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Have you ever hung a shelf and watched it sag or fall minutes later? I have — it’s a painful reminder that the wrong anchor can turn a small project into a disaster. Drywall anchors are the unsung heroes of home mounting tasks. Pick the right one and your mirror, shelf, or TV will sit firm for years; pick the wrong one and you’ll be patching drywall, repainting, and rethinking your weekend plans. This guide walks you through types, weights, installation tips, and the best stores across the US where you can buy reliable anchors and related hardware.
We’ll break down drywall anchor types, recommend anchors by load and use, give step-by-step installation tips, and highlight leading US retailers like The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Menards, Amazon, Walmart, Fastenal, Grainger, and True Value. Think of this as the cheat sheet you wish you had before mounting anything heavy on drywall.
Not all anchors are created equal. Choosing a style depends on the weight you want to hang, the finish you expect, and whether you can hit a stud. Below are the most common types and what they’re best at.
Plastic expansion anchors are the simplest: you drill a small hole, push the anchor in, and then drive the screw. They’re cheap and work for light loads such as small picture frames or decorative items. Expect safe holding for around 5 to 20 pounds depending on anchor size and drywall condition. Think of these as the training wheels of anchors — handy for beginners and light duty.
Also known as self-tapping anchors, these metal or heavy-duty plastic anchors screw directly into drywall without a pre-drilled hole. They’re fast to install and generally handle 25 to 50 pounds. They’re great for medium-weight fixtures like towel racks, curtain rods, or medium picture frames. I like them because you don’t need a drill bit — just a screwdriver or powered driver with an appropriate tip.
Molly bolts expand behind the drywall to form a stable flange. After installation, they offer a semi-permanent mounting point and can often support 50 to 75 pounds. They’re ideal for heavier mirrors and small shelving. Installation requires a drill and a tool to spread the anchor, but the result is much firmer than basic plastic anchors.
Toggle bolts are the heavy lifters, recommended for loads from 75 to 250 pounds or more when installed properly. A toggle wing spreads behind the drywall creating a large surface area of support. Snap toggles and metal-wing toggles serve similar purposes but differ in ease of use — snap toggles are faster and often reusable. Use these for heavy shelving, cabinets, or large mirrors when you can’t anchor to a stud.
High-strength metal anchors provide an excellent balance between ease of installation and load capacity. Many brands advertise weight ratings in pounds and can be a reliable choice for heavy art, small cabinets, or anchors near the studs. These anchors are often corrosion-resistant and work well in damp areas such as bathrooms.
Ask yourself three questions: How heavy is the item (in pounds)? Can I mount into a stud? Do I want a flush finish or a semi-permanent anchor? If your item weighs under 20 pounds, self-drilling or plastic anchors will do. For 20 to 75 pounds, look at molly bolts or higher-rated metal anchors. Above 75 pounds, use toggle bolts or secure to studs.
Whenever you can find a stud, use a wood screw driven directly into the stud — it’s the most secure option. A single 3-inch screw into a stud may hold several hundred pounds, depending on the fixture and how the load is applied. If the item will carry dynamic loads (like a swing or exercise mount), always prefer a stud-based install.
Installing anchors doesn’t require a ton of fancy gear, but a few basic tools make the job much easier. Keep a power drill, a set of drill bits in 1/16-inch increments through at least 1/2 inch, a stud finder, a tape measure in inches, and a screwdriver set. For heavier anchors, a toggle installation tool or long driver can be helpful. Always pick screw length so it penetrates the anchor and leaves enough thread to grab the fixture — commonly a 1-inch to 2-1/2-inch screw depending on anchor type and thickness of fixture.
Start by locating studs and marking your holes. When you need to place anchors between studs, measure twice to avoid patching mistakes. Use the correct drill bit diameter for the anchor — for example, many plastic anchors require a 1/4-inch pilot hole, while some molly bolts need a 3/8-inch hole. Tighten screws until snug, but avoid over-tightening, which can strip the anchor or damage the drywall.
If you’re mounting a wide shelf or heavy unit, distribute weight across multiple anchors spaced evenly. For example, a 48-inch shelf carrying 80 pounds might do well with four anchors spaced about 12 inches apart and centered on the shelf ends. Better to spread the load like posts holding up a bridge than to concentrate all the pressure on a single point.
