How to Install Screws and Anchors in Walls

You must tie a heavy object into a wall stud, or it will tear a hole in your wall as it comes crashing down. However, you can hang lighter objects between studs using a hollow-wall anchor.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vise-Grips
• Bolts
• Drill Bits
• Drywall Screws
• Multiuse Screws
• Screwdriver Sets
• Spring Clips
• Stud Finders
• Variable-speed Drills
• Drill Bits

Installing Hollow-Wall Anchors

1. Choose a hollow-wall anchor such as a molly bolt, toggle bolt or plastic hollow-wall insert for a hollow wall or door.

2. Mark the position for the anchor or insert. Drill a hole in the wall just large enough to fit the anchor or insert.

3. Thread a screw through a molly bolt or toggle bolt before you push it through the wallboard into the hollow space in the wall. If using a plastic hollow-wall insert, place the insert into the hole before driving the screw or attaching the hook. Do not overtighten.

4. Alternatively, consider a relatively new type of anchor that looks like a giant screw with huge threads. You can simply thread these anchors directly into wallboard using a power screwdriver or a hand screwdriver; they bury themselves so they are flush with the wall and have a threaded opening to put a screw into.

Installing Screws in Solid Wood

5. Make sure that the threads are long enough to reach a joist or stud if you are installing a weight-bearing screw through Sheetrock.

6. Locate the stud and mark it with a pencil (see 'eHow to Locate Wall Studs').

7. Drill a pilot hole smaller than the hardware. Usually a 1/8-inch bit works well for this.

8. Turn the screw into the pilot hole, starting by hand. Use pliers if this becomes too difficult.

[alebene]

on 7/26/2008 I am a woman, I HATE plastic anchors. The BUTTERFLY anchors are much less breakable; they make sense. I have never ever succeeded in installing a plastic anchor. They never, ever fit: either I make the whole too small and the plastic anchor gets stuck and I have to pry it out with pliers or I it is too big. I HATE plastic anchors. The directions always make it seem so simple, but anytime I ask anybody to help me (especially men) they somehow come up with something else to do. So my conclusion: PLASTIC ANCHORS are only for professionals. Otherwise, BUTTERFLY anchors are much, much more user-friendly.

[xbogeymanx]

on 1/4/2007 This is a wonderfull article on installing toffle bolt anchors, but how in gods name to you remove them and keep the toggle part?

[coolchick]

on 12/22/2006 Installing Hollow Wall Anchors -- Step 4 -- this method seemed to work best for me. I remodeled a bathroom, and was truly struggling to hang a robe hook on the wall. Nothing seemed to work! Step 4, the anchors that look like a giant screw with the huge threads was the way to go. Plus they are extremely easy to use!