If you are trying to hang a painting, shadow box, shelf, or a creative art piece that seemed like a good idea when you bought it, you might be considering different wall anchors. Attempting to hang something too heavy for the wall can be both frustrating and damaging.
As a rule of thumb, you will likely be looking to hang your piece on drywall, so below are three basic types of different wall anchors and their purposes.
Plastic Ribbed
These are the most common type of anchors used. They are best for lightweight objects like pictures and small wall décor. You will first drill a pilot hole in the spot you wish to insert your screw. The plastic sleeve of the anchor then twists into the predrilled hole and you may then screw your screw into the sleeve.
Self-Threading
These anchors are made for medium-duty hanging such as larger pictures in frames, larger wall décor and so on. The basic design of these anchors is that the anchor itself is pretty much just a nut with a point on the end. These anchors require no drill or screwdriver, and can be twisted into the spot where you wish to hang. You then screw the screw into the anchor to hang your piece.
Toggle Bolt
These facilitate the heaviest weight among the different wall anchors, holding up to 40 pounds if installed correctly. Their strength comes from wings that grip inside the wall and give more stability.
Remember, any wall anchor will be strongest when installed directly into a stud. Studs are the pieces of wood that make up the frame for your wall. They are generally around 12 inches apart. Studs can be found through the tried and true knocking method, or you could simply invest in an electronic stud finder.
At A Loss?
Try contacting a professional. A qualified handyman will know which anchor you need and where to hang your piece. TalkLocal can find a qualified handyman in your area quickly and easily. The best part is that our service is entirely free.
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