Drywall Anchor Installation: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Installing a drywall anchor may feel intimidating if you’ve never done it before, but the process becomes simple once you understand the basics. Drywall alone can’t hold screws reliably, which is why anchors are essential whenever you hang shelves, mirrors, clocks, frames, or anything that puts weight on the wall.

A properly installed anchor keeps your wall safe, supports the load, and prevents cracks or pull-outs. This guide walks you through everything a beginner needs to install drywall anchors with confidence.

What You Need Before Starting

Before you begin, gather the right tools and materials. Having everything ready will help the installation go smoothly and prevent mistakes.

Tools

• Screwdriver or drill
• Drill bits (if pilot holes are needed)
• Level
• Measuring tape
• Pencil or marker
• Hammer (optional, for some anchors)

Materials

• Drywall anchors
• Screws
• Masking tape (optional for cleaner marking)

Different anchors require different installation methods, but most projects only need basic tools. A drill makes the job easier, though you can install some anchors using just a screwdriver.

Types of Drywall Anchors You Can Use

Knowing the anchor types helps beginners choose the one that fits their project and skill level. Each type works differently and supports different weight ranges.

Plastic Expansion Anchors

These are the simplest and most affordable anchors. They expand slightly when the screw goes in, creating friction in the drywall. They’re best for lightweight items such as small frames or clocks.

Best for: light-duty mounting
Skill level: very beginner-friendly

Threaded Self-Drilling Anchors

These anchors have sharp threads and dig into the drywall without needing a pilot hole. They come in plastic or metal versions, with metal offering better strength.

Best for: medium loads such as curtain rods, shelves, or medium frames
Skill level: ideal for beginners

Molly Bolts (Hollow Wall Anchors)

Molly bolts use a metal sleeve that expands behind the wall when tightened. They support medium to heavy loads and create a very secure hold.

Best for: coat hooks, heavy décor, or frequently used fixtures
Skill level: moderate

Toggle Bolts

These have spring-loaded wings that open behind the drywall, spreading pressure over a large area. They are among the strongest anchors available for hollow walls.

Best for: cabinets, large mirrors, heavy shelves
Skill level: moderate, but simple once you practice

How to Choose the Right Anchor

Picking the correct anchor is the first step toward a smooth installation. Consider the weight of your item, the type of wall, and the expected stress on the anchor.

Weight Capacity

• Light items (up to 15 lbs): plastic expansions
• Medium items (15–40 lbs): metal threaded or mollies
• Heavy items (40+ lbs): toggle bolts or large mollies

If the item will be pulled often—such as a towel rack—treat it as heavier.

Drywall Thickness

Most walls use 1/2-inch drywall, but some have 5/8-inch. Thicker drywall supports stronger anchors.

Anchor Size and Screw Length

Using the wrong screw weakens the hold. When possible, always use the screw that comes with the anchor.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

This section breaks down the complete installation process, from marking the wall to testing the final hold. Beginners can follow this exactly to get a clean, safe installation.

1. Mark the Spot

Use a pencil to mark the exact location where you want the anchor to go. A level helps ensure accuracy, especially if you’re hanging multiple items or aligning brackets.

Placing a small piece of masking tape where you will drill can help prevent the drywall paper from chipping during drilling.

2. Drill the Pilot Hole (If Needed)

Not all anchors need a pilot hole. Plastic expansion anchors and mollies require one. Threaded anchors and some toggles can go straight into the wall.

Steps for pilot holes:

1. Match the drill bit size to the anchor instructions.
2. Drill slowly and straight.
3. Stop as soon as the bit breaks through the drywall.

Avoid moving the drill side to side, as this widens the hole and weakens the anchor’s grip.

3. Insert the Anchor

How you insert the anchor depends on the type you’re using.

Plastic Expansion Anchors

• Push the anchor into the pilot hole.
• Tap lightly with a hammer if needed.
• Make sure it sits flush with the wall.

Threaded Self-Drilling Anchors

• Place the anchor tip on your mark.
• Use a screwdriver or drill to turn it clockwise.
• Keep steady pressure so it doesn’t wobble.

These anchors dig themselves into the drywall without a pilot hole.

Molly Bolts

• Insert the bolt into the pilot hole.
• Tighten the screw until the metal sleeve expands behind the wall.
• Stop once it feels solid.
• Remove the screw before mounting the item.

Toggle Bolts

• Fold the wings and push them through the drilled hole.
• Wait for the wings to spring open behind the wall.
• Pull gently toward you as you tighten the screw.

Toggle bolts need a larger hole, but once the wings open, they create a very strong grip.

