Drywall Anchors vs. Toggle Bolts – Which is Stronger for TV Mounting?
In this blog, we’ll compare drywall anchors vs. toggle bolts to determine which one is stronger and better for TV mounting.
Mounting a TV on drywall can be challenging, especially if you can’t find wall studs. Many people turn to drywall anchors or toggle bolts as solutions, but which one is the better choice? If you want a secure and long-lasting TV mount, choosing the right anchor is crucial.
What Are Drywall Anchors?
Drywall anchors are fastening devices designed to provide extra support when mounting items on drywall. They are available in several types, including:
Plastic Expansion Anchors – Suitable for lightweight items, but not ideal for TV mounting.
Self-Drilling Anchors – Provide better grip but still lack the strength needed for heavy loads.
Metal Hollow Wall Anchors (Molly Bolts) – Stronger than plastic anchors but have weight limitations.
Elephant Anchors – Heavy-duty drywall anchors designed to support up to 200 lbs, making them a reliable alternative to toggle bolts.
While standard drywall anchors work well for picture frames, shelves, and small wall décor, most of them cannot handle the weight and pull force of a wall-mounted TV.
What Are Toggle Bolts?
Toggle bolts are a type of fastener that provides extra strength by using a spring-loaded toggle mechanism. They come in two main types:
Metal Wing Toggle Bolts
Expand behind the wall to distribute weight across a larger area.Snap Toggle Bolts
Use a metal bar that remains behind the wall for even better support.
Toggle bolts can support heavy loads, often ranging from 50 lbs to 150 lbs per bolt, depending on the size and type. However, they require a large pre-drilled hole and can be difficult to install, making them less user-friendly for DIY projects.
Which is Stronger for TV Mounting?
When comparing drywall anchors vs. toggle bolts for TV mounting, we need to look at three key factors:
1. Weight Capacity
Regular drywall anchors max out at around 50 lbs—too weak for most TVs.
Toggle bolts hold between 50–150 lbs depending on their size.
Elephant Anchors outperform both, holding up to 200 lbs for ultimate stability.
2. Installation Process
Toggle bolts require a large hole and can be tricky to install.
Some drywall anchors are easier to install but lack the required strength.
Elephant Anchors provide the best balance of strength and easy installation, needing only a ½-inch hole.
3. Long-Term Stability
Toggle bolts can loosen over time if there is vibration or frequent movement.
Many drywall anchors cannot hold a TV safely.
Elephant Anchors expand behind the drywall, preventing sagging or loosening, making them the most secure option.
Final Verdict – Which Should You Choose?
For TV mounting, toggle bolts are better than regular drywall anchors, but Elephant Anchors provide the strongest and easiest solution.
🔹 Toggle Bolts
Stronger than regular drywall anchors but difficult to install and may loosen over time.
🔹 Elephant Anchors
Hold up to 200 lbs, are easy to install, and provide long-term security.
For a secure, hassle-free TV mounting solution, Elephant Anchors are the best choice—no studs required! 🚀