These Are The BEST DRYWALL ANCHORS EVER! (Homeowners + DIYers Should Keep These Sheetrock Anchors!)

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These Are The BEST DRYWALL ANCHORS EVER! (Homeowners + DIYers Should Keep These Wall Anchors Around)
I don't use drywall anchors often. As I've said on the channel, I feel that they sometimes give people a false sense of confidence that what they're mounting to a wall is truly secure.
BUT, sheetrock anchors can be very handy for small, lightweight wall-mounting. And when I need to use them, I always reach immediately for SELF-DRILLING DRYWALL ANCHORS.
Self-drilling sheetrock anchors come in plastic and metal. I prefer the plastic anchors.
They're screw-shaped, with a sharp point on one end, and a phillips slot on the head. To install self-drilling anchors, you simply press them to your drywall surface and turn them with a SCREWDRIVER, or DRILL, or DRIVER.
The point acts like a cutter head, boring through the drywall paper. When it punches through, the anchor sinks to the threads. As you turn it into the drywall surface, the threads bore their way in, cutting their own channels.
Drive until the drywall anchor is flush, then stop!
Be sure to use the supplied screws. These have the right gauge and thread count for the sheetrock/drywall anchor in question.
That's how you use self-drilling drywall anchors!
THE HONEST CARPENTER

[@cyclon74]

I was fortunate enough to find this type of anchor many years ago and haven't looked back since.

[@alancook303]

I have used these anchors for years and never had a problem. Great product. Love you channel.

[@steve32221]

I never start them on their own because I’ve had them break off. Take your #2 Philips screwdriver and put it through the sheet rock with your palm first, anchor starts perfectly square then. Also, I sink them by hand too, more control.

[@jljohnson9438]

I used to work at one of the big box stores and, as you mentioned, there were a lot of different anchors to choose from. But I looked at what our contractors used most often, or the installers who did the finish work in bathrooms etc (towel bars, toilet paper holders, etc) and these were by far the ones they always selected. Now this is all I use at home as well.

[@chrisanthony579]

This is what I do for a living but commercial stuff you find in hospitals and public restrooms. These screw-in anchors are great and fast but only for light duty stuff. You are still only relying on the strength of the drywall to support whatever you are attaching. We would never use them from grab bars, towel bars, toilet paper dispensers, anywhere where someone could put their weight on them.

[@sparker7768]

@@chrisanthony579 So what do you use instead?

[@chrisanthony579]

@@sparker7768 Depends on what I'm attaching, how many anchors I can use and assuming drywall. A floating shelf where I have no idea what weight will be put on it or a grab bar where someone is using it to support their own weight.... I'm cutting the wall open to install wood blocking/grounds. A towel bar or shower curtain, I'm probably using some type of toggle anchor. Light stiff like a picture, the screw in anchors (metal) work good but again...need to remember the anchor can only support what the drywall can support. Whatever attachment method I use, I become liable if something fails.

[@travishall67]

I agree. I've used a half dozen different types of drywall anchors and the kind you're showcasing is my go-to.

[@richsparkman9980]

I totally agree I use them all the time in my house they work well on plaster walls also and they are super strong

[@feldmanjared]

Been using this exact anchors for years and I feel validated lol

[@rmc6775]

Nice to have you reinforce the use of what I've been using for a long time. Thanks for keeping us educated!

[@josephj6521]

For a long time I was frightened to anchor anything onto drywall (I used to live in homes with brick walls). I bought these and it took me a year to find the courage to try them. After so much research so far so good. I haven’t used them for a TV but for pictures and paintings, yep. Great video. 👍

[@vincentwesolowski459]

You are 100% correct on these anchors. They are the best thing since sliced bread!

[@burdpal]

I've been using those EZ drywall anchors since the performance videos on Project Farm's stress tests. I use a drill to mark a pilot hole with a 1/8 drill bit before I insert them into the drywall, to make sure there are no studs. I feel like it should also be mentioned that they give a resounding "click" when the screw is driven into the anchor, noting the expansion of the anchor into the sheetrock. It gives massive peace of mind when that click happens, as I know it's properly installed.

[@michellest-louis2894]

Very helpful. I live in an old house and know nothing about construction and everyday small handy work. The walls home aren't made of gyps but plaster on 1 1/2 in. wood planks. Anything I drill will make that plaster crumble. These anchors is less damageable. Thanks again

[@nemo227]

Logical explanation. Rational people don't expect drywall to hold the weight of wood, steel, or concrete.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

I’m always telling people to lower their expectations a bit for anchors, Nemo 😅

[@nemo227]

@@TheHonestCarpenter YES! That seems to be a part of human nature in almost everything we do or think we can do. Your comment (at the 30 second mark) about giving people a false confidence says volumes.

