Drywall is one of the most essential building materials out there. It can be used for both ceilings and walls, and it is incredibly durable and versatile. That being said, no material is impervious to harm. That is why it is important to take good care of your drywall. If you aren’t careful, you may end up having to perform extensive repairs or even replace it completely. One of the ways you can care for your drywall is by choosing to use drywall anchors when you need to hang heavy items. Learn how to install drywall anchors and more in our helpful blog post!
What Are Drywall Anchors?
Drywall anchors act as a foundation for screws and nails, and they prevent drywall from becoming damaged when you hang heavy items. Because drywall has the tendency to crumble when you rely on screws and nails alone, drywall anchors are essential if you’re going to be hanging something like a mirror, floating shelf, metal wall art, or even a clothing rack. These nifty little tools, which can be found in any hardware store, are commonly made of nylon or plastic. They vary in strength, with some able to support 25 pounds and others able to support 75 pounds. You’ll need to purchase the correct weight range when you go to select your drywall anchors.
How to Install Your Drywall Anchors
Have you selected the right drywall anchors? Next, you’ll need to install them. Here are the steps necessary to install your drywall anchors. Please note that these instructions are for threaded, self-drilling drywall anchors only.
Step 1: Use a Screwdriver to Install Your Drywall Anchor
Threaded drywall anchors do not need a drill to install. All you’ll need is a screwdriver. If you’ve purchased a self-drilling option, you won’t even need to turn the drywall anchor. All you need to do is apply a moderate amount of pressure. Press on it until your drywall anchor is snugly inside the wall, but be careful not to tighten it too much.
Step Two: Place Necessary Hardware On Your Screw
Once you place your nail or screw into the drywall anchor, you won’t be able to attach your brackets or any other necessary attachments. So, remember to do it early on. Simply slide your necessary hardware onto your nail or screw.
Step Three: Place Your Nail Or Screw Inside the Drywall Anchor
This part is easy. All you need to do is twist them in with your screwdriver. Then, voila! You’ve got a drywall anchor prepared. Now you can hang any heavy item you desire without causing damage to your drywall.
Removing Drywall Anchors
What if you no longer need your drywall anchors? No worries. They’re easy enough to remove. Three common methods you can use to remove drywall anchors are the needle-nose plier method, the screwdriver method, and the push-back method.
Sometimes, you can grip the head or lip of your drywall anchor with needle-nose pliers. Then, you can gently move around the anchor while pulling. Eventually, it should pop out. If that doesn’t work, you can use a screwdriver to twist the anchor partway out. Then, grab it with your needle-nose pliers and pull it the rest of the way.
If neither of those methods works, there is still method three: the push-back method. You may need to start by slicing the head of the drywall anchor off with a utility knife. Then, to remove the remaining portion of the anchor, insert a screwdriver into the hole and tap on it with a hammer. Eventually, the remaining portion should fall out on the opposite side of the drywall.
We Can Help If You Don’t Know How to Install Drywall Anchors!
Installing drywall anchors is not a complicated process for professionals. However, it may seem overwhelming to homeowners who have no experience in the handyman industry. If you still don’t feel confident installing drywall anchors, contact the team at BetterBuilt Builders. We can help you install drywall anchors and much more. Reach out today to learn more about our services!