Anchoring Products Guide
Complete guide to wall anchors, concrete anchors, and specialty fastening solutions for drywall, masonry, concrete, and hollow materials
Downloadable Reference Guides
Quick access to all anchor specification charts and selection guides
Drywall Anchor Comparison
Load ratings for all drywall anchors
Concrete Anchor Guide
Load capacity and installation
Anchor Selection Reference
Application-based recommendations
Wedge Anchor Specs
Sizing for wedge anchors
Hex Sleeve Anchor Specs
Hex head sleeve sizing
Flat Sleeve Anchor Specs
Flush-mount sleeve sizing
Lag Shield Specs
Short and long shield sizing
Machine Screw Anchor Specs
Machine screw anchor sizing
Drywall & Hollow Wall Anchors
Drywall and hollow wall anchors are designed to hold securely in thin or hollow materials where traditional screws would pull through. Each type offers different load capacities and installation methods.
Plastic Expansion Anchors
Load Capacity: 10-25 lbs (light duty)
- Installation: Drill hole, insert anchor, drive screw
- Expands as screw is driven
- Most economical option
- Best for 1/2" drywall
- Sizes: #6, #8, #10, #12
- Best for: Picture frames, lightweight shelves, decorations
- Not suitable for: Heavy loads, frequent adjustments
Self-Drilling Drywall Anchors
Load Capacity: 25-50 lbs (medium duty)
- Installation: Drive directly with drill (no pre-drill)
- Sharp threads cut into drywall
- Coarse thread design
- Removable and reusable
- Sizes: Various diameters and lengths
- Best for: Towel bars, light fixtures, curtain rods
- Advantage: Faster installation, no pilot hole
Toggle Bolts (Spring-Loaded)
Load Capacity: 50-100+ lbs (heavy duty)
- Installation: Pre-drill hole, fold wings, insert, tighten
- Spring wings open behind drywall
- Distributes load over large area
- Cannot be removed without losing toggle
- Sizes: 1/8" to 1/2" bolt diameter
- Best for: Heavy shelves, grab bars, TV mounts
- Note: Requires larger hole than bolt diameter
Snaptoggle / Toggler Anchors
Load Capacity: 100-265 lbs (extra heavy duty)
- Installation: Insert channel, snap off straps, drive bolt
- Metal channel distributes load
- Bolt can be removed and reinstalled
- Strongest drywall anchor available
- Sizes: 1/4" and 3/8" diameter
- Best for: Heavy cabinets, TV mounts, shelving systems
- Advantage: Reusable, highest load capacity
Molly Bolts (Sleeve Anchors)
Load Capacity: 25-50 lbs (medium duty)
- Installation: Pre-drill, insert sleeve, tighten to expand
- Sleeve expands behind drywall
- Creates permanent anchor point
- Screw can be removed/replaced
- Sizes: Various diameters and lengths
- Best for: Towel racks, mirrors, coat hooks
- Note: More difficult to remove than other types
Threaded Drywall Anchors (E-Z Anchor)
Load Capacity: 40-75 lbs (medium-heavy duty)
- Installation: Pre-drill or self-drill, drive with screwdriver
- All-metal construction
- Deep threads for extra holding power
- Flush-mount design
- Sizes: Various thread diameters
- Best for: Cabinet mounting, heavier pictures, shelves
- Advantage: Stronger than plastic, low profile
Drywall Anchor Comparison Chart
Quick reference for selecting the right drywall anchor based on load requirements and application:
| Anchor Type | Load Capacity | Installation | Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic Expansion | 10-25 lbs Light Duty |
Drill hole, insert, drive screw | Picture frames, lightweight items |
| Self-Drilling | 25-50 lbs Medium Duty |
Drive directly with drill | Towel bars, light fixtures |
