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Which of these hollow wall anchors should you choose? Both will hold similar amounts of weight securely, and the installation process is almost the same. Which is Best: Molly Bolts or Toggle Bolts? Check out my full guide on how to install a toggle bolt for a step by step tutorial. The steps for installing a toggle bolt are similar to a molly bolt, although you don't need any special setting tools. However, consider the size of the anchor and the thickness of the drywall. How much weight can a toggle bolt hold? They can hold from 20 to over 100 pounds (some can take even more!) when placed correctly. However, for lightweight items, you could just use a simple plastic anchor or a plastic threaded anchor. You can use small toggle bolts for hanging something like a picture frame with a glass panel, towel bars, toilet paper holders, or coat hooks. You could also use them for an interior hollow core door. Like a molly bolt, you should use a toggle bolt anytime you want to hang a relatively large object, but you can't find a stud. The larger and wider the toggle bolts, the more they will typically hold. You'll find toggle bolts in many sizes and different weight ratings.
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Toggle bolts get their name from the folding toggle that acts as the anchor. The metal anchor utilizes a pair of collapsible butterfly wings and a single center screw. Toggle bolts are wall anchors made for hollow walls, such as drywall and plaster. Video can't be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: How to use a hollow wall anchor setting tool () What are Toggle Bolts? The video below shows you how to use the setting tool for this type of hollow wall anchor. Then you can reinsert the screw in the anchor and tighten it in place. Then you can remove the screw and slide it through the mounting hole of the item you want to hang on the wall. Now, the setting tool hooks onto the head of the screw and pulls the anchor, causing the winged portion on the back to expand, setting the molly bolt in place. Just place the molly bolt into the hole, then back the screw out partially. Some types just need a screwdriver, but others require you to use a special tool to set the molly bolts. Now, there are a couple of ways to tighten the bolt. You have pinpointed the location and pre-drilled the hole. However, these can cause more damage to the drywall, and it may be worth it to just pre-drill anyway. You just hammer them into place with a rubber mallet. Note: Some molly bolts with nail-like points allow you to place them without a pre-drilled hole. If the hole is too small, you'll cause damage, and if it's too large, the molly bolt won't tighten correctly. The packaging for the drywall anchor should list the size requirements for a drill bit – with a molly bolt it's important that you get the sizing near perfect. Also, use a stud finder to check that the wall is clear of studs, pipes, and wires. Make sure you know exactly where you want your molly bolt before you go drill that hole! You don't want to create a bunch of extra holes that will need to be filled later. Using molly bolts is simple! Here's a quick guide to get you started. Video can't be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: How strong are expanding metal drywall anchors? () How to Use Molly Bolts This video gives you an idea of how much weight a molly bolt can withstand. It's pretty impressive!
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But beware - the true holding capacity comes down to the thickness of the drywall, the size of the molly bolt, and how well they are installed. Most manufacturers will list a weight rating for their drywall anchors on the package. Molly bolts can handle anywhere from 30 to 100 pounds. Some people don't trust wall anchors by themselves to mount an expensive TV on the wall, but you should be able to use these anchors in conjunction with a stud to attach the bracket to the wall securely. This type of expansion anchor is well-suited for hanging ceiling hooks, heavy curtain rods, large picture frames, floating shelves, coat racks, and even light fixtures.Ĭan you use molly bolt drywall anchors for a TV? That's hotly debated. What types of items require a molly bolt? Molly bolts are medium to heavy-duty wall anchors for hanging fairly large items. These anchors have a metal sleeve that flares out against the inside of the wall to evenly distribute the weight and hold your mounted item tight to the drywall. They are used when you don't have a stud in the wall at the precise location you want to hang something. Molly bolts are a type of hollow wall anchor made for drywall and plaster walls. Please visit my disclosures page for more information. Purchases made through these links may earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you. This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.
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Which is Best: Molly Bolts or Toggle Bolts?.