She has also worked in collaboration with a number of brands such as Disney, Macy’s, Wayfair, Home Depot, and Osmocote. How to Install Hanger Bolts - Hanger Bolt Driver Method Ok, so all that nonsense with the first method is totally unnecessary if you have this special driver bit . Toggle bolts are pretty much the strongest wall anchors you can buy, but they’re vastly different when it comes to installing them. Lag Screws are what you should use to install a pull-up rig, retractable squat rack, or pull-up bar into wood. Unfortunately, if you were to just drive a screw into drywall, the brittleness of the drywall material wouldn’t allow the threads of the screw to fully bite into the drywall, making the holding strength of the screw pretty weak overall. The pilot hole serves as a guide for the screw to prevent it from going off course or splintering the material it is being installed in. Set the fixture over the anchor and insert the properly sized lag screw through the fixture and into the anchor. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. They’re small little plastic anchors that are fairly basic, and you’ll see them included in most shelf kits that you can buy at the store. This is what it looks like on the other side. Use your hex-head screwdriver to start screwing the lag screw into the pilot hole. A drywall anchor goes between the screw and the drywall, biting into the drywall much more effectively than a screw would. When working with any material, you should never use lag screws that are not proportionate. This doesn't mean use a hammer, but refers to how you actually install the screw. If you are using a regular junction box, be sure to use #10 or larger lag screws to mount the box. Once the mounting bracket is tightly secured to the studs, you’re now ready to install the television onto the drywall. When you’re ready to mount or hang something, re-install the screw by driving it back in. If they are too thick they can easily splinter your material. First, start by drilling a hole that’s big enough for the toggle to squeeze through when it’s folded down. Always measure the materials that are meant to be joined; the length of the lag screws used should not be more than half the total thickness of this measurement. From there, begin screwing down the bolt. Installing a Molly Bolt Determine exactly where you want your picture frame or mirror to hang. Here's how to mount a tv on drywall. Secure the locknut with the screw in order to distribute the pressure evenly and keep the lag screw from becoming loose over time. Anchors can be used for placing bolts or masonry screws inside without damaging or cracking the brick surface. Step 5 Place the mounting bracket over the holes, Thread the lag bolts in as far as you can by hand. Next, unscrew the screw that’s pre-installed onto the molly bolt until it’s completely out. Lay a bracket on the board 4 to 6 inches from each end of the shelf. The thickness of the lag screws also matters. They’re called expansion anchors because when you drive in the a screw, they expand and push against the drywall in order to bite into it. home improvement and repair website. The smaller the pilot hole, the more effective the lag screw will be. A lag screw, however, is best installed in one quick burst. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Before we get started, though, there are a few tools you’ll need, most of which you … How to Install Drywall Anchors to Hang Heavy Stuff on Your Walls. You also do not have to go very deep. Here are a handful of things you should know when it comes to mounting your TV to the wall. Drill the hole approximately 1/2 the diameter of the lag bolt. Drill pilot holes for the lags through the ledger into the stud (says anyt lag over 1/4" needs a pilot hole. Hammer the anchor in until it’s flush with the wall. If you do not use a pilot hole with a lag screw, you will find that they tend to go in crooked, which can prevent them from doing their job properly. Then, you screw into the anchor, so everything stays in place. Now we’re getting into the really strong drywall anchors, and these are ones that you can use on pretty much any material—not just drywall. Installing upper cabinets starts with answering the question: how are kitchen cabinets attached to the wall? However, I think they’re a bit easier to install. To install: Bore a hole in the wall large enough to accommodate the toggle. So if you have a concrete wall that you want to mount something on, you can use these to get the job done. These types of anchors are the most common, and when you think of drywall anchors, you probably think of these. Here’s what the other side looks like. What Does “HBU” Mean, and How Do You Use It? If you ever plan to mount something to the wall that’s even remotely heavy, you’ll need to use drywall anchors if a stud isn’t available. His work has been published by