| Toggle Bolt | 50-100+ lbs Heavy Duty |
Pre-drill, fold wings, insert, tighten | Heavy shelves, grab bars, TV mounts |
| Snaptoggle | 100-265 lbs Extra Heavy |
Insert channel, snap straps, drive bolt | Heavy cabinets, TV mounts, shelving |
| Molly Bolt | 25-50 lbs Medium Duty |
Pre-drill, insert, tighten to expand | Towel racks, mirrors, coat hooks |
| Threaded Metal (E-Z Anchor) | 40-75 lbs Medium-Heavy |
Pre-drill or self-drill, drive in | Cabinet mounting, heavier pictures |
Important Drywall Anchor Tips
- Always include safety factor: Use anchors rated 2-3× expected weight
- Multiple anchors: Distribute load across several anchors when possible
- Wall thickness matters: Check drywall thickness (1/2" or 5/8") before selecting
- Stud mounting preferred: For heavy loads, always locate and mount to studs when possible
Download Drywall Anchor Comparison Chart
Print this quick reference for drywall anchor load ratings and applications
Download Drywall Anchor Chart (PDF)Toggle Bolt (Toggle Wing) Specifications
Detailed sizing for spring-loaded toggle bolts - note the required clearance for wings to open behind wall:
| Size | Hole Size | Add to Screw Length* |
|---|---|---|
| #6-32 | 3/8" | 7/8" |
| #8-32 | 1/2" | 1-1/4" |
| #10-24 | 1/2" | 1-1/4" |
| 1/4"-20 | 5/8" | 1-1/4" |
| 5/16"-18 | 7/8" | 1-1/2" |
| 3/8"-16 | 7/8" | 1-3/4" |
| 1/2"-13 | 1-1/4" | 2-3/4" |
Important Toggle Bolt Note
*Add to Screw Length: Because toggle wings must be inserted folded, you must add this length to the thickness of the wall and material being fastened for the wing to open properly inside the wall.
Example: For a 1/2" drywall with 1" fixture thickness using 1/4"-20 toggle = Need 1/2" + 1" + 1-1/4" = 2-3/4" minimum bolt length
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Choose from our complete selection of drywall anchors
Concrete & Masonry Anchors
Concrete anchors provide secure fastening in solid materials like concrete, brick, and block. Selection depends on load requirements, installation permanence, and material conditions.
Concrete Anchor Selection Guide
Compare anchor types by load capacity, installation method, and removability:
| Anchor Type | Load Capacity | Installation Method | Best Application | Removable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wedge Anchor | Very High | Drill, insert, tighten nut to expand | Structural connections, heavy machinery | No (permanent) |
| Sleeve Anchor | Medium-High | Drill, insert through fixture, tighten | Equipment, HVAC, electrical fixtures | Adjustable |
| Tapcon Screw | Light-Medium | Drill hole, drive screw with impact | Light fixtures, railing, furring strips | Yes |
| Drop-In Anchor | High | Drill, insert, set with setting tool | Suspended ceilings, threaded holes | No (permanent) |
| Expansion Shield | Medium-High | Drill, insert shield, drive screw/bolt | General concrete fastening | Difficult |
| Strike Anchor (Nail-In) | Light-Medium | Drill hole, drive with hammer | Furring, conduit, electrical boxes | No |
| Epoxy Anchor (Chemical) | Highest | Drill, clean, inject epoxy, insert rod | Structural steel, seismic zones | No |
Download Concrete Anchor Selection Guide
Print this comprehensive reference for concrete anchor types and applications
Download Concrete Anchor Guide (PDF)Wedge Anchors
Load Capacity: High to very high
- Installation: Drill hole, insert anchor, tighten nut to expand
- Mechanical expansion creates maximum hold
- Permanent installation (cannot be removed)
- For solid concrete only (not block)
