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