Using self-drilling drywall anchors to mount light- to medium-weight objects is a great way to simplify your DIY projects. With no pre-drilling required, you can install these anchors in 4 easy steps with basic tools.
Drywall anchors help you mount heavy items to drywall by expanding as they are driven into the wall. Typically, a guide or pilot hole is needed to use a drywall anchor. However, a self-drilling anchor is a unique type of drywall anchor because it doesn’t require pre-drilling before being inserted into drywall.
Learn More: How Do Drywall Anchors Work?
Self-drilling drywall anchors are made of plastic or metal. You can mount light- to medium-weight objects including decorative wall shelves and coat hooks with a self-drilling anchor without damaging the wall due to the limited amount of weight drywall can hold.
Tools needed:
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Screwdriver
- Self-drilling drywall anchor
- Screw
Step 1: Prepare the Mounting Location
Unlike ribbed plastic drywall anchors and molly bolts, self-drilling anchors don’t need a guide or pilot hole before they are inserted into the drywall. Because of this, precisely identifying the mounting location is key to successfully using a self-drilling drywall anchor.
Use a tape measure to determine the height of the mounting location and the distance from the surrounding wall fixtures. Once you’ve identified where to insert the anchor, mark the placement with a pencil.
Step 2: Insert the Self-Drilling Drywall Anchor
Hold the pointed tip of the self-drilling drywall anchor with slight pressure against the mounting location you marked with a pencil. Using the manufacturer-recommended screwdriver (a #2 Phillips will fit most available anchors), turn clockwise to drive the anchor into the wall. If you prefer using a drill with a screwdriver bit, slowly drive the drywall anchor into the wall using the lowest setting.
Continue applying slight pressure onto the anchor until it is flush with the drywall.
Pro Tip: Some self-drilling drywall anchors will make a snapping sound when they’re flush with the wall.
Step 3: Drive the Screw into the Anchor
Self-drilling drywall anchors are typically sold with screws. Drive a screw clockwise into the self-drilling drywall anchor using the screwdriver or screwdriver bit you used in the previous step. Whether you’re using a screwdriver or drill, do not over-tighten the self-drilling anchor as you insert it into the drywall.
Step 4: Mount the Item
Mount the heavy item onto the screw attached to the anchor. Gently tug the fixture to ensure it is secured in place.
If you need to remove the drywall anchor from your home or apartment, it’s easy to patch and repair the hole in the drywall.
Read More: How to Remove Drywall Anchors
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Main Image Credit: Roberto Sorin / Adobe Stock / License
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