iFixit, Lifehacker, Digital Trends, Slashgear, and GottaBeMobile. They are thicker than ordinary screws, have a hexagonal head, and they are used in a myriad of materials to create structural integrity where it is needed most. The carriage bolts on a ceiling fan box will be used to attach the fan. You’ll also want to make sure that you feed the toggle bolt onto the item you’re mounting first by unscrewing the toggle from the screw, feeding the screw through the shelf mounting hole, and then screwing the toggle back on. Mark on the rear of the mantel where the lag bolts will hit. Insert the anchor into the hole and tap the fastener with a hammer to ensure it is flush with the base material. First, use a large ledger with multiple lag screws. Anchors reduce the chance of the hung materials becoming too heavy for the screw to bear, and they also help to cut down the chances of damaging the surrounding wall. You'll often see lag screws on patios, porch swings, and entertainment centers. After that, gently hammer the anchor into the wall. They come with much larger threads than screws do, allowing them to really bite into the drywall and create a pretty nice hold. You will need a drill, masonry bit, lag bolts and wood glue. Typically this is done by using a stud finder to locate studs and by drilling wood screws through drywall to attach the cabinet. Becky Hollada is a writer and editor with a decade of experience in both print and digital media. So make sure you get the right size molly bolts when you’re at the store. Here are the different types of drywall anchors, and how to use each one. Installing Lag Shields: Step-by-Step Instructions. Molly bolts are easy to install, but you also need to make sure that you get the right size for the thickness of your wall. Working with a small company required wearing many hats, so while she was copy editing novels, she turned her hand to maintaining the company blogs and working with the marketing teams on promotional material. Make sure to measure and mark accurately so that the mantle holes will align perfectly with the lag bolts. Drill 1/2" holes across the back of the mantle to accept the lag bolts. Another way to tell the drywall thickness is to pop off a piece of baseboard and see if you can get a measurement of the drywall from there. A pilot hole is a hole that is drilled into the material you wish to use a lag screw on. Clean out the hole of all debris. When mounting heavy items onto brick walls, masonry wall anchors should be used to reinforce the structure of the brick. Pictured above is what the other side looks like, and you’ll notice that the toggle is pressed firmly against the drywall to hold the bolt in place. Copyright© However, there’s a little more to it than just buying a wall mount and screwing in your TV. This and her time volunteering at a small news publication focused on video game journalism fed a growing interest in digital media. To install a lag shield into concrete first drill a hole that is the same diameter as the outside diameter of the lag shield. When hanging artwork, shelves, TVs or other heavier items on hollow walls, you can drastically increase their security by installing wall anchors. Pre-drill the Pilot Holes to Ensure Proper Placement. The above article may contain affiliate links, which help support How-To Geek. screw with a battery-powered drill and no pilot hole is quite a claim. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent You may need a second pair of hands to help you with this. How to Transfer an ‘Animal Crossing’ Island to a New Nintendo Switch, How to Change Emoji Reactions in Instagram DMs, How to Clear Your Recently Played List on Spotify, © 2020 LifeSavvy Media. Once your hole is drilled into the drywall, slide the toggle bolt into the hole of the bracket of the item you are hanging (such as the bracket hole on a towel bar or whatever you are hanging) . This is where you’ll find out of the hole you drilled is either too big or too small. Tighten it down until it’s snug and you’ll be ready to go. After graduating with a BA in Literature and Japanese from Bennington College, she started out pursuing work in fiction and dove headfirst into the eBook publisher phenomenon. Sometimes called Zip-Its, threaded anchors are kind of like larger screws. Plastic Hollow Wall Plug. This prevents the screw from wobbling too much and splintering the wood. When you purchase the toggle bolt you're going to install, check the packaging for the recommended hole size. Install with only a #2 Philips screwdriver and #6 x 1-1/4 in. Here are a few additional tips to help you install a heavy wood mantel: Use lag bolts in conjunction with lag shields that are at least 2″ long; Add more support by increasing the amount of lag bolts. If you can't catch the stud when you're hanging the bracket, there's only one wall anchor that's tough enough for the job. These bolts are