4. Mount the Screw

Insert the screw through your bracket, mount, or hook, and into the anchor.

Tips:

• Do not overtighten.
• The screw should feel secure but not strained.
• Leave slight space if hanging something like a picture with a keyhole mount.

Overtightening can damage the anchor or strip the threads.

5. Check Stability

Once the screw is mounted:

1. Pull lightly on the screw or fixture.
2. Wiggle it gently to check for movement.
3. If it shifts or spins, it may need a stronger anchor or larger size.

Testing with light pressure first prevents a sudden failure once weight is added.

Special Tips for Beginners

Avoid Overtightening

Too much force can crack drywall or strip the anchor. Stop turning once resistance feels firm.

Don’t Use Light Anchors for Heavy Items

Plastic expansions are great for small décor but not for shelves or anything valuable.

Check Behind the Wall

Use a stud finder with wire detection when working near electrical switches, sinks, or bathrooms.

Work Slowly

Rushing increases the chance of oversized holes or crooked installations.

Use a Stud When Possible

Even the strongest anchor can’t beat the reliability of a stud. If you find one in the right spot, use it.

Fixing Common Installation Problems

Even with careful installation, beginners sometimes run into small issues. These problems are easy to solve once you know what caused them and how to correct them.

Hole Too Large

If your drilled hole becomes wider than intended, most light-duty anchors won’t grip well. In this situation:

• Move up to a larger anchor size
• Use a toggle bolt, which relies on wings instead of friction
• Avoid forcing a small anchor into the oversized hole

A toggle bolt is often the best fix because it grips behind the wall rather than inside the hole.

Anchor Pulls Out

If the anchor slides back out when you insert the screw, the drywall may be too soft, or the anchor is too small for the hole.

You can fix this by:

• Switching to a metal threaded anchor
• Using a molly or toggle for better backside support
• Patching the hole with joint compound, letting it dry, and repositioning the anchor slightly above or below the damaged spot

Screw Won’t Grip

If the screw spins freely without tightening, this usually means the screw does not match the anchor or the anchor has stripped.

To solve the issue:

• Replace the screw with the exact size match
• If the anchor is stripped, remove it and choose a stronger type
• Avoid reusing damaged anchors

Matching anchor and screw sizes is extremely important for a firm hold.

Safety Tips

Safety matters even in simple home projects. Following a few precautions keeps you and your walls protected.

Watch for Hidden Utilities

Drywall often hides electrical wires, plumbing pipes, and metal ducting. A stud finder with deep or AC detection mode helps you avoid drilling into something hazardous. This is especially important near switches, outlets, bathrooms, and kitchens.

Use the Right Pressure

Drilling too hard can blow out the drywall paper and create an uneven hole. Slow and controlled drilling produces a clean entry point.

Wear Eye Protection

Small drywall dust particles can irritate your eyes. A basic pair of protective glasses is enough.

Secure Ladders and Chairs

If you’re working high on a wall, make sure you’re standing on stable support. Avoid leaning or stretching too far.

Test the Load Slowly

Once your anchor and screw are installed, gradually apply weight. This helps you catch instability before the item is fully mounted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can drywall anchors be reused?

Some anchor types, like metal mollies, can be reused if removed carefully. Others, like plastic expansion anchors and toggle bolts, are not reusable because they deform or fall behind the wall.

Do anchors work in plaster walls?

Anchors can work in plaster, but the material is harder and more brittle. Metal anchors, toggle bolts, and masonry drill bits are better suited for plaster walls.

Can I install heavy items without a stud?

Yes, but only with the correct heavy-duty anchors such as toggle bolts or snap toggles. However, for extremely heavy mounts—like large TVs—locating at least one stud is recommended.

Does anchor size matter?

Yes. Using an anchor that’s too small reduces holding strength, while oversizing can damage the wall. Always match the anchor size to the item’s weight and the screw length.

What happens if I overtighten the screw?

Overtightening can crack the drywall, strip the anchor, or weaken the grip. Tighten only until the anchor feels firm and stable.

Conclusion

Installing a drywall anchor is much easier than it seems once you understand the basics. With the right tools, a properly chosen anchor, and a clear step-by-step process, even beginners can achieve strong, secure mounting on drywall. From marking the wall and drilling clean holes to choosing the right anchor type and tightening the screw correctly, every step contributes to a safe and lasting installation.

Taking your time, using the right anchor for the job, and testing the stability before adding weight ensures that shelves, frames, mirrors, and accessories stay firmly in place. With these skills, you can handle most household wall-mounting projects confidently and avoid the common problems that cause anchors to fail.