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Hanging a wall shelf, heavy picture or fastening other objects to a wall all require the same thing. That is to be attached directly and firmly, distributing weight to the wall to which they are fastened. The fastener used will vary according to the weight of the object and the type of wall construction.
Wall fasteners basically fall under lightweight and medium-heavy weight categories and hollow or solid wall designs. This page will explain what, how and where to buy them.
Previously hollow wall anchors always required a pilot hole but now a pointed version is available for smaller diameter anchors. These anchors work similar to a toggle in that they are held in place by pressure on the back side of the wall. However they do it by compressing expanded metal straps that are designed to buckle in a specific manner as the bolt tightens and compresses the umbrella closure.
Some important points regarding Hollow Wall Anchors;
This special type of plastic anchor is a compromise between strength and cost. They are much less expensive to manufacture than metal anchors, but offer more than double the strength of plastic expansion anchors.
To install, first drill an appropriately-sized hole in the drywall. Then fold the wings towards each other and push the anchor through the wall. The anchor will not function properly unless inserted correctly, even though it may feel strong when screwed into!! If you don't have a special tool, a small screwdriver inserted into the screw hole will do the same job. Once the screw is installed, the wings are pulled firmly against the wall.
Because these anchors is made entirely from plastic, they must be installed with some care. Too much force can rip the screws out of them or, even worse, collapse the wings. If they pull through the wall they will leave a large hole in their wake. Tightening the screws too much during installation or using too large a screw can also cause the threads to strip, making the anchor weaker.
Given these drawbacks, though, they are still a decent choice for towel bars and other medium weight hangings. They should be able to support from 25 to 35 lbs each in plasterboard... adequate for most towel bars, toilet paper holders and other medium weight hangings.
To install Nylon toggle Anchors follow the steps below:
Toggle bolts are one of the best hollow-wall anchors. They consist of two parts... the toggle itself (which looks like a pair of spring-loaded metal wings) and the accompanying machine screw. The spring toggle Anchor is avaliable in both types from TotalFixings.co.uk. Toggle bolts are sized in two ways... by the diameter of the machine screw and by the length of the machine screw. The larger the screw diameter, the larger and stronger the toggle. The longer the screw, the thicker the material that can be hung or the thicker the wall it can be used in!
Toggles are massively strong. A small 1/8" toggle can safely hold 50 lbs on 1/2" plasterboard... a 3/8" toggle over 100 lbs! Two or three 3/8" toggles can easily hold up most kitchen cabinets on solid 1/2" drywall. That is, as long as the wall is strong enough!
Toggles are the toggle of choice for hanging most anything from ceilings, too, such as hanging plants, mobiles, etc. The major exceptions would be "dynamic" objects such as ceiling fans, which require attachment to structural members. Also, though excessive weight may not break a large toggle through the ceiling, the ceiling itself may pull away from the joists!
To install a toggle, first drill a hole in the desired location. Here is a rough guide as to the dril bit needed.
| Toggle Size | Drill Bit Needed |
| 1/8" toggle | 3/8" drill |
| 3/16" toggle | 1/2" drill |
| 1/4" toggle | 5/8" drill |
| 5/16" toggle | 7/8" drill |
| 3/8" toggle | 7/8 drill |
| 1/2" toggle | 1 1/4" drill |
Now it's time to assemble the toggle. Push the machine screw through the object to be fastened and attach the toggle to the screw. Thread the toggle far enough that the threads of the screw keep the toggle from turning sideways. Otherwise the toggle may not open properly in the wall. Raise the object into position and push the toggle(s) through the predrilled hole(s) until you hear or feel the toggle snap open. Then pull back on the object or the screw to keep the wings from spinning while you tighten the screw. One problem with toggles is that they do not give you a precise location as do all the other anchors we have discussed. So once the toggle is almost tight, check the position of the object and then fully tighten the toggle. Don't overtighten the toggle in drywall or you might either break the toggle or break the wall!
Typical Applications for Rubber Nuts ;
Fixing to virtually any material, either solid or hollow, eg metal sheet, plasterboard, plywood, glass, plastic, etc. Secure fixing in brittle or unknown substrates.
Ideal for fixing in irregular or oversized holes.
Main Features include ;