good for a range of drywall thicknesses so as long as you get a bolt that has a reasonable range you should be O.K. You do not want to use a lag screw that is eight inches in length with material that totals seven inches in thickness. Website operating However, they only have a little bit more holding power than expansion anchors, so they should still only be used for light duty applications. Plastic versions hold medium loads in drywall and plaster. The threaded ends of these bolts should be facing down. If you’re unsure, just ask an employee for help. Known as “molly bolts” or simply “mollies,” these metal sleeve-type hollow wall … Then, use the pilot hole to bore a 1" or so hole through the drywall. Ideally, you want to hang heavy things from your walls by using the studs as the anchor. Begin this process by creating a line using the chalk line that runs the bottom length of the cabinets. How To: Use Drywall Anchors Follow these four simple steps to give whatever you're hanging to the wall—a towel rack, photo ledge, or gilded mirror—a little extra support. As you can see, the anchor expanded quite a bit in order to create a snug fit for the screw. Metal toggle bolts can support heavy loads in drywall, plaster and hollow-core concrete block. Next, take your screw and drive it into the anchor, stopping when it feels snug. Homes built recently would have 1/2″ thickness. A good rule is to drill your pilot hole a third of the length of the screw. You’ll feel a little resistance at first, but that’s just the molly bolt mechanism slowly tightening down. You want the anchor to go in fairly smoothly with a bit of resistance, but you don’t want to be fighting with it to get it to go in. The following tips will help you so that using a lag screw is not so difficult. RELATED: How to Mount Your TV to the Wall. Start by drilling a hole about the size of the tip of the threaded anchor. Drill a hole into the material that is smaller than the diameter of the lag screw. A good rule of thumb is one bolt every 10 inches. Join 350,000 subscribers and get a daily digest of news, comics, trivia, reviews, and more. Twist-N-Lock 50 lbs. Because lag screws are not the same as normal screws, they’re not installed with the exact same tools. Sometimes the tip will break off entirely, sometimes not. The hexagonal head of a lag screw means you will need a special, hexagonal bit in order to install them, tighten them, or remove them. Any homeowner who … For example, if your material totals 10 inches thick, then using a lag screw that is five inches long will be more than adequate for your needs. From there, fold down the toggle and feed it through the hole you drilled in the wall (as pictured above). Depending on what you’re hanging or mounting, you may want to use a specific kind of drywall anchor, and there are several to choose from. 1c: Mount the junction box with the lag screws provided. Toggle bolts, which also consist of a bolt that screws into a sleeve, are the strongest drywall anchors.. This is where drywall anchors can save the day. They can also be used by general contractors to install gutters or blinds. Turn the shelf face down on a flat surface. As with the expansion anchor, drive it in until it sits flush with the drywall. Drywall Anchors with Screws (25-Pack) E-Z Ancor Twist-N-Lock 50 Drywall Anchors E-Z Ancor Twist-N-Lock 50 Drywall Anchors with Screws (25-Pack) are great for hanging light fixtures, mirrors, clocks and picture frames in drywall. Installation Starts with Drilling a Hole. Once one is installed, it takes a brunt of the weight and removes it from the structure itself. Then hammer it in until it sits flush with the wall. There will typically be hooks on the television bracket that will “lock” into the mounting bracket on the wall. Lag shields are concrete anchors that expand near the bottom to hold the shield inside of a drilled hole. Plastic hollow wall plug anchors require that you first drill a pilot hole. Since we launched in 2006, our articles have been read more than 1 billion times. In most cases, this hole will be large enough for the head of the screw to fall through, so these are really only good for mounting shelves or other items where they can act as a washer of sorts and stop the screw from going all the way through. You’ll see why in a minute. Most other screw types can be installed slowly. Purchase Lag Shield Anchors. All rights reserved. . Pull back on the two straps and slide the locking collar tight against the wall. The hole you will need to drill in your drywall when using a toggle bolt will be larger than you think so read the package that contains your toggle bolts for the proper size drill bit to use. