How to Use Drywall Anchors

Drywall anchors help you attach items to walls when wood studs are unavailable behind the drywall. Made of fragile gypsum and paper, drywall tears away when it's unsupported. Learning how to use drywall anchors lets you install wall shelves, pictures, towel bars, or light cabinets easily and safely.

Before You Begin

Drywall anchors have weight limits and recommended usages. So, pick the best drywall anchor for your project.

Safety Considerations

Heavy items such as pedestal sinks, large furniture, and kitchen wall cabinets should not be installed on the wall with drywall anchors. Instead, attach heavy items firmly to wall studs.

How to Install a Sleeve Anchor

You'll need the plastic sleeve anchors plus the provided screws. For tools, use a flathead or a Phillips screwdriver, drill, driver bits, a set of drill bits, and a hammer.

1. Select the Drill Bit

   Consult the instructions on the drywall anchor package to select the correct size of drill bit. If you do not have the instructions, estimate the bit size by comparing the bits to the shaft of the sleeves.
   

   Tip

   When in doubt, use a smaller bit than the one that seems appropriate. You can always enlarge the hole if needed.

2. Drill the Hole in the Drywall

   Fit the drill bit in the drill. Drill a hole in the drywall.

3. Tap the Sleeve In

   Push the sleeve into the hole by hand. If the sleeve is tight, gently tap it with the hammer until it is flush with the drywall.
   

   Tip

   If the sleeve resists, do not continue to tap. Instead, remove it, drill a slightly larger hole, then insert a new sleeve.

4. Drill the Screw in the Sleeve

   Drill the screw clockwise into the plastic sleeve with a drill or with a manual screwdriver.

How to Install a Threaded Corkscrew Anchor

Along with the plastic or metal corkscrew anchor, you'll need a hammer, small nail, and screwdriver.

1. Pierce a Hole

   For nylon (plastic) anchors, create a small start hole by tapping a nail into the drywall's paper. Metal anchors do not need a start hole as they are strong enough to create a hole on their own.
   

2. Twist the Anchor Until Flush

   Place a Phillips or flat-head screwdriver in the notched head of the anchor. Turn clockwise. Apply firm (but not hard) pressure, to draw the anchor into the drywall.

3. Finish the Anchor

   Turn the anchor until it is flush with the drywall paper. Do not twist too hard or you risk stripping the head of the anchor.
   

4. Add Screw

   Add the provided screw to the drywall anchor.
   

How to Install a Wing-Style Anchor

You'll need a drill, drill bits, and a screwdriver to attach a wing style anchor on drywall.

1. Drill the Hole

   Consult the product's instructions for the diameter of the drill bit to use to drill the hole.
   

2. Attach the Bolt to the Item

   If the bolt is attached to the wings, detach it. Slide the bolt through the hole in the item you want to attach to the wall.
   

3. Put the Wings on the Bolt

   Thread the wings onto the bolt. Make sure that the open part of the wings is facing toward the head of the bolt.
   

4. Insert the Wings and Bolt in the Hole

   Compress the wings until they are flat. Slide this into the hole. You may feel or hear the wings snap open once they are in the hole.
   

5. Pull the Wings Ahead

   With one hand, pull the bolt and its attached item toward you. You should feel the wings touch the back of the wall. Maintain this pressure. With the other hand, use a screwdriver or drill to turn the bolt clockwise.

6. Fasten the Bolt and Item to the Wall

   Continue turning clockwise until the item is securely fastened to the wall. Do not overtighten.
   
   

How to Remove Drywall Anchors

Drywall Sleeve Anchor

You'll need a drill, a flathead screwdriver, and needle-nose pliers to remove a sleeve-style drywall anchor.

1. Remove Screw

   With the manual screwdriver or cordless drill, remove the screw from the plastic sleeve.
   

2. Pry up Side of Sleeve

   The anchor's plastic sleeve has a flange that rests flat against the face of the drywall. Use the flathead screwdriver to pry up the edge of the flange.
   

3. Remove With Pliers

   Grab the edge of the flange with the needle-nose pliers. Pull the anchor sleeve straight out.

Drywall Threaded Corkscrew Anchor

Remove the item and screw from the anchor. Place a screwdriver end onto the notched head of the anchor. Turn counter-clockwise until the anchor is free.

Drywall Wing Style Anchor

With a screwdriver, turn out the bolt counter-clockwise. The wings will drop into the wall. Remove the item from the bolt.