[@LikeSuicide]

@@TheHonestCarpenter I think lowering expectations in general is good advice for homeowners. Especially those who dabble in DIY (myself included).

[@dalekrohse1871]

I think that you are right to endorse these. I have had great success with them. I always start the anchor by driving it in the 1/4" or so, as you showed by hitting the back of the drill.

[@kimtoy3089]

100% agree that these type of anchors are the all-around beat for every reason you mentioned. When possible, if something needs two anchor points and does nit span 16 inches, I try to hit a stud with one side and use one of these on the other. Very secure! Thanks for the great advice you provide on this channel.

[@chrisnash2154]

I completely agree. Been using them for over 10 years

[@ShinyAndreon]

Totally agree. Great choice for lightweight items like towel racks.

[@SuperUncleRyan]

I have been in construction for 30 years and the only thing I would use these for is pictures and other very light use stuff. For things like towel racks asd TP holders, I will only use the flip-toggles. I would trust flip-toggles in 5/8 drywall to hold a TV bracket.

[@parkerdodd1218]

I used 8 of these in a Florida home to mount a 65in tv on the wall. Been hanging on that same mount for 2 years.

[@TheeGreasyGamer]

I've been installing cameras for a bank for 6 years. Every existing DVR (which are pretty heavy) I run across is installed on drywall using the metal version of these anchors and I've never seen one fail

[@jordanadams5902]

​@@parkerdodd1218Any type of drywall anchor for mounting a TV is fucking insane😂

[@raymondgrose9118]

Agreed

[@raymondgrose9118]

I wouldn’t hang a paper picture of a TV with these. Eventually your TV WILL fall down.

[@Impatient_Ape]

Agreed -- wide thread anchors are the best. I have never regretted using them, and never regretted go up one level in weight rating.

[@davidjennings6937]

I'm just a casual DIY'er and I did not know about these! Thx

[@carlel121]

Yay! I never did this, when I moved in with my husband he did it all I didn’t worry, but we separated, I’m living with my sister in an apartment and I have to decorate my house, well one more thing to learn, Thank you for this video, helped me a lot! By the way I already bought my tools, I’ll be the handywoman in the house 🤩

[@justapointofview696]

Thank you for the tip on using the screw that comes with the anchor. Prior to your advice I had planned to use a different screw.

[@shawnferguson7477]

They are pretty much my go to for everything i hang, unless I have to hang something much heavier than i'll go with toggles. I try when ever possible to have at least one stud to drill in (like a long shelf or something). Like you said, the ease of use and cost makes this a no brainer. Though I will say, if they are too cheap, the tip will sometimes just bend or crush on me and I have found putting a small pilot hole (sometimes even a wack with the screw into the wall first) helps a lot.

[@philshock3805]

They're all I've used for the last 20 years or so. They just always seemed to be superior to the others - glad you agree! lol I typically drill a small starter hole first though in case there's a stud at that spot.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Good call, Phil! 😄

[@cgilleybsw]

Too funny. Fastest way to find a stud is to try to use one of these things. :)

[@seanhorton3811]

So you don't have to change between drill bit and screw bit, we would carry an ice pick with a big headed handle that had a short tapered shaft. Give the pick a quick pop on the head with your hand and it would push right through gypboard. Much faster and would make a nice starter hole.

[@justintime5021]

I use one of those crazy powerful neodymium bar magnets to find the stud.

[@bradleytuckwell4881]

Your so right they are a great product for lightweight hangs I use them a lot in the shop

[@AzTurboMini]

I've used these religiously since they were first introduced into the market. We've bought and sold 7 houses through the years and I've used these things for everything. One thing I do before before using one is use the screw that comes with it to screw a pilot hole where the anchor will be going so as to make sure I'm not going to be hitting anything with a plastic anchor and make a mess of things. Yes I could use a stud finder but this is just as fast and it's one less tool I have to carry around. Thanks for the video buddy. 👍

[@DavidSmith-ez4vv]

I 100% agree. These anchors are great. I have that as long as thread size is the same I can use bugle head, flat head or any other type fastener as well. Again, as long as the thread size meets the requirements of the anchor.

[@WorkshopGreg]

I found these last year and never went back. Absolutely love these!

[@laurafritz697]

Of all the drywall anchors I have used over the years, I agree this is the BEST one. 😊

[@paulinedavis8734]

Thanks, you’re short to the point & always crystal clear !

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks for watching, Pauline!

