Types of Wall Anchors: Plastic, Toggle, and More – Which is Best?
To help you decide, we’re breaking down the different types of wall anchors—plastic, toggle, and more—and explaining which one is ideal for your needs.
When it comes to mounting heavy items like TVs, mirrors, or shelves on the wall, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right wall anchor. Wall anchors provide the extra support needed to secure your items safely to the wall, especially when you’re not mounting into studs. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which anchor is best for your project.
- Plastic Wall Anchors
Plastic wall anchors are some of the most commonly used anchors in home improvement. They’re lightweight, easy to use, and are great for securing items to drywall, plaster, or even masonry walls.
How they work:
Plastic anchors expand when you insert a screw into them, creating a tight fit inside the hole. This expansion helps distribute the weight of the mounted item evenly across a larger area of the wall, preventing the anchor from pulling out.
Best for:
Plastic anchors are best for light to medium-duty mounting. They’re suitable for mounting smaller items such as picture frames, small shelves, or lightweight mirrors. However, they might not be the best choice for heavier items like large TVs or shelves holding heavy objects, as they can struggle with holding substantial weight.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Inexpensive
- Ideal for light-duty use
Cons:
- Not ideal for heavy-duty applications
- Can crack under excessive weight
- Toggle Bolts
Toggle bolts are another popular choice for heavy-duty mounting, especially when you’re not able to drill into a stud. These anchors have wings that expand behind the wall once inserted, distributing the weight of the mounted item over a larger surface area. This makes them one of the strongest wall anchors available.
How they work:
When you insert a toggle bolt into a wall, the wings are compressed and slide through the hole. Once inside the wall, the wings expand, locking the bolt in place. When a screw is tightened into the bolt, the wings hold the anchor securely against the inside of the wall.
Best for:
Toggle bolts are ideal for mounting heavier items, such as large mirrors, shelves, or even flat-screen TVs, when no studs are available. They provide much more holding power than plastic anchors, making them perfect for those who need reliable strength.
Pros:
- Strong holding power
- Ideal for heavy-duty use
- Suitable for hollow walls or drywall with no studs
Cons:
- Requires a larger hole to insert the wings
- Can be difficult to remove if you need to reposition items
- Molly Bolts
Molly bolts, also known as hollow-wall anchors, are designed to expand when inserted into drywall, providing a strong and secure hold. Like toggle bolts, they are excellent for applications where you can’t drill into a stud.
How they work:
Molly bolts have a metal sleeve that expands when a screw is inserted. The sleeve grips the backside of the drywall, providing a firm anchor point. The design of the molly bolt allows it to hold more weight than a plastic anchor, while still being easy to install.
Best for:
Molly bolts are perfect for medium-duty applications, such as hanging shelves or curtain rods. They work well in drywall, plaster, or hollow-core walls, making them versatile for a range of mounting projects.
Pros:
- Good for medium-weight applications
- More reliable than plastic anchors
- Easy to install and remove
Cons:
- Not as strong as toggle bolts for heavier items
- Can be more difficult to install than plastic anchors
- Elephant Anchors – The Ultimate Solution
While plastic, toggle, and molly bolts are all great options, Elephant Anchors take it a step further by offering a superior solution for mounting heavy items on drywall and metal studs. Our anchors provide maximum holding power and are perfect for mounting TVs, shelves, mirrors, and more.
How they work:
Elephant Anchors are designed to grip the inside of drywall and metal studs securely. Unlike traditional plastic anchors, they’re made from heavy-duty materials, ensuring they can hold up to 200lbs without fail. With the Elephant Anchors Mounting Kit, you’ll also receive everything you need, including a high-quality drill bit, screws, washers, and detailed instructions.
Best for:
Elephant Anchors are ideal for heavy-duty applications such as mounting large TVs, mirrors, or shelves. They are designed for easy installation and can handle significantly more weight than plastic anchors or molly bolts, making them the go-to solution for safe, reliable mounting.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty holding power (up to 200lbs)
- Ideal for TVs, shelves, and large mirrors
- Easy DIY installation
- No need for special tools or professional help
Cons:
- Requires a bit more precision when installing compared to plastic anchors
Conclusion:
Which Anchor is Best for You?
Choosing the right wall anchor depends on the weight of the item you’re mounting and the type of wall you’re working with. Plastic anchors are perfect for light-duty applications, while toggle bolts and molly bolts offer greater strength for heavier items. However, for those who want the best of both worlds—reliable holding power and easy installation—Elephant Anchors provide the ultimate solution, especially when mounting heavy items like TVs and shelves.
No matter the project, make sure to choose the right anchor to ensure a safe and secure installation. With Elephant Anchors, you can trust that your mounted items will stay firmly in place for years to come!