Maya Ellison
Plastic things with screws are commonly known as plastic screw anchors, wall plugs, screw shields, or molly bolts. They are used to attach items to walls when wood studs are unavailable behind the drywall. They are also used in cabinetry, as they are easy to install and remove. Plastic screw anchors come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors and are best used with solid materials like concrete, brick, and drywall.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Wall plugs, screw anchors, drywall anchors, mollies, wall anchors, rawl plugs, screw shields, lead anchors |
| Uses | To attach items to walls, especially when wood studs are unavailable behind the drywall; to hang items like picture frames, mirrors, curtain rails, and towel racks; to attach or anchor PVC panels, plastic, or wood; to hang light-load items like picture hanging hooks; to stabilize other hangings or items that have a more secure primary anchor; for cabinetry |
| Installation Process | Drill a hole in the wall, put the anchor in, then put the screw in; for nylon anchors, create a small start hole by tapping a nail into the drywall's paper; place a screwdriver in the notched head of the anchor, turn clockwise, and apply firm pressure; turn the anchor until it is flush with the drywall paper; add the screw to the drywall anchor; compress the wings until they are flat, slide into the hole, and turn the bolt clockwise until the item is securely fastened to the wall |
| Weight Restrictions | Drywall anchors have weight limits and recommended usages; heavy items such as kitchen wall cabinets should not be installed on the wall with drywall anchors |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic screw anchors for concrete
Plastic screw anchors, also known as wall plugs, screw anchors, or molly bolts, are plastic pieces used alongside screws. They are commonly used in concrete walls and are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours.
Plastic screw anchors are best used with solid materials, such as concrete, brick, or drywall. They are ideal for light-load situations where the force will typically be straight down, such as hanging picture frames. They can also be used to stabilize other hangings or items with a more secure primary anchor.
When using plastic screw anchors in concrete, it is important to stick to lighter loads to avoid breakage. The anchors can be used with sheet metal screws, and the larger anchors can accept larger screws for increased strength.
To install plastic screw anchors, you will need a drill, screwdriver, and hammer. First, drill a hole in the concrete that is slightly smaller than the width of the anchor. Then, press the anchor into the hole and tap it gently with a hammer until it is flush with the surface. Finally, screw into the anchor carefully.
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Plastic screw anchors for cabinet doors
Plastic screw anchors are commonly used in walls and cabinet doors. They are used in light-load situations where the force is usually straight down. They are also used to stabilise hangings or items with a more secure primary anchor.
Plastic screw anchors are ideal for cabinet doors because there is usually minimal force, and they give a flush, smart look that is easy to install and remove. This makes future painting easier.
Plastic screw anchors are best used with solid materials. They are commonly used in concrete, although it may seem counterintuitive. However, lighter loads should be used to avoid plastic concrete anchor breakage.
To install plastic screw anchors, a pre-made or pre-drilled hole is required. The anchor is pressed into the hole and pushed until it is flush with the surface. It can be carefully tapped with a hammer if needed. The hole should be slightly smaller than the anchor for a better grip.
Plastic screw anchors are available in various shapes, sizes, and colours. Larger options can accept bigger screws, providing extra strength.
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Drywall anchors
To use a drywall anchor, you must first drill a hole in the wall. The hole should be slightly smaller than the width of the anchor to ensure a good grip. Next, insert the anchor into the hole and push it until it is flush with the surface, using a hammer if necessary. Once the anchor is secure, you can screw into it, being careful not to overtighten.
Overall, drywall anchors are a useful tool for hanging items on walls, offering a simple and effective solution for light-duty applications.
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Wall plugs
One of the most common types of wall plugs is the universal wall plug, typically made from nylon. These plugs expand when a screw is tightened, providing a secure hold in the wall. Universal wall plugs are ideal for mounting light objects onto hollow walls and are often used for hanging items such as picture frames, mirrors, and other light decorations.
Another type of wall plug is the plasterboard plug, specifically designed for use with plasterboard or drywall. These plugs have a unique umbrella-like design, opening out when inserted and tightened, providing a robust foundation for screws and bolts. Plasterboard plugs are commonly used for light fixtures, such as mirrors and picture frames, and can safely distribute weights of up to 10kg.
Butterfly wall plugs are designed for use with two-section hollow materials. When tightened, the back section, consisting of four wings, is drawn forward, providing stability in shallow holes. Butterfly wall plugs are perfect for hanging small mirrors, paintings, and other lightweight items.
Toggle plugs, also known as heavy-duty wall plugs, feature a spring-loaded construction with wings surrounding a screwed thread. They are inserted deeper into the wall and provide a secure hold for hanging cabinets, sliding doors, shelves, and wall-mounted bookcases.
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Molly bolts
The molly bolt was patented in 1934 by George Frederick Croessant, who recognised the need for an expandable fastener that could be retightened and reused. The design includes an expandable sleeve that slides into a drilled hole in the wall. This sleeve has a lip wider than the hole to prevent it from falling behind the wall, and often includes cleats or spikes to prevent rotation during compression. When a machine screw is inserted into the sleeve, the anchor expands and grips the inside of the hole, creating a strong and secure connection.
While molly bolts are effective for hanging heavy objects, they may not always be readily available in big box stores. Some users have also shared mixed experiences with their performance, suggesting that factors like user error or the quality of the bolts can impact their effectiveness. However, when used correctly, molly bolts can be a convenient and strong solution for hanging or mounting objects on drywall.
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Frequently asked questions
The plastic things with screws are called plastic screw anchors, wall plugs, screw shields, molly bolts, or wall anchors.
Plastic screw anchors are used to attach items to walls when wood studs are unavailable behind the drywall. They can be used to hang items such as mirrors, curtain rails, photo frames, and towel racks.
There are two main types of plastic screw anchors: ribbed and standard. Ribbed screw anchors have a ribbed design that helps prevent spinning and allows for greater expansion and hold. Standard screw anchors are used with sheet metal screws in block, brick, concrete, and drywall.
To install a plastic screw anchor, first drill a hole in the wall that is the same size as the anchor body. Then, insert the anchor into the hole and screw it in tightly. Finally, attach the item you want to hang by screwing it into the anchor.
Plastic screw anchors can be purchased online from retailers such as Amazon and specialty hardware stores such as All Points Fasteners. They are typically sold in combo packs that include a variety of sizes and types of anchors and screws.
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