- Sizes: 1/4" to 1-1/4" diameter
- Embedment: 2-1/4" to 4-1/2" minimum
- Best for: Structural connections, heavy machinery, permanent fixtures
- Note: Requires precise hole size and depth
Sleeve Anchors (All-Purpose)
Load Capacity: Medium to high
- Installation: Drill hole, insert through fixture, tighten
- Works in concrete, brick, and block
- Threaded bolt or hex head options
- Can be adjusted after installation
- Sizes: 1/4" to 3/4" diameter
- Embedment: 1" to 3-3/4"
- Best for: Equipment mounting, HVAC, electrical fixtures
- Advantage: Most versatile concrete anchor
Drop-In Anchors
Load Capacity: High
- Installation: Drill hole, insert anchor, set with setting tool
- Creates internal threads in concrete
- Flush-mount installation
- Accepts machine screws and threaded rod
- Sizes: 1/4" to 3/4" diameter
- Embedment: Varies by size
- Best for: Suspended ceilings, concrete pours, permanent threaded holes
- Note: Requires special setting tool
Concrete Screws (Tapcon)
Load Capacity: Light to medium
- Installation: Drill hole, drive screw with impact driver
- Self-tapping threads cut into concrete
- Removable and reusable
- Blue corrosion-resistant coating
- Sizes: 3/16" and 1/4" diameter
- Lengths: 1-1/4" to 6"
- Best for: Light fixtures, railing posts, furring strips
- Advantage: Fastest installation, no separate anchor
Expansion Anchors (Single & Double)
Load Capacity: Medium to high
- Installation: Drill hole, insert shield, drive screw/bolt
- Shield expands as fastener is driven
- Single expansion (bottom only) or double (top and bottom)
- Economical option for concrete
- Sizes: 1/4" to 3/4" diameter
- Best for: General concrete fastening, moderate loads
- Note: Performance depends on proper installation depth
Strike Anchors (Nail-In)
Load Capacity: Light to medium
- Installation: Drill hole, drive anchor with hammer
- Fast installation for light loads
- Pin expands as nail is driven
- Permanent installation
- Sizes: 3/16" and 1/4" diameter
- Lengths: 3/4" to 4"
- Best for: Furring strips, electrical boxes, conduit straps
- Advantage: Very quick installation
Epoxy Anchors (Chemical)
Load Capacity: Very high (highest available)
- Installation: Drill hole, clean thoroughly, inject epoxy, insert rod
- Chemical bond provides maximum strength
- Works in cracked concrete
- Can be used in seismic zones
- Sizes: Accepts various rod diameters
- Cure time: 24-72 hours typically
- Best for: Structural steel, high-load applications, critical connections
- Note: Most expensive option, requires proper surface prep
Lag Shield Anchors
Load Capacity: Medium
- Drill hole, insert shield, drive lag screw
- Shield expands as screw is tightened
- Used with lag screws
- Good for brick and block
- Sizes: Matches lag screw sizes
- Best for: Ledger boards, heavy equipment, deck attachments
- Note: Lag screw sold separately
Stud Wedge Anchor Specifications
Permanent mechanical anchors for maximum holding power in solid concrete:
| Diameter | Hole Size | Minimum Embedment | Minimum Thread Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4" | 1/4" | 1-1/8" | 3/4" |
| 5/16" x 2" only | 5/16" | 7/8" | 1-1/2" |
| 5/16" | 5/16" | 1-1/8" | 1-1/2" |
| 3/8" x 2-1/4" only | 3/8" | 1-1/2" | 7/8" |
| 3/8" | 3/8" | 1-1/2" | 1-1/8" |
| 1/2" | 1/2" | 2-1/4" | 1-1/4" |
| 5/8" x 3-1/2" only | 5/8" | 2-3/4" | 1-3/4" |
| 5/8" | 5/8" | 2-3/4" | 2" |
| 3/4" | 3/4" | 3-1/4" | 2" |
| 7/8" | 7/8" | 3-7/8" | 2-1/4" |
| 1" | 1" | 4-1/2" | 2-1/4" |
| 1-1/4" | 1-1/4" | 5-1/2" | 3-1/4" |
