| If you want to hang something from your wall | | | | wallboard, plaster, or other hollow walls, |
| or ceiling, remember that drywall (gypsum | | | | such as tiled wallboard. |
| wallboard) is not strong enough to hold a | | | | |
| screw, and plaster is too hard and brittle to | | | | 2a. Choose an Anchor: Choose a sleeve anchor |
| accept screw threads without crumbling. You | | | | (also called a molly) sized to match the |
| need to either screw into the framing stud | | | | thickness of your wall or ceiling. Use a |
| behind the drywall or plaster, or use a screw | | | | standard type for plaster and a drive type |
| anchor. Many of the new wall anchor options | | | | for gypsum wallboard. |
| available not only are easier to install than | | | | |
| some traditional anchors but are stronger and | | | | 2b. Install the Anchor: Drill a pilot hole in |
| more reliable, too. | | | | plaster using the appropriate size masonry |
| | | | drill bit and tap in the anchor with the heel |
| Here are a few that practically install | | | | of a screwdriver or a hammer. In drywall, |
| themselves. Consult packaging for detailed | | | | there's no need for a pilot hole - just |
| instructions and weight limitations. | | | | hammer the anchor in. The teeth on the anchor |
| | | | help keep the sleeve from turning in the hole |
| Materials List: Tape measure Screwdriver | | | | as you turn the screw in the next step. |
| Pencil Drill driver and bit (for sleeve-type | | | | |
| anchor) Appropriate anchor system and screws | | | | 2c. Secure the Anchor: Turn the screw |
| Hammer (optional) 1. Install a Self-Drilling | | | | clockwise to clamp the anchor to the wall. |
| Anchor: Use a self-drilling anchor in gypsum | | | | Turn slowly and press in firmly as you |
| wallboard 3/8 to 5/8 inch thick for light to | | | | tighten the screw. You'll feel the sleeve |
| medium loads, such as a shelf bracket or | | | | collapse and stop when it is locked against |
| towel bar on a wall. | | | | the back side of the wall or ceiling. |
| | | | |
| 1a. Press in Anchor: Mark the anchor location | | | | 2d. Install the Object: Remove the screw to |
| on the surface, insert a screwdriver into the | | | | insert it though the mounting hole in the |
| recess in the anchor and press the point of | | | | object you wish to hang. Then drive the screw |
| the anchor into the wall. | | | | into the anchor until the object is held |
| | | | tight to the surface. |
| 1b. Turn the Anchor: Press in lightly and | | | | |
| twist the anchor into the wallboard. | | | | 3. Install a One-Piece Drive Anchor: Use a |
| | | | thin drive anchor for light to medium loads |
| Stop turning when the flange is flush with | | | | in gypsum wallboard, especially when you want |
| the surface. | | | | ultimate installation ease or plan to remove |
| | | | the anchor in the future. This anchor leaves |
| 1c. Attach Object: Insert screw through the | | | | a small slit instead of a large hole. |
| object being attached and drive the screw | | | | |
| into the anchor until it feels secure. Don't | | | | 3a. Drive the Anchor: Drive the anchor into |
| overtighten the screw or you may strip the | | | | gypsum wallboard with a hammer or the heel of |
| hole. | | | | a screwdriver until it is flush with the |
| | | | surface. |
| 2. Install a Sleeve-type Anchor: Use a sleeve | | | | |
| anchor for medium loads, such as a hook for a | | | | 3b. Secure the Object: Insert a screw through |
| heavy, framed mirror or for a bracket | | | | the mounting hole of the object being |
| supporting a shelf that will hold heavy | | | | installed and drive it into the anchor until |
| books. This anchor is designed for use in | | | | the object is firmly attached to the surface. |