Nails and screws are not designed to install securely into drywall and other wall types, such as tile. Instead, use drywall anchors to hang your mirrors, shelves, decorations, artwork, and more. There are a variety of drywall anchor types from which to choose, and the best ones for you will depend on the items you plan to hang.
To help you narrow down your options and find the right product, we compiled this guide of some of the best drywall anchors online. Here are our top choices.
Top 5 Drywall Anchors
- TOGGLER SNAPTOGGLE BA Toggle Anchor: Best Heavy-Duty
- Swpeet Assorted 24 Pcs Toggle Bolt: Best Toggle
- ITW Brands 25310 Drywall Anchor: Best Mid-Duty
- Qualihome Plastic Drywall Anchor Kit: Best Plastic
- Ansoon Zinc Self-Drilling Drywall Anchors: Most Durable
Compare Top Drywall Anchors
| Product | Weight Capacity | Material | Anchor Type | Anchors per Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|
TOGGLER SNAPTOGGLE BA Toggle AnchorCheck Price | 238 pounds | Steel, Zinc | Toggle | 100 |
Swpeet Assorted 24 Pcs Toggle BoltCheck Price | Various | Metal | Toggle | 24 |
ITW Brands 25310 Drywall AnchorCheck Price | 75 pounds | Steel | Self-drilling | 50 |
Qualihome Plastic Drywall Anchor KitCheck Price | 50 pounds | Plastic, Steel | Self-drilling | 100 |
Ansoon Zinc Self-Drilling Drywall AnchorsCheck Price | 50 pounds | Zinc | Self-drilling | 25 |
Best Heavy-Duty
TOGGLER SNAPTOGGLE BA Toggle Anchor
Good for: Those seeking a sturdy set of anchors that can hang large, heavy items.
These sturdy toggle drywall anchors are ideal for hanging large, heavy items. They work on materials up to 3 5/8 inches thick, including drywall, gypsum board, and concrete. One thing we particularly like about these drywall anchors is that the channels stay in place when installing bolts, whether by hand or with a screw gun. These anchors also come with plastic tabs that make them easy to align.
Pros and Cons of TOGGLER SNAPTOGGLE BA Toggle Anchor
- Have a high weight capacity and holding power
- Only need a small drilling hole
- Are made with corrosion-resistant, zinc-plated steel
- Do not come with screws
- Have a high price point
What People Are Saying About The TOGGLER SNAPTOGGLE BA Toggle Anchor
We find that customers who like this product are pleased with their durability and high weight capacity. Others feel these anchors are difficult to insert, and some users are disappointed they do not come with screws.
Best Toggle
Swpeet Assorted 24 Pcs Toggle Bolt
Good for: Those seeking a drywall anchor set with multiple bolt sizes that can hang a variety of light-to-medium-weight items.
This set of toggle bolts includes three sizes: 1/4 inch, 3/16 inch, and 1/8 inch. The bolts have a durable and corrosion-resistant zinc coating and feature a wing-nut design that presses against the wall to keep items in place. The set comes with both screws and toggle bolts.
Pros and Cons of Swpeet Assorted 24 Pcs Toggle Bolt
- Made with durable material that resists rust and corrosion
- Includes three bolt sizes
- Sold in a clear plastic case for easy identification and storage
- Come in a small pack size
- Cannot hang heavy items
What People Are Saying About The Swpeet Assorted 24 Pcs Toggle Bolt
Our team finds that customers impressed by these drywall anchors say they’re sturdy and easy to install. Others are pleased there are multiple sizes in the same pack. However, some customers feel as though these anchors break easily, and some claim that they’re too big to use in small holes.
Best Mid-Duty
ITW Brands 25310 Drywall Anchor
Good for: Consumers who want high-quality anchors that can hold items between 50 and 75 pounds.
These anchors can hold up to 75 pounds, making them a good choice for hanging light fixtures, towel bars and other bathroom accessories, or small mirrors. Our team likes the twist-and-lock mechanism that keeps them in place. The set includes 50 total anchors.
Pros and Cons of ITW Brands 25310 Drywall Anchor
- Split and grip drywall, ensuring a strong hold
- Don’t require predrilling
- Have a light color that blends in with most walls
- Not made for reuse
- Not as sturdy as metal anchors
What People Are Saying About The ITW Brands 25310 Drywall Anchor
We find that customers that are pleased with these drywall anchors like that they’re easy to set up and have a secure base. Several customers like how useful they are for setting up curtain rods in particular. However, some reviewers feel these anchors strip easily, and others say they hold less weight than advertised.
Best Plastic
Qualihome Plastic Drywall Anchor Kit
Good for: Customers seeking a durable set of plastic anchors that can hang small items, such as photographs and decorative materials.
This pack of 100 plastic drywall anchors is great for projects that involve hanging several small items, such as a gallery wall. The anchors split and expand inside the wall for maximum support. They also include a ribbed shank that prevents them from turning inside the hole during installation. These anchors are reusable, helping you save money.
Pros and Cons of Qualihome Plastic Drywall Anchor Kit
- Available in various sizes
- Don’t require tools for installation
- Have a sleek, level profile that blends into your wall
- Weight limit is not listed, so product shouldn’t be used for large items
- Not as heavy-duty as other models
What People Are Saying About The Qualihome Plastic Drywall Anchor Kit
Our team finds that those who like this product say the anchors are highly versatile and sturdily designed. Several others are happy they come with a drill bit. However, some customers feel these anchors are hard to get into the wall, and several others find that the drill bit is too large for the anchors.