Download Stud Wedge Anchor Specifications
Complete sizing chart for wedge anchor installation
Download Wedge Anchor Specs (PDF)Hex Head Sleeve Anchor Specifications
Detailed sizing for hex head sleeve anchors used in solid concrete applications:
| Diameter | Hole Size | Minimum Embedment | Bolt Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4" x 5/8" only | 1/4" | 1/2" | 3/16" |
| 1/4" | 1/4" | 1" | 3/16" |
| 5/16" | 5/16" | 1" | 1/4" |
| 3/8" | 3/8" | 1-1/4" | 5/16" |
| 1/2" | 1/2" | 1-1/2" | 3/8" |
| 5/8" x 3" or less | 5/8" | 2" | 1/2" |
| 5/8" x 4-1/4" or more | 5/8" | 3-1/2" | 1/2" |
| 3/4" x 2-1/2" only | 3/4" | 2" | 5/8" |
| 3/4" | 3/4" | 3-1/2" | 5/8" |
Download Hex Head Sleeve Anchor Specifications
Complete sizing chart for hex head sleeve anchor installation
Download Hex Head Sleeve Anchor Specs (PDF)Flat Head Sleeve Anchor Specifications
Sizing for flush-mount flat head sleeve anchors:
| Diameter | Hole Size | Minimum Embedment | Bolt Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4" | 1/4" | 1" | 3/16" |
| 5/16" | 5/16" | 1" | 1/4" |
| 3/8" | 3/8" | 1-1/4" | 5/16" |
| 1/2" | 1/2" | 1-1/2" | 3/8" |
Download Flat Head Sleeve Anchor Specifications
Complete sizing chart for flat head sleeve anchor installation
Download Flat Head Sleeve Anchor Specs (PDF)Lag Shield Anchor Specifications
Sizing for lag shield anchors used with lag screws in masonry and concrete:
| Lag Screw Size | Short Shield Hole Size | Short Shield Length | Long Shield Hole Size | Long Shield Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4" | 1/2" | 7/8" | 1/2" | 1-1/2" |
| 5/16" | 1/2" | 1" | 1/2" | 1-1/2" |
| 3/8" | 5/8" | 1-1/4" | 5/8" | 2" |
| 1/2" | 3/4" | 1-3/4" | 3/4" | 2-1/2" |
| 5/8" | 7/8" | 2" | 7/8" | 3" |
| 3/4" | 1" | 2-1/4" | 1" | 3-1/2" |
Lag Shield Selection Tips
- Short shields: Best for hard, solid concrete where maximum expansion isn't needed
- Long shields: Recommended for softer masonry, brick, and hollow block applications
- Lag screw length: Must be long enough to penetrate through fixture plus shield depth
Download Lag Shield Anchor Specifications
Complete sizing chart for lag shield anchor installation
Download Lag Shield Specs (PDF)Machine Screw Anchor Specifications
Sizing for machine screw anchors (also called drop-in anchors) that accept machine screws:
| Machine Screw Size | Hole Size | Anchor Length | Minimum Embedment |
|---|---|---|---|
| #6-32 | 1/4" | 5/8" | 5/8" |
| #8-32 | 5/16" | 3/4" | 3/4" |
| #10-24 | 3/8" | 7/8" | 7/8" |
| 1/4"-20 | 1/2" | 1" | 1" |
| 5/16"-18 | 1/2" | 1-1/4" | 1-1/4" |
| 3/8"-16 | 5/8" | 1-1/2" | 1-1/2" |
| 1/2"-13 | 3/4" | 2" | 2" |
Download Machine Screw Anchor Specifications
Complete sizing chart for machine screw anchor installation
Download Machine Screw Anchor Specs (PDF)Concrete Installation Best Practices
- Use proper tools: Masonry bit with hammer drill for concrete and masonry
- Drill depth: Drill hole slightly deeper than required embedment depth
- Clean holes: Blow out dust with compressed air—debris reduces holding power
- Match drill size: Use exact drill bit size specified for anchor
- Don't over-torque: Follow maximum torque specifications to avoid concrete damage
- Edge distance: Maintain minimum edge distance (typically 5-10× anchor diameter)
Need Help Choosing the Right Concrete Anchor?
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Specialty Anchors
Specialty anchors address unique installation challenges including hollow core doors, thin materials, and multi-material applications.