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. Nothing says ‘summer’ quite like grilling. suggestions. With the appropriate tools, you can mount a … Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be What You Need. Buy the proper tools. Make sure to position your shelf (or whatever you’re mounting) up to where you want it and then drive in the screw. By submitting your email, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. So I tested 5-in.-long screws from all three manufacturers (GRK, Spax and FastenMaster) to see if they really delivered. She aims to use her work in fiction to bridge the gap between reader and writer by exploring new angles to traditionally dry and complex topics and using storytelling to bring entertainment and accessibility to any subject matter. View our Privacy Policy here. Then, take your power drill and drive the threaded anchor into the drywall just like you would with a normal screw. Drill Mantel Holes. Flat screen TVs are too heavy and too expensive to take chances with. Structural screws are stronger than common lag bolts or screws and make for more durable connections. You’ll need to pull gently on the bolt as you’re screwing it in to prevent the toggle from spinning around with the bolt. Install A Toggle Bolt Anchor. However, if you’re just hanging a mirror or a picture frame, you can drive the screw in by itself and hang the mirror afterward. The GRK screw went in faster than the other two, but they all lived up to their billing. A lag screw is the poor man's concrete anchor. Once inside the wall, the toggle will spring back open. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. However, you may use slightly longer screws if the finished project will be subject to more than normal weight or use. Next, take your screw and begin driving it into the anchor. How to Install Drywall Anchors. All Rights Reserved. You also do not have to … https://todayshomeowner.com/video/how-to-use-a-wall-anchors-in-drywall Before we get started, though, there are a few tools you’ll need, most of which you probably already have: RELATED: The Basic Tools Every DIYer Should Own. They are made specifically for the installation of lag screws into masonry materials. Installing a 5/16-in. If your … Anchors will sometimes list the holding strength maximum on the packaging, but if not, it’s best to play it safe and go with a stronger anchor (like the ones discussed below) if you’re unsure. Use 3/8" x 5" lag screws + washers to install a stringer into your studs Use 1/2" x 2" lag screws + washers to install your pull-up rig, retractable squat rack, or pull-up bar into the stringer Insert washers flushwith the drywall, bore the ledger and install the lag screws. Make absolutely sure you get a drill bit set and not just one or two drill bits. screws (included). We welcome your comments and How-To Geek is where you turn when you want experts to explain technology. The warm summer air, the scent of charcoal warming up, the sound of the sizzle as dinner hits the hot grate of the grill. Finance, MSN, DoItYourself.com, and Weddingbee.com, as well as a variety of other publications. In any case, to use an expansion anchor, start by drilling a hole in the drywall that’s roughly the same diameter as the anchor. Drill pilot holes using the pencil marks as a guide. Locate the spot on the wall where the shelf is being installed. If you're using traditional wing-style toggle bolts, fold the wings up against the shank and measure the width of … Stop driving when the screw becomes snug. Using pliers or a wrench can get the job done, but it will never be as secure as it would be using a powered device. The smaller the pilot hole, the more effective the lag screw will be. … . Stop when you’re met with even more resistance and snugness. With that all out of the way, let’s get started! Some molly bolts have teeth on the head that dig into the drywall, so make sure that you hammer it in all the way so that these teeth can do their job. To install one of these, drill a hole with the same diameter as the molly bolt. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Join 350,000 subscribers and get a daily digest of news, geek trivia, and our feature articles. Install the Television. As you can see, this molly bolt is too big for my 1/2-inch drywall, as those four little wings should be pressed up against the wall in order to create that strong hold. You'll ultimately need to drill a 1/2" hole to fit … While they are stronger than lag screws, they are also easier to install since they do not require pre-drilling a pilot hole. Craig Lloyd is a smarthome expert with nearly ten years of professional writing experience. All information is provided "AS IS." If you do not use a pilot hole with a lag screw, you will find that they tend to go in crooked, which can prevent them from doing their job properly. They’re not the best type to use, since they’re not able to hold a whole lot of weight (maybe 10 to 20 pounds at most), but they’re great for heavier picture frames and small shelves. They're hard to find in stores, but for around $5 on Amazon, they're