drill or an awl. If you're using pointed tip molly bolts, you don't need to drill a pilot hole; you can simply tap them into place with a hammer.
Next, push the plastic wall anchor into the hole with your finger, tapping it gently with a hammer until it's flush with the wall surface. If the anchor bends, remove it with a pair of pliers and insert a new anchor.
Place a screw in the centre of the wall anchor. If you purchased the anchors separately, select the right screw for the anchor by trying out a few different sizes. Tighten the screw with a screwdriver. As you turn the screw, the anchor will expand to grip the sides of the hole. Do not insert the screw completely into the anchor, as you'll need to leave a portion of the screw stem exposed to hang the object.
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Using the correct tools
For example, if you are using a self-drilling plastic anchor, you may not need any tools at all, as these anchors can be installed by hand. However, if you are using a different type of plastic anchor, such as a sleeve-style anchor, you will need a range of tools, including a drill, a flat-head screwdriver, and needle-nose pliers.
If you are fixing the anchor to drywall, you will need different tools than if you were fixing it to concrete or wood. For drywall, a manual screwdriver or cordless drill can be used to remove the screw from the plastic sleeve of the anchor. You can then use a flat-head screwdriver to pry up the edge of the flange, before grabbing it with needle-nose pliers. For concrete or wood walls, an electric drill is recommended to make the initial hole for the anchor.
When using a drill, it is important to go slowly and carefully to avoid overdriving the screw. A rubber mallet or hammer can also be used to gently tap the anchor into the wall until you reach the threads. Again, care should be taken not to overtighten, as this can damage the anchor and the surrounding surface.
It is also worth noting that some plastic anchors come with screws included, so you may need to select the right screw size if they are purchased separately.
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Removing the anchor
Removing a plastic screw anchor from drywall can be done in several ways. Firstly, you need to identify the type of anchor and the item it supports. Expansion anchors, for example, support lighter-weight items and usually have a small plastic head that overlaps the drywall or is flush with the edge. Threaded drywall anchors, on the other hand, support heavier items and are thicker and denser plastic. They are screwed directly into the wall without a pilot hole and have a larger, thicker head.
If you are dealing with an expansion anchor, simply withdrawing the screw will often cause the anchor to collapse behind the wall. For threaded drywall anchors, removing the screw may be enough, but if the anchor has been overtightened, you may need to try other methods.
One method is to use a screwdriver and a hammer. Place the screwdriver on top of the anchor and strike it with the hammer. Then, rub your hand across the surface to ensure the entire head is below the drywall surface. If not, tap the anchor again. After the anchor is recessed, you can repair the drywall.
Another method is to use a screw and pliers. First, screw the screw back into the insert about halfway. Then, take the pliers and gently turn and pull on the screw head to loosen and remove the anchor. Alternatively, you can use needle-nose pliers to grab the plastic ring on the inside of the anchor, then close the pliers to collapse the inside and slide the anchor out.
If the anchor is still difficult to remove, you can try drilling a hole in the middle and using a screw that is slightly larger than the hole. Run the screw in fairly deep, then pull it out, taking the anchor with it. If the anchor is extremely stubborn, you can try melting it with a fire-starter wand or cutting it out of the wall, but be aware that this may cause more damage to the wall.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic wall anchors are used to hang lightweight items such as pictures, small shelves, light fixtures, and decorative objects. They can be used in drywall, concrete, brick, metal, or wood.
First, mark the intended location of the anchor with a pencil. Drill a hole in the wall for each anchor, using an electric drill for concrete or wood walls and a drill or awl for drywall. Push the anchor into the hole and tap it gently 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.
Plastic anchors are often sold with screws in the correct sizes. If you bought the anchors separately, select a screw that fits perfectly. If the screw size isn't listed on the package, you may need to try a few different screws.
Plastic anchors are typically used for lightweight items. Keep the weight of the object under 30 lbs. or the anchor may pull out of the wall. For heavier items, use steel hollow wall anchors or toggle bolt anchors.
To remove a plastic anchor, place a screwdriver end onto the notched head of the anchor and turn it counter-clockwise until the anchor is free. If the anchor head strips, tap it about 1/8 inch into the wall, cover it with drywall compound, then paint over it.
