Issues with toggle bolts not catching
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Issues with toggle bolts not catching
I hung a towel bar/shelf with 4 1/4" toggle bolts (molly bolts). I had 2 that didn't catch (open properly behind the wall). I unscrewed the 2 that did catch (leaving the spring part in the wall) and tried again. Same issue even though I tried different bolts. The spring mechanisms seemed to be fine and sprung open when I released them from my hand.
The two that didn't catch came out of the wall with the spring part parallel to the bolt. It was open, but didn't catch due to being parallel rather than perpendicular to the bolt.
My question is, how do I fix this? I have big holes in the wall (maybe 1/2") so I cannot really move to another type of anchor. I believe the brand was Crown Bolt from Home Depot.
There is plenty of room in the wall for the bolt part and the bolts are rated for way more weight than the shelf will ever see.
The two that didn't catch came out of the wall with the spring part parallel to the bolt. It was open, but didn't catch due to being parallel rather than perpendicular to the bolt.
My question is, how do I fix this? I have big holes in the wall (maybe 1/2") so I cannot really move to another type of anchor. I believe the brand was Crown Bolt from Home Depot.
There is plenty of room in the wall for the bolt part and the bolts are rated for way more weight than the shelf will ever see.
#3
I don't understand...what does "didn't catch" mean? Catch on what? And "parallel to the bolt". If they opened, then how can they be parallel?
I wouldn't be using bolts that long to begin with, but once I push the wings through and feel them clear the interior...I pull back on the bolt to set the wings against the interior, then tighten down.
I wouldn't be using bolts that long to begin with, but once I push the wings through and feel them clear the interior...I pull back on the bolt to set the wings against the interior, then tighten down.
#4
Group Moderator
Are you close enough to a stud or some blocking that the wings cannot open?
As with Vic, I'm not sure I'm totally getting what you're saying.
As with Vic, I'm not sure I'm totally getting what you're saying.
#5
Member
Thread Starter
#6
The toggle must be folded in half and the bolt must be sticking out a few threads or the toggle won't open correctly.
#7
Here is a suggestion.
Take every molly bolt and throw them away, I hate those things and haven't used one in 30 years without regret.
I only use Toggler bolts and they are many time easier and fool proof!
https://www.doityourself.com/forum/a...1&d=1510009970
Take every molly bolt and throw them away, I hate those things and haven't used one in 30 years without regret.
I only use Toggler bolts and they are many time easier and fool proof!
https://www.doityourself.com/forum/a...1&d=1510009970
#9
Member
Thread Starter
It seems like I need longer bolts. Apparently what happened was due to not having enough of the bolt screwed in when shoving it in the wall causing the toggle part to pivot. If I do that, it won't clear the drywall + length of butterfly toggle. I think the screws are 2" and I need 2.5" or 3".
#12
I hung a towel bar/shelf with 4 1/4" toggle bolts
#13
I thought that too, until I figured out he meant four... 1/4" diameter bolts... and didn't specify the length he used. They may make 3" and 3 1/2" and 4"... but I doubt anyone makes a 4 1/4" bolt. All makes sense now.