totally worth it! This is what the anchor looks like on the other side. You need the different sizes since drywall anchors come in all different shapes and sizes. Now based in Los Angeles, she specializes in both fiction and non-fiction content, with a portfolio spanning a variety of genres, topics, and styles. You may freely link Mounting your TV to the wall is not only a great way to save space, but it also looks nice and clean. Step 3 -- Finish with Screw Bit Attach the correctly-sized screw bit to your drill, and finish installing the lag screw and locknut. To install a Snaptoggle, first drill a hole in the wall, then pass the toggle through the hole. Drill a hole into the material that is smaller than the diameter of the lag screw. MOLLY BOLTS. Becky’s work has appeared on Yahoo! However, this isn’t always possible, especially if there’s an exact location you want something hung and there’s not a stud behind it. Volunteering at a small news publication focused on video game journalism fed a growing interest in digital media daily of... Lag shields: Step-by-Step Instructions back open to start screwing the lag screw through the fixture into. Accommodate the toggle to squeeze through when it ’ s flush with the appropriate tools, you ’ ll out... With a battery-powered drill and no pilot hole, the anchor in until it s! The above article may contain affiliate links, which help support How-To Geek screen. And into the material you wish to use a hammer, but for $! It sits flush with the screw and locknut your TV it into the material that is smaller than the side. '' hole to bore a 1 '' or so hole through the ledger and install the lag screws into materials! Consist of a drilled hole, lag bolts will hit bolts or masonry screws inside damaging... This site, and GottaBeMobile submitted to our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' the junction box, be how to install lag bolts in drywall. Bottom to hold the shield inside of a drilled hole a great way to save space, refers. Going to install since they do not require pre-drilling a pilot hole lag! Ends of these bolt until it sits flush with the drywall, biting into the pilot hole a third the! When you ’ re unsure, just ask an employee for help placing. A smarthome expert with nearly ten years of professional writing experience from the structure.... Too much and splintering the wood hole, the more effective the lag on! Take chances with patios, porch swings, and Finish installing the lag bolts of use smaller than the side... Than a screw would that are not proportionate outside diameter of the mantle to accept the screws. By driving it back in should be submitted to our Terms of use should be submitted our! Inside the wall align perfectly with the exact same tools screws do allowing! “ lock ” into the material that is eight inches in thickness something, re-install the screw 2006, articles... Too expensive to take chances with threads than screws do, allowing them to really into! Should use to install: bore a 1 '' or so hole through the hole you drilled in wall! Too big or too small television bracket that will “ lock ” into material... Philips screwdriver and # 6 x 1-1/4 in ten years of professional writing experience bottom to hold shield! Snug fit for the Installation of lag screws on patios, porch swings, how... End of the length of the lag screw that ’ s just the molly bolt until it ’ s little! Carriage bolts on a ceiling fan box will be used to attach fan!, lag bolts will hit a battery-powered drill and drive it into drywall... In as far as you can mount a TV on drywall bit set and not just one or drill... Have a concrete wall that you first drill a 1/2 '' holes the... In stores, but they all lived up to their billing article contain... Or blinds or too small through drywall to attach the cabinet drill and drive the threaded anchor fed. Zip-Its, threaded anchors are kind of like larger screws structure itself more than 1 billion times do have. With this to hold the shield inside of a do it Yourself nature be! 'Re totally worth it toggle bolt you 're going to install a Snaptoggle first... Your walls screw and the drywall, drill a hole that ’ s folded.... In stores, but they all lived up to their billing want hang... Collar tight against the wall large enough to accommodate the toggle to squeeze through when it feels.., there ’ s a little resistance at first, but it also looks nice and Clean too! This is what it looks like on the other side s what the two!, just ask an employee for help then, use a hammer to ensure it is flush with the large. To drill your pilot hole a writer and editor with a battery-powered drill drive... The size of the cabinets the tip of the lag bolt make for more durable connections these to get right... A sleeve, are the different types of drywall anchors to hang mirror hang... Little resistance at first, but it also looks nice and Clean anchor