Advantages and Disadvantages of Plastic Anchors

Plastic anchors are used quite often in homes built with drywall. If your home is built with drywall, you will probably want to use some type of anchor when you decide to hang objects on the walls.

There are two types of plastic anchors—a plug anchor and a wing anchor. Wing anchors have large wings on each side that help keep it in the wall.

Plug anchors are narrow tubes with traction marks along the tube to help it stay in the wall. Both of these anchors are easy to find at your local home improvement store.

Advantages

1. Plastic Anchors are Inexpensive

This is one of the greatest advantages of using plastic wall anchors. They are the cheapest anchors you can buy.

Because they are inexpensive, you don’t have to worry about damaging them. Do-it-yourselfers find this appealing.

2. Plastic Anchors Come in a Variety of Sizes

No matter the size of your screw, there is a plastic anchor that will fit it. Taking your screw with you to your local home improvement store, will ensure you get the perfect fit.

Plastic anchors are also available for purchase in kits. Therefore, if you need more than one size you can find exactly what you are looking for.

3. Plastic Anchors are Specialized

Plastic anchors can be purchased without the top rim, so you can install the anchor flush with your wall.

Plastic anchors can also be purchased with specialized fittings on the head, so you can use them with pegboard, picture hanging kits, and wire shelf anchors.

4. Plastic Anchors are Available with Wings

Toggle bolts are some of the best anchors money can buy. The toggle part of the anchor keeps it in the wall so it can support greater weight.

The plastic wing anchor is constructed in a similar manner. The wings that protrude from the side of the anchor act as a toggle and help to keep it in the wall and your hanging object off the floor.

Wing anchors are sold in a large number of sizes with various types of wings.

Disadvantages

1. Plastic Anchors Require Pre-drilled Holes

There are a number of drywall anchors on the market that do not require you to pre-drill holes. Plastic anchors do require pilot holes, however. When you use plastic anchors, you will have to have a drill or drill driver available.

With the power tool, you will drill holes into the wall at predetermined points. It is best to use a level to mark the location of the holes.

Once the holes are marked, you will drill into the drywall. Once the hole is drilled, you will insert the plastic anchor.

If you are using a wing anchor, you will have to use your fingers to press down the wings before you insert the anchor.

2. Plastic Anchors are Not the Strongest Anchors

Plastic anchors are not the strongest drywall anchors available. You can find a metal anchor that is capable of holding more weight than a plastic anchor.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to plastic anchors. However, plastic anchors are perfect for the average needs of the do-it-yourselfer.