How to Use Drywall Anchors

Great for building walls, drywall isn't so great as a base for attaching items. Drywall is made of powdery gypsum and paper, and it covers wide expanses inexpensively. It's great for soundproofing, but these positives also make drywall a weak base for installing wall shelves, pictures, towel bars, or light cabinets.

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.

1. Select Drill Bit

   Select the correct size of drill bit by consulting the instructions on the drywall anchor package. If you do not have the instructions, estimate the bit size by comparing bits to the shaft of the sleeves. When in doubt, use a smaller bit than the one that seems appropriate.
   

2. Drill Hole in Drywall

   Fit the drill bit in the drill. Drill a hole in the drywall.

3. Tap Sleeve In

   Push the sleeve into the hole by hand. If the sleeve is tight, gently tap it with the hammer.
   

   Tip

   If the sleeve resists, do not continue to tap. Instead, remove it, drill a slightly larger hole, then insert a new sleeve.

4. Drill Screw Into Sleeve

   Drill the screw into the plastic sleeve with a drill or with a manual screwdriver.

How to Install a Drywall Threaded Corkscrew Anchor

You'll need a hammer, small nail, and screwdriver to install a threaded drywall anchor.

1. Pierce Hole

   For nylon (plastic) anchors, create a small start hole by tapping a nail into the drywall's paper. Metal anchors do not need a start hole as they are strong enough to create one on their own.
   

2. Twist Anchor Until Flush

   Place a Phillips or flat head screwdriver in the notched head of the anchor. Turn clockwise, applying firm (but not hard) pressure, to draw the anchor into the drywall.

3. Finish Anchor

   Turn the anchor until it is flush with the drywall paper. Do not twist too hard or you risk stripping the head of the anchor.
   

4. Add Screw

   Add the provided screw to the 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.

1. Drill Hole

   Consult the product's instructions for the diameter of the drill bit to use to drill the hole.
   

2. Attach Bolt to Item

   If the bolt is attached to the wings, detach it. Slide the bolt through the hole in the item you want to attach to the wall.
   

3. Put Wings on Bolt

   Thread the wings onto the bolt. Make sure that the open part of the wings is facing toward the head of the bolt.
   

4. Insert Wings and Bolt in Hole

   Compress the wings. Slide into the hole.
   

5. Pull Wings Ahead

   With one hand, pull the bolt and its attached item forward. You should feel the wings touch the back of the wall. Maintain this pressure as you turn the bolt clockwise.

6. Fasten Bolt and Item to Wall

   Continue turning clockwise until the item is securely fastened to the wall. Do not overtighten.
   
   

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.

1. Remove Screw

   With the manual screwdriver or cordless drill, remove the screw from the plastic sleeve.
   

2. Pry up Side of Sleeve

   The anchor's plastic sleeve has a flange that rests flat against the face of the drywall. Use the flathead screwdriver to pry up the edge of the flange.
   

3. Remove With Pliers

   Grab the edge of the flange with the needle-nose pliers. Pull the anchor sleeve straight out.

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.