How to Use Drywall Anchors? | Hold Firm in Hollow Wall

Hanging a shelf, mirror, or curtain rod where a stud isn’t available means the screw has nothing solid to bite into. Drywall anchors solve that by expanding behind the board to spread the load. The process is straightforward: pick the right anchor for the weight, drill the correct hole if needed, seat the anchor, and drive the screw until snug. Getting the anchor type and hole size right is what separates a rock-solid mount from a hole in the wall.

How Do You Install a Drywall Anchor?

The basic workflow stays the same across every anchor style. Mark your spot and confirm there’s no stud behind it if you plan to use an anchor. Then drill a pilot hole only if your anchor type requires one, insert the anchor, and drive the screw until the fixture feels secure.

Every anchor package lists the exact drill bit size to use. Follow that number religiously. For expansion-style plastic anchors, the hole is often slightly smaller than the anchor body so the plastic grips the wall as it expands. Toggle bolts are the exception—they need a larger hole so the folded wings can pass through.

Stop tightening the moment the screw or fixture feels snug. Overtightening strips the drywall, spins the anchor loose, or weakens the whole connection. A firm tug on the fixture after installation confirms the hold before you hang your final load.

Which Drywall Anchor Type Should You Choose?

Match the anchor to the weight you’re hanging. Each style handles a different load range, and using one rated below your item’s weight is a common failure point.

Step-by-Step Installation by Anchor Type

Each anchor style has its own seating method. Here’s the exact sequence for the four most common types.

Plastic expansion anchor. Drill a pilot hole slightly smaller than the anchor body. Tap the anchor flush with the wall surface, then insert the screw and tighten.

Self-drilling (threaded) anchor. Then add your screw. The coarse threads do the cutting as they spin in.

Molly bolt. Drill the hole to the package spec, then tap the molly in until the flange sits against the wall. Remove the screw if you need to attach the fixture first, then reinsert it through the item and into the expanded sleeve.

Toggle bolt. Drill the larger hole required for the folded wings. Thread the bolt through your fixture first, fold the wings flat, and push them through the wall. If you’re securing a heavy item like a TV mount, our tested roundup of drywall anchors for TV mounts covers the highest-capacity options.

Snap toggle. Drill the hole sized for the anchor, insert the strap assembly, and tighten the bolt.

What Mistakes Ruin a Drywall Anchor Installation?

Most failed installations trace back to a handful of avoidable errors. The biggest one is using the wrong hole size—too small and the anchor won’t seat; too large and it spins freely in the wall.

Overtightening runs a close second.