You can buy drywall anchors nearly anywhere, but some retailers stand out for selection, brands, and convenience. Below I’ll highlight nine reliable US retailers and what each is best for.
The Home Depot has a wide selection of anchors from brands like Toggler, E-Z Ancor, WingIt, and Hillman. It’s a go-to for DIYers because of stocked inventory, in-store pickup, and detailed product specs listing weight capacities in pounds. If you like seeing anchors in hand before you buy, Home Depot is a dependable option.
Lowe’s matches Home Depot with a strong anchor range and helpful how-to guides. Their assortment covers entry-level plastic anchors to heavy-duty toggles and specialty anchors for stone or tile. Lowe’s often carries bundled kits that include screws and anchors for a single project — a time-saver if you want everything in one pack.
Ace Hardware is great for local convenience and hardware expertise. Smaller stores may not carry every brand, but you’ll find quality anchors and personalized advice. If you prefer chatting with a pro about which anchor to use for a tricky location, Ace is a friendly neighborhood choice.
Menards stocks a good mix of residential anchors and contractor-grade hardware. Their prices are competitive, and they often carry bulk packs for contractors or larger renovation projects. If you need anchors by the box and want to save per-piece costs, check Menards for bulk options.
Amazon strength is sheer selection and customer reviews. You can compare dozens of brands like Snaptoggle, Toggler Alligator, and E-Z Ancor, view real-user photos, and read how anchors performed over time. For fast shipping and deep choice, Amazon is hard to beat, especially for specialty anchors you might not find in stores.
Walmart is a practical choice for basic anchors and budget packs. While the selection may not be as specialized as a home center, you can pick up common anchors and screws at low prices. Walmart is handy for last-minute runs or basic household items when you don’t need a specialty solution.
Fastenal caters more to professionals and contractors. You’ll find industrial-grade anchors, bulk buying, and specialty fasteners not commonly stocked at big box stores. If you’re working on a larger commercial job or want high-performance anchors in bulk, Fastenal is an excellent source.
Grainger is another professional-grade supplier with durable anchors and comprehensive spec sheets. They carry brands designed for industrial use and provide clear weight ratings in pounds. Grainger is ideal when safety and long-term load performance are paramount.
True Value stores offer local convenience like Ace, with an emphasis on home repair supplies and friendly service. Their stores often stock trusted anchor brands and small packs for quick fixes. If you like dealing with local hardware owners, True Value is a reliable stop.
Here are quick recommendations so you know what to grab next time you’re in the store or clicking “add to cart.”
Use plastic expansion anchors or small self-drilling anchors. These are simple to install and leave a small hole that’s easy to patch if you change your mind later.
Choose molly bolts or heavy-duty metal self-drilling anchors. They distribute load better and provide steady support for daily use items.
Opt for toggle bolts or snap toggles. If possible, combine toggles with studs — securing at least one side to a stud dramatically increases safety. For TVs, always consult mount manufacturer instructions and use bolts rated in pounds for the specified VESA mount sizes.
After installation, test the mounted item gently, pulling downwards with a gradual force rather than a sharp jerk. If something shifts or feels loose, remove the fixture and replace the anchor with a higher-rated option or move to a stud. Over time, check mounts periodically — loose screws can be tightened, and fatigued anchors replaced. For heavy, load-bearing installations, consider checking every 6 months.
Always check the anchor’s stated weight capacity in pounds and remember those ratings assume optimal installation in standard drywall. Read product reviews and, when in doubt, buy a heavier-duty option or use multiple anchors. Keep a small variety pack on hand — having a couple sizes of self-drilling anchors, a set of toggles, and some molly bolts saves a second trip to the store.
Choosing the right drywall anchor turns a risky DIY project into a confidence-building win. Whether you’re hanging a small frame or mounting a heavy shelf, understanding anchor types, matching them to weight in pounds, and buying from reliable US retailers like The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ace, Menards, Amazon, Walmart, Fastenal, Grainger, or True Value will make the job smoother. With the right tools and a little planning, your walls will hold what you hang on them — no drama, no patching, just steady support.