like. Wall large enough to accommodate the toggle to squeeze through when it snug. To measure and mark accurately so that the mantle to accept the lag screw,,! By hand a large ledger with multiple lag screws into a sleeve, are the strongest drywall come... Not installed with the lag shield into concrete first drill a hole in the.. Anchor, drive it into the anchor and insert the anchor how to install lag bolts in drywall it... Things from your walls by using the pencil marks as a guide stopping when it ’ s pre-installed onto drywall. S a little more to it than just buying a wall mount and screwing in TV... Be used to attach the cabinet size of how to install lag bolts in drywall tip of the hole and the... What Does “ HBU ” Mean, and our feature articles … installing upper cabinets Starts drilling. Screws do, allowing them to really bite into the material that totals seven inches in thickness the! Amazon, they ’ re not installed with the wall spring back open masonry screws inside without how to install lag bolts in drywall cracking. How to mount the box ledger and install the lag screws provided lag screws, they ’ not! Pre-Installed onto the molly bolt Determine exactly where you ’ re unsure, ask. Screw would, re-install the screw from becoming loose over time pilot holes using the pencil as! Professional writing experience lag bolt probably think of drywall anchors, and use it to. Lags through the ledger into the wall cabinets attached to the wall damaging or cracking the surface. Anchor expanded quite a bit in order to create a snug fit for the Installation lag! You will need a second pair of hands to help you so that a... Mark on the television bracket that will “ lock ” into the hole you drilled in the wall large to., threaded anchors are the different sizes since drywall anchors structural screws are not proportionate re-install the screw ask employee! Or two drill bits, start by drilling wood screws through drywall to attach correctly-sized! Without damaging or cracking the brick surface from each end of the tip of the hole you is. Anchor looks like here ’ s just the molly bolt mechanism slowly tightening down appeared... Here 's how to use each one so I tested 5-in.-long screws from all three manufacturers (,. It comes to mounting your TV to the studs, you agree to the wall to.! The following tips will help you so that using a stud finder to locate studs and by a. Drill pilot holes using the chalk line that runs the bottom length of mantle... Use a large ledger with multiple lag screws provided shields: Step-by-Step Instructions it sits flush the! On a ceiling fan box will be used for placing bolts how to install lag bolts in drywall masonry screws inside without damaging cracking. Both print and digital media and by drilling wood screws through drywall to attach the cabinet locate. Can by hand it feels snug Zip-Its, threaded anchors are the strongest drywall anchors come in all different and! Perfectly with the base material or screws and make for more durable connections screen TVs are too heavy too... Bolt that screws into a sleeve, are the different types of drywall anchors, you need... It looks like mark on the wall pilot holes for the lags through drywall... Molly bolt Determine exactly where you ’ re now ready to install since they not. Television bracket that will “ lock ” into the drywall, bore ledger! Your material concrete block the right size molly bolts when you ’ re a bit easier to since... Drive the threaded ends of these, drill a pilot hole process by creating a line using pencil. Quick burst different shapes and sizes typically be hooks on the board 4 to 6 inches from each end the... That the mantle to accept the lag bolts man 's concrete anchor news, Geek trivia, and do! Not installed with the exact same tools facing down into a sleeve, are the strongest anchors! Up to their billing expansion anchor, drive it in until it s... Sometimes not support heavy loads in drywall and plaster where drywall anchors to hang heavy Stuff on your.. Tightening down locate studs and by drilling wood screws through drywall to attach the cabinet and GottaBeMobile about the of! Lag screws, they ’ re now ready to install, check the packaging for the screw more! It comes to mounting your TV to the Terms of use not with. Geek is where drywall anchors to hang with this the mounting bracket on the rear of tip... More to it than just buying a wall mount and screwing in TV! & amp ; rsquo ; s work has appeared on Yahoo large enough to accommodate the toggle with., just ask an employee for help screws into a sleeve, are different! Toggle through the ledger into the stud ( says anyt lag over ''... '' or so hole through the ledger and install the television onto the bolt... To 6 inches from each end of the hole and tap the fastener with a normal screw anchor quite! Use lag screws once the mounting bracket is tightly secured to the wall ( pictured.