[@gregb671]

I’ve been using them forever, I’m glad to hear that you agree with me.

[@bricklawson9745]

I've been saying similar things for years! They're awesome and I always keep them on hand. I also keep the steel versions on hand in case of a stud in that particular spot..

[@joeolejar]

These have been my favorite for years.

[@kevinmahoney9205]

I discovered these years ago and they're all I use.

[@rayclarke5367]

Strong and quick to install. And above all reliable.

[@frankyi8206]

I just discovered these because they came with these wall mount guitar hooks I bought. I was skeptical at first because I had never seen them before, but once I tried them out I was impressed

[@karlforster4907]

Been using them for years now, my favorite

[@newsomeassoc]

Yep those are the best. Pros use those only. Still best to pre drill with 1/4" bit first as the tip sometimes breaks off especially if you hit a tape joint. Using those anchors with a truss head screw is money in the bank.

[@danielyeo6777]

Thank you so much you will not believe how helpful this is Hello From the Isle of Man

[@richieesposito8766]

I totally agree with you over the best that I use them in years. I well most trusted this items

[@anthonymotola4263]

I am glad I watched this video. I have always wondered about this type of anchor which I have used a few times in the past. I was amazed how easy they were to use. Now that I know they are strong and rated highly by you they will be my go to anchor for drywall from now on. Thanks again for making these great videos.

[@curtismmichaels]

Thank you! That makes a lot of sense, and I've never used a drywall anchor I liked. I'll give these a try. Judging by the comments, you're in agreement with a lot of people who know.

[@outofcontrol4499]

No doubt the Pros love these. If you want to get in, get out, and get paid they're fast, neat and work reasonably well. But in MY house I'd never use them for anything where the load is variable (shelves, towel bars, TP dispensers) the hole will enlarge and the anchor may fail. Toggle bolts can be a pain but they're forever.

[@concreteboy7851]

Thanks! I sent this to my daughter in college. I can’t be there and this will give her the information I can’t show her myself.

[@shaneownbey]

I hang pictures, mirrors and shelving as a "side business" of my Blind installation company. I use these anchors almost exclusively and I love them. I appreciate your video and I agree with everything you said. The only tip, if you could call it that, is . . . when you are drilling into a wall to hang a mirror, you don't always need an anchor, if you hit a stud. So, once I have my drywall marked for hanging, I run a 2" screw into the hole first. If I hit a stud, I'm done. If I don't, I back the screw out and put in an EZ Anchor right into the hole I just drilled with the screw. This is easy and fast, and I don't waste an anchor if I don't need one. :)

[@whoskingr2158]

I actually have drywall anchors myself I didn't know what they were for but thanks for the video 😄

[@jimadams6159]

I always get very helpful and useful advice which is clearly explained from your channel, thank you Ethan.

[@314jph]

No pre-drilling, good hold strength, little tearout. Trifecta

[@ninjaguysith]

Amazing video. I love fasteners. Please do more and dive deep.

[@ashfordj81]

I picked these up a few years ago when I needed to hang some heavier hardware at a business. After using them, I went home and threw away every other misc. drywall anchor that had made its way into my toolboxes over the years! They don't always work great as I get some that self-destruct before they get through the drywall (I appreciate the tip to give them a smack before starting; that should save some anchors in the future since I always use an impact driver), but they're still such a huge improvement that it's no contest. It's also a nice bonus that the Toggler brand Snapskru is made in the USA.

[@neoasura]

As someone with an older home and several coats of paint/skimcoat, the plastic ones never worked on my walls at all, they would always bend and break, even with a bigger pilot hole. I switched over to the metal ones and haven't had any issues since.

[@MonVil4597]

Thank you!!! Now I can move on with my project 😜😜👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@paulscheirer2368]

Ethan good info. Makes sense why you like this type of anchor.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks, Paul!

[@justintime5021]

I would bet the toggles would probably hold more weight but these ones are the ones that i absolutely use the the most. They are just pretty much perfect for most things. Most larger items i hang, like a tv for example, one side is 100% going to be in a stud. So the other side is not as critical.

[@SawdustmakerLori]

I really love this type of anchor and use them often but thanks for the additional info you provided on them as well as the comparison to other anchors!

[@JackKirbyFan]

Ethan, I have seen these and never realized they were self-tapping. Used the toggles for years and they are a pain compared to this. Thank you!

