Making Sure that Wall Anchors are Installed into a Stud

Wall anchors are an essential part of hanging anything up on a wall. They are especially important when you are hanging something on a wall that has gypsum board, paneling, or other covering. These wall anchors help to stabilize the weight of the piece hanging so that it does not rip out of the wall and break. Wall anchors come in many different types, sizes, and weight standards.

Uncommonly Used

Many people are in a hurry today. They go about hanging up their pictures, shelves, and other items on their walls without ever thinking about using a wall anchor. This is a mistake that many realize when that shelf crashes to the floor. The few extra minutes that it takes to drill the hole, and install the anchor sleeve is well worth it for a secure fastener.

No Studs, No Worries

Decorating your walls can lead to times when there is no stud available for the screw, bolt, or nail that you are going to use. When this happens, a wall anchor comes into play. They are inserted into the drywall to make sure that the picture or shelf is secure.

Attaching Wall Anchors to Studs

There are times when the object weighs too much for the wall to support it with just a simple wall anchor. This is when you need to use a stud to act as a stable brace for the weight. It is important to note that you should also get in the habit of using a wall anchor in the stud.

Needed for Outdoor Additions

Homeowners will need to use wall anchors when they are building on an addition like a deck, stairs, or a header board for a porch roof, garage, or shed. These help to secure the building to the frame of the home for added strength and stability.

Different Wall Anchors

Instead of a simple drywall anchor that is basically a molded plastic sleeve that a screw is driven into, you will need different types of wall anchors for securing something to a wall stud. These can be toggle bolts, carriage bolts, and compression type anchors that spread out as the screw is turned.

Drill First

An important step in making sure that wall anchors are actually installed into a wooden stud is to drill into the stud first. Use a stud detector to locate the center of the stud and mark it. Drill a hole that is the same diameter as the anchor into the wall and the stud. Make sure that the drill is held perpendicular to the wall as any type of movement will make the hole too large for the anchor.

Tap Anchor into Place

You will need to tap the anchor into place when you get ready to use it. If you are using a carriage bolt you will need to start it by hand and then use a socket wrench to tighten it.

Mark Studs

If you have a large piece that you must tie into the wall studs, you can make sure they reach the studs by marking them off along the length of the wall. Use the stud finder and carefully go over each portion of the wall. Mark the edges of the studs and the center for easy detection when hanging something, or building an addition.