Most Durable
Ansoon Zinc Self-Drilling Drywall Anchors
Good for: DIYers looking for a well-built set of reusable drywall anchors that can hold medium-sized items.
These durable drywall anchors are made with heavy-duty zinc for extra durability. Each anchor holds up to 50 pounds and works in drywall up to 5/8 inch thick. Additionally, these anchors don’t require predrilling and feature a deep-thread design that provides strong engagement.
Pros and Cons of Ansoon Zinc Self-Drilling Drywall Anchors
- Reusable and repositionable
- Comes with anchors and screws
- Can be purchased in carbon steel or nylon
- Pack only comes with 25 pieces
- Not designed for holding extra-large items
What People Are Saying About The Ansoon Zinc Self-Drilling Drywall Anchors
We find that customers who leave positive reviews like that the anchors are well-built and durable. Others like that they’re versatile and hold a large amount of weight. Those who leave negative reviews claim these anchors are difficult to insert and require predrilling. Others say they have issues with the anchors being too fragile despite being made of metal.
Drywall Anchor Buying Guide
When purchasing drywall anchors, consider factors such as weight limit, screw size, and material to ensure you buy the best product for your needs. Read our guide below to learn more about the most important considerations.
Weight Limit
A drywall anchor’s weight limit determines how heavy of an item you can hang from it. If you’re hanging a small photograph or towel holder, the weight limit will matter less than if you’re hanging a shelving unit or large mirror. Ensure you know the weight of the item you’d like to hang before purchasing anchors. It’s particularly important to be aware of your item’s weight if it’s fragile, as using too small of an anchor could cause it to fall and break.
Screw Size
Many drywall anchors come in kits that include the necessary screws. If you buy a drywall anchor set that does not come with screws, carefully check that you have the right size screws for the anchors, and purchase them if you don’t. The correct screw size is often listed on the package.
Material
Drywall anchors are typically either metal or plastic. Metal anchors are stronger, more durable, and better for holding large items. Plastic anchors are less expensive and often come in larger packs. They are better suited for hanging small items, such as small artwork and pictures.
Types of Drywall Anchors
There are several different types of drywall anchors, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are the main drywall anchor types you will encounter and what their common functions are.
Toggle Bolt Anchors
Toggle bolt anchors, also called industrial bolt anchors, are ideal for heavy-duty use. They are available in both plastic and metal and have a butterfly-like shape with wings that lock against drywall. While durable and designed for large items, they can sometimes be challenging to install because they require drilling a large hole.
Expansion Anchors
These anchors expand to create a tight bond with drywall when installed. They are usually made of plastic and are best suited for lightweight items.
Self-Drilling
Self-drilling anchors, also called threaded anchors, can easily cut through walls and require only a screwdriver for installation. They’re typically made from hard nylon or metal and are designed to hold heavy items.
Molly Bolts
Molly bolts, also called “mollies,” are screws encased with metal that expand inside predrilled holes. They are best suited for medium-sized items and are removable if necessary, which is a rarity among drywall anchors.
Steel-Hollow Wall Anchors
Steel-hollow anchors are sturdy and can typically hold at least 40 to 50 pounds per anchor. They feature metal casing with a screw and a load-distribution washer. When inserted, they expand and tightly hold onto drywall for extra stability.
What Can You Hang With Drywall Anchors?
There are certain items you simply can’t hang from a nail or screw, especially on drywall ceilings and walls. With drywall anchors, you can securely hang heavy objects and ensure they stay in place. Here are some things you can hang with drywall anchors:
- Artwork
- Bookshelves
- Clocks
- Light fixtures
- Memorabilia
- Mirrors
- Paper towel holders
- Picture frames
- Shelving
- Towel racks
- TV mounts
- Wall-mount cabinets
Drywall Anchor FAQs
When do you not need a drywall anchor?
If you can locate a wall stud using a stud finder, you won’t need to use a drywall anchor, as nails driven into studs can hold a large amount of weight.
How much weight can drywall anchors hold?
The weight drywall anchors can hold varies significantly based on the type of anchor and the specific model. Typically, smaller drywall anchors can hold anywhere from 10 to 50 pounds, while more heavy-duty models can hold up to 200 pounds.
How do you install drywall anchors?
You can install self-drilling anchors without using a power drill by screwing them into drywall with a screwdriver. For most drywall anchors, however, you should drill a pilot hole in the wall using a drill bit that’s smaller than the anchor’s width. Then, place the anchor in the pilot hole and lightly tap it with a rubber mallet until it is fully inserted. Avoid hammering in drywall anchors, as it could break the drywall and create too large of a hole.
Are drywall anchors reusable?
Some drywall anchors are designed to be reused, but it’s important to check the individual product description first if you plan on using an anchor more than once. Most toggle bolts, for example, are not reusable. Reusable metal or plastic anchors still need to be carefully removed. If the anchor is broken once you remove it from the wall, it can’t be reused.
Who This Drywall Anchor Guide Is For
Drywall anchors are useful tools for any homeowner looking to hang items from their walls. But finding the best drywall anchors for your needs is challenging if you don’t know what to look for. We created this guide by researching the best drywall anchors and considering various models and sizes, including toggle anchors, self-drilling anchors, hooks, plastic anchors, and more.
How We Selected the Best Drywall Anchors
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of drywall anchors with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and backyard fencing to pool vacuums and snow blowers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.