Installing Drywall Anchors

Drywall anchors
  • 1-2 hours
  • Beginner
  • 40-100
What You'll Need
Drywall anchors
Stud finder
Hammer
Drill
Drill bits
Measuring tape
Pencil
What You'll Need
Drywall anchors
Stud finder
Hammer
Drill
Drill bits
Measuring tape
Pencil

In times of seasonal changes, your drywall can experience warping which can cause nails and screws to come loose, this can be stopped by using drywall anchors. Drywall is a very soft material that is easily warped. The holes where the nails are inserted will get larger over time and eventually come through. To keep the drywall in place, screws should be used in conjunction with using drywall anchors. Many professional contractors use only nails to affix drywall because they want a job to be finished and nails are faster to use and cheaper. Drywall anchors help to disperse weight and keep the drywall screws safely in place. The article that follows will explain how you can install drywall anchors for the purpose of hanging shelves, clocks, and other small items.

Step 1 - Find the Right Location

Drywall anchors to hang clocks and shelves are placed much differently than anchors to affix drywall. The process, in fact, is just the opposite. You want to install the drywall anchors between the studs and not within the stud. Use the stud finder to first find the studs and mark its position so you do not strike it with any of the drywall anchors. Doing so can damage the anchor. Use a measuring tape to determine where you want to hang your item. Keep a note of where the studs begin and end. You can place a shelf over a stud as long as the supports do not get attached to the stud. Double check your measurements because if you make holes in the drywall that aren't needed, it can cause the drywall to not be structurally sound or aesthetically pleasing.

Step 2 - Make the Guide Holes

A pilot hole is a good way to easily fasten drywall anchors because it gives it a great starting point. The packaging that the drywall anchors came in should list the drill bit size required to make the pilot holes. If the drywall anchors are loose or no size is listed on the packaging, you can find the right drill bit size. The drill bit you use should match the center of the drywall anchor. Hold the bits up to the anchor until you find the right size. Install the proper bit into the drill. Drywall is very chalky which means it is soft so you do not have to use the drill on high speed. Make a pilot hole in the areas where you measured and make sure you go through the drywall.

Step 3 - Insert the Drywall Anchors

Inserting drywall anchors is easy to do. Place one of the anchors in the pilot hole and hold it in place if it does not stay on its own. Use the hammer and gently tap the drywall anchor until it enters the hole. Continue to hammer the drywall anchor into the wall until it is flush with it. When you install the drywall screws through the anchor they expand to grip firmly.