Best Wall Anchors for DIYers
Wall anchors let you hang shelves, TVs, mirrors, and fixtures where there is no stud, gripping the drywall to hold weight that a screw alone would pull out. The right anchor for the weight and wall is what keeps things on the wall.
What to look for
- ·Match the anchor to the weight: light plastic anchors for pictures, self-drilling for medium loads, and toggle bolts or SnapToggles for heavy items and TVs.
- ·Hit a stud whenever possible for heavy loads; anchors are for the spots between studs.
- ·Check the anchor's rated weight and your wall thickness (1/2 inch drywall is standard), and use the right drill bit size.
Quick comparison
| Product | Tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOGGLER SnapToggle Heavy-Duty | Editor's pick | $8 to $20 per pack | Heavy loads and TVs |
| E-Z Ancor Toggle Lock | Editor's pick | $6 to $15 per pack | Strong and easy install |
| GRK Anchors | Editor's pick | $8 to $20 per pack | Premium reliable hold |
| Hillman Toggle Bolts | Best value | $5 to $12 per pack | Value heavy holding |
| Cobra Anchors | Best value | $5 to $14 per pack | Value range of anchors |
| Self-Drilling Drywall Anchors | Best value | $5 to $12 per pack | Medium loads, no pre-drill |
| Plastic Expansion Anchors | Budget pick | $3 to $8 per pack | Budget light hanging |
| Assorted Anchor Kit | Budget pick | $8 to $18 per kit | Budget variety kit |
| Store-Brand Drywall Anchors | Budget pick | $2 to $6 per pack | Lowest-cost light use |
Editor's pick
TOGGLER SnapToggle Heavy-Duty
$8 to $20 per pack
A strap-toggle anchor that installs easily and holds very heavy loads in drywall, the pick for TVs, cabinets, and large mirrors. Strong and reusable.
Best for: Heavy loads and TVs
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon.
E-Z Ancor Toggle Lock
$6 to $15 per pack
A self-drilling toggle anchor that combines easy install with toggle holding power for medium-to-heavy loads. The pick for strong, fast hanging.
Best for: Strong and easy install
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
GRK Anchors
$8 to $20 per pack
Quality fastening hardware for secure mounting, a premium pick when you want dependable holding from a trusted name. Reliable for demanding mounts.
Best for: Premium reliable hold
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
Best value
Hillman Toggle Bolts
$5 to $12 per pack
Classic spring-wing toggle bolts that spread heavy loads behind drywall at a value price. A strong value for heavy hanging where you have access.
Best for: Value heavy holding
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon.
Cobra Anchors
$5 to $14 per pack
A range of quality drywall anchors for light to heavy loads at fair prices. A dependable mid-value pick with the right anchor for most jobs.
Best for: Value range of anchors
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
Self-Drilling Drywall Anchors
$5 to $12 per pack
Threaded self-drilling anchors that twist into drywall with no pre-drilling for medium loads like shelves and bars. A handy value pack.
Best for: Medium loads, no pre-drill
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon.
Budget pick
Plastic Expansion Anchors
$3 to $8 per pack
Basic plastic anchors for light items like frames and small fixtures at the lowest cost. The everyday cheap anchor for low-weight hanging.
Best for: Budget light hanging
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's, Walmart.
Assorted Anchor Kit
$8 to $18 per kit
A mixed kit of anchors and screws for various light-to-medium jobs around the house. A convenient, cheap way to have options on hand.
Best for: Budget variety kit
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon, Walmart.
Store-Brand Drywall Anchors
$2 to $6 per pack
The cheapest basic drywall anchors for occasional light hanging. Limited holding power, but the lowest cost for frames and small items.
Best for: Lowest-cost light use
Typically available at Home Depot, Walmart.
Frequently asked
What wall anchor do I need for the weight?+
Light items (small frames) use plastic expansion anchors. Medium loads (small shelves, towel bars) use self-drilling threaded anchors. Heavy items (large mirrors, cabinets, TVs) need toggle bolts or strap-toggle anchors like the SnapToggle, which spread the load behind the drywall. Always check the rated capacity.
Should I use an anchor or find a stud?+
For heavy items, hitting a stud with a wood screw is always strongest, so locate studs first with a stud finder. Use anchors for the spots between studs and for lighter items. For a heavy TV mount, fasten into studs whenever possible, and use heavy-duty anchors only where you must.
What is a toggle bolt?+
A toggle bolt has spring-loaded or strap wings that fold to pass through a hole, then open behind the drywall to spread the load over a wide area, holding far more weight than expansion anchors. Strap toggles (SnapToggle) are a modern, easy-to-install version that grips firmly for heavy mounts.
Will anchors damage my wall?+
Anchors leave a hole the size of the anchor, which is easy to patch with spackle when you remove them. Toggle bolts leave a larger hole. Choosing the right-size anchor and not overloading it prevents bigger damage like cracked drywall or a pulled-out chunk.
How much weight can drywall anchors hold?+
It varies widely: light plastic anchors hold a few pounds, self-drilling anchors up to roughly 25 to 50 pounds, and toggle and strap-toggle anchors well over 50 to 100+ pounds in 1/2-inch drywall. Always follow the package rating, use multiple anchors to share the load, and hit studs for the heaviest items.