How to Hang Things on Drywall

Fasteners are used to securely hang decorations on drywall.

Drywall (also known as wallboard, plasterboard, gypsum board or sheetrock) is a construction product used to finish the interior of many homes. Usually, sheets are cut to fit the shape of a wall, then secured to the framing with nails. Although drywall offers many advantages such as ease of installation, it is often damaged by nails and screws when hanging home decor. To avoid these problems, there are several types of fasteners you should use.

Things You'll Need

• Hammer
• Brass-plated picture hook
• Bradawl
• Plastic expansion anchor
• Drill
• Nylon toggle anchor
• Molly bolt
• Toggle bolt
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Hammer brass-plated picture hooks into drywall using a light-weight hammer. The nail guide socket on the front of the hook assures that they are angled properly and flush with the drywall. These fasteners are used to hang pictures, calendars and lighter objects.

2. Poke a small hole in the drywall using a bradawl (screwdriver-like tool with a beveled tip used for making holes), then press a plastic expansion anchor into the hole. The hole should be slightly smaller than the anchor. According to NaturalHandyman.Com, these fasteners are the most commonly used and are available in several designs and sizes for hanging all types of things.

3. Make a hole using a bradawl or drill, then insert a nylon toggle anchor. The hole should be the same size as the anchor. According to FactsFacts.Com, these fasteners are best used to hang bathroom fixtures and towel racks.

4. Drill a hole the size of a molly bolt, a special bolt which has sides that expand as it is tightened. Push the molly bolt into the hole and turn it until it's tight. Once the fastener has expanded, loosen the bolt slightly to accommodate the object you want to hang. This fastener is used to hang medium and heavy weight objects.

5. Drill a hole the size of a toggle bolt, a special bolt similar to a molly bolt which has metal sides that expand to create a sturdy anchor. Remove the bolt from the toggle wings and place the object you want to hang on the bolt. Screw the toggle wings back to the end of the bolt then push the closed wings through the hole until they open. Pull the bolt so that the toggle wings are snug against the wall and tighten with a screwdriver. This fastener is used to hang heavy objects.

References

• Facts Facts: Fastening Things to Drywall
• QC Focus: What is Drywall?
• Natural Handyman: Using Wall Anchors