Use a drywall anchor if you need to hang something on the wall but it is not practical to drill into a stud.
How about drywall anchors, though?

Drywall anchors, which go into the wall before a screw or bolt, can be made of metal or plastic. These anchors, as opposed to a typical nail, grip the walls and provide sturdy support for hanging decorations like portraits and mirrors.

But not every drywall anchor is the same. There are five fundamental categories of anchors, each with unique weight restrictions and requirements.
Here are some important facts.

ARE DRYWALL ANCHORS Necessary? Using a nail to hang something on drywall can put stress on the brittle material, making the nail come out. Therefore, for goods weighing less than five pounds, you can typically get away with using just a nail, even if it is ideal to utilize drywall anchors for heavier objects.

Use a drywall anchor or drill directly into a stud if you have heavier things. Drywall anchors make it less likely for an object to burst through the wall by distributing the weight of the object.

THE FIVE TYPES OF EXPANSION ANCHORS FOR DRYWALLS

A plastic sleeve and a screw are features of expansion anchors. These are frequently seen with paper towel holders or curtain rods.

The plastic expansion component goes into the wall first when installing them. The plastic anchor then expands when you insert your screw, securing it to the wall.

The weakest kind of drywall anchor is called an expansion anchor. They can support 10 to 30 lbs.

PULL-TOGGLE DRYWALL ANCHORS

Plastic anchors and toggle bolts are combined in pull-toggle anchors. To use them, insert the toggle into a pilot hole that has already been bored, and then pull the strap to tighten it.

You screw in your bolt after the attached plastic strap secures the metal plate.

This kind of anchor can support heavier loads, making it perfect for things like TVs and mirrors. (You should still check the package for any specific weight restrictions, though.)

Switch bolts

Bolts with toggles have been used for a very long time. They function similarly to drywall anchors with a pull-toggle.
However, they don’t have a plastic strap attached to them; instead, they are spring-loaded.
Compared to many other types of anchors, toggle bolts demand larger pilot holes. Most toggle bolts have a weight capacity of 30 to 50 pounds.
DRYWALL ANCHORS FOR SELF-DRILLING

Self-drilling anchors have a drill tip that makes it possible to use a screwdriver to fasten them to the wall. These anchors firmly hold the drywall by gripping it.

Once the anchor is in the wall, you can add your fastener.
Self-drilling anchors are available in metal and plastic. Despite being simple to install, these aren’t the ideal option for very large items.
MOLLY BOLTS/METAL ANCHORS

Traditional drywall anchors are similar to metal anchors or Molly Bolts, but they can support much heavier loads. Use a Molly Bolt (a sort of hollow wall anchor) by screwing it into a pilot hole that has already been bored.

On the other side of the wall, it will enlarge and provide a substantial amount of support.
Most metal anchors have a 50-pound weight capacity.
HOW ARE DRYWALL ANCHORS USED? It normally only takes three simple actions to use drywall anchors:

Drill a pilot hole first. To determine the correct drill bit size, consult the packaging. Use a screwdriver to screw self-drilling anchors into the wall if you’re using them. attach the anchor. You can find installation instructions in the package. The anchor must typically be set by screwing, tapping, or pulling a toggle. Put the fastener in place. Now is the moment to insert your screw or fastener. (Toggle bolts are an exception. These must be positioned with the object you are hanging.) HOW MUCH WEIGHT CAN DRYWALL SUPPORT IF NOT SUPPORTED BY AN ANCHOR? Drywall typically has a holding capacity of no more than five pounds without an anchor. However, in reality, this will depend on the kind of thing you’re hanging and the drywall’s thickness.

For instance, even if two things have the same weight, those that pull forward, such as a shelf or 3D decor, are more likely to rip the nail out of the wall than small picture frames.

What alternative to drywall anchors is there? Use a screw driven into a wall stud if you don’t have a drywall anchor. A stud can firmly retain heavy-duty goods without the need for specific anchors, unlike brittle gypsum plasterboard.

WHY KEEPS PULLING OUT MY DRYWALL ANCHORS? The main cause of drywall anchors pulling away from the wall is that they are overloaded with weight. This is particularly true of common plastic anchors.

Your greatest option is to swap out your flimsy anchor for one that is stronger.

ARE DRYWALL ANCHOR HOLES REUSABLE? Yes, on occasion, you can utilize the same anchor holes for drywall. For instance, if you remove a plastic anchor, you may likely replace it with a metal or another plastic anchor without any issues.

However, you generally shouldn’t if you removed the anchor and it caused damage to the wall or hole.

LAST THOUGHTS If you want to hang anything on the wall but can’t find a stud, drywall anchors are essential. Depending on what you’re hanging and your particular preferences, there are various types to choose from.

The typical plastic anchors you frequently see can support only a small amount of weight, making them perfect for lightweight objects like picture frames and curtain rods. Use toggle bolts, pull-toggles, or metal anchors to hang a heavy object.