Hollow Door Anchors
- Designed for hollow core doors
- Wings expand inside door cavity
- Holds 20-40 lbs typical
- Best for: Door hooks, mirrors, towel racks
Ceiling Anchors
- Specialized for overhead mounting
- Spring-loaded toggle design
- Heavy-duty options for fixtures
- Best for: Ceiling fans, chandeliers, plants
Mirror Clips
- Combined anchor and mounting clip
- Prevents mirror damage
- Usually sold in sets of 4
- Best for: Frameless mirrors
Strap Toggles
- Flexible metal strap
- Works in various wall thicknesses
- High load capacity
- Best for: Thick walls, tile over drywall
Flip Toggles
- Spring-loaded plastic toggle
- Medium to heavy loads
- Smaller hole than metal toggles
- Best for: Shelves, towel bars
Universal Anchors
- Multi-material compatibility
- Works in drywall, plaster, concrete
- Adjustable installation
- Best for: Unknown wall types
Selection Guide & Installation Tips
Anchor Selection Quick Reference
Use this chart to quickly match your application to the best anchor type:
| Application | Recommended Anchor | Alternative Option |
|---|---|---|
| TV Mount (Small, <32") | Toggle bolts or snaptoggles | Stud mounting preferred |
| TV Mount (Large, >50") | Stud mounting REQUIRED | Professional installation |
| Kitchen Cabinets | Stud mounting REQUIRED | Snaptoggles between studs |
| Bathroom Grab Bar | Stud mounting or blocking | Multiple snaptoggles |
| Floating Shelf | Stud mounting preferred | Multiple heavy-duty toggles |
| Picture Frame | Plastic expansion anchors | Self-drilling anchors |
| Towel Bar | Self-drilling or molly bolts | Toggle bolts for heavy |
| Concrete Equipment | Wedge anchors | Sleeve anchors or epoxy |
| Electrical Boxes | Strike anchors | Tapcon screws |
| Heavy Machinery | Wedge or epoxy anchors | Professional installation |
Download Anchor Selection Quick Reference
Print this guide to help choose the right anchor for any application
Download Selection Guide (PDF)Choosing the Right Anchor
Key Selection Factors
- Wall Material: Drywall, plaster, concrete, brick, block, or hollow
- Wall Thickness: Measure before purchasing anchors
- Load Weight: Include safety factor (2-3x expected weight)
- Load Direction: Shear (downward) vs. tension (pull-out)
- Permanence: Do you need to remove later?
- Installation Access: Can you access both sides of wall?
Load Capacity Guidelines
Light Duty (0-25 lbs)
- Picture frames
- Small decorations
- Clock mounting
- Cable management
Use: Plastic expansion anchors, small self-drilling anchors
Medium Duty (25-50 lbs)
- Towel bars
- Curtain rods
- Light fixtures
- Small shelves
Use: Self-drilling anchors, molly bolts, metal threaded anchors
Heavy Duty (50-100 lbs)
- Large mirrors
- Grab bars
- Heavy shelving
- Medium TV mounts
Use: Toggle bolts, snaptoggles, concrete screws
Extra Heavy Duty (100+ lbs)
- Large TV mounts
- Kitchen cabinets
- Heavy equipment
- Structural connections
Use: Snaptoggles, wedge anchors, sleeve anchors, epoxy anchors
Installation Best Practices
Drywall Installation
- Always use correct drill bit size
- Don't over-tighten (can strip anchor)
- For heavy loads, locate studs when possible
- Use multiple anchors to distribute load
- Consider wall thickness (1/2" vs 5/8")
Concrete Installation
- Use masonry bit with hammer drill
- Drill hole slightly deeper than embedment
- Clean hole thoroughly (brush or vacuum)
- Check for proper anchor expansion
- Don't exceed maximum torque specs
General Safety Tips
- Check for electrical wires before drilling
- Check for plumbing behind walls
- Use safety glasses when drilling overhead
- Always include safety factor in load calculations
- Inspect anchors periodically for loosening
Critical Safety Warnings
- Never exceed rated load capacity of anchors
- Do not use drywall anchors for structural applications
- Always use proper drill bit size - too large reduces holding power
- Grab bars and safety equipment require backing or multiple heavy-duty anchors
- Check local building codes for permanent installations
- Consider hiring professional for heavy/critical installations
Downloadable Anchor Resources
Print these reference guides for easy access during your project
Drywall Anchor Comparison Chart
Load ratings and applications for all drywall anchor types
Concrete Anchor Selection Guide
Compare concrete anchors by load capacity and installation
Anchor Selection Quick Reference
Application-based anchor recommendations
Stud Wedge Anchor Specs
Complete sizing for wedge anchor installation
Hex Head Sleeve Anchor Specs
Sizing chart for hex head sleeve anchors
Flat Head Sleeve Anchor Specs
Sizing chart for flush-mount sleeve anchors
Lag Shield Anchor Specs
Short and long shield sizing for lag screws
Machine Screw Anchor Specs
Sizing for machine screw anchors
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