[@harveywalken]

Good info thanks. Can you confirm if you use multiple anchors, it will increase the hanging capacity? I've heard conflicting opinions and want to be sure. I hung a 58 pound, 72 inch tall mirror. It has a French cleat built in. I fastened the other half of the cleat using (4) Twist-N-Lock E-Z Ancor drywall anchors that hang up to 75 pounds. The cleat is 18 inches. I also screwed a 1 1/8 inch screw through one of the cleat holes into the only available stud. I appreciate your take on it. Don't want that mirror coming down.

[@sawdustadikt979]

Project Farm did a big test on drywall anchors. It’s worth the watch. Especially if you are using these frequently if your a handyman or something. After watching the video I went out and bought a bunch of different types and sizes and got a DEWALT small DEWALT tough box and built a kit cause P.A.P. Professionals Are Prepared.

[@PurpleRhymesWithOrange]

What are the best for when you need to attach something to a concrete block wall? Especially if you need to mount something heavy like a TV to a basement wall?

[@kyleuptergrove4040]

Keep the great Videos E! Thank you again for the DIYer video! FYI We bought all your kids books Kids love em!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks so much, Kyle!! I really appreciate you supporting the channel, and so glad your kids liked the books! 😄

[@BobMuir100]

Now that’s different, I don’t think anyone over here would suggest these for drywall work. Yet and you and your marketplace do. In England we have a plastic fixture that opens really wide after exiting the other side , easy to work with and very strong. The one caution is go slowly and don’t break the back paper!! Never had a failure. Wish I could send you a picture, you must have them??! Great video as usual. Bob England

[@judih.8754]

Project Farm did a video on wall anchors quite a while ago. He did two stress tests, downward and out. All the types were impressive.

[@uilsper]

Very Impressive:)

[@acecabezon]

Project Farm did a great review of these, testing the strength. You’re right, these are winners.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

They’re really good about doing isolated tests on products, Bryan. I’ll check that video out!

[@Cayandy56]

Work great and are fast for heavier I always use the Rawlplug wall anchor with the gun ..can take a radiator

[@mos8541]

SO.... doing a reinstall/mod on a apartment bldg under construction, the 8 inch J box was used for the connection, for whatever reason no studs/joists (metal) could be found/used within the cramped space in the ceiling so previous guy used drywall anchors. upon pulling the new cable thru conduit to the jbox, got sort of stuck and pulling JUST the cable i tore the box free from the ceiling with one or 2 anchors coming out the rest stayed in the ceiling!

[@stvargas69]

I have used the metal anchors for decades. Dont have to worry if Im going into a stud or not.

[@KevinTumlinson]

It's weird, I've used these here and there over the past several years, but it hasn't been until now, after moving into a new build home, that I've come to think of them as the best wall anchors. So it's kind of ironic that you posted this particular video now. I usually put small pilot hole in the wall to get these started, though. I suppose I don't have to do that, but it seems to make it easier, and I can make the hole very quickly without rechucking my drill by just drilling a screw straight into the drywall and backing it out.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

They’re definitely the best for new lightweight drywall, Kevin, which is indeed what is prevalent in much of the U.S. And a little pilot hole never hurts!

[@markb.1259]

CONCUR!!! That type anchor is THE best type of anchor!!!

[@dankelley9361]

Great video, totally agree with these being a great design. One flaw is that you have to be very careful not to over tighten as that will make a larger hole in the drywall an decrease it holding strength.

[@earthenscience]

The ones made of "plastic" are worthless trash... I assume you are referring to the metal ones?

[@paul-xq1cq]

I really enjoy all of your of your videos👍👍 But after 30 years in the communications game I have to say that Ramset Hollow Wall Anchors are far superior to any other. Proudly made here in Australia 🙂

[@internettroll7604]

The best anchors I’ve used are Rustark drywall anchors. They are the only thing I use now. All you need is a hammer and screw driver. Hammer them in and they go in easy and are easy to take out. if you do take them out they don’t leave much of a mark. I hope you work them into your comparison even if you decide they are not for you.

[@narlycharley]

Agreed 100%. I find it easier to work with when you pre drill the holes.

[@krishnar775]

Thank you, very helpful!, just using screw driver.

[@williambelford9661]

Don't know if you can get Grippit fasteners in the US, I used Blue Grippits (rated at over 100kg per fixing in 12.5mm drywall) to mount kitchen wall cabinets and 3 years later they are still solid.

[@DanKoning777]

Remember wall anchors [as a rule], are meant to handle *"shear weight"* [vertical load], i.e. straight up/down which doesn't demand the same amount of holding strength as *"tensile strength"* i.e. horizonal, or outward pull. Great info Ethan. 95% of the time, plastic and metal anchors are all I've used for yrs. God bless.

[@dwightl5863]

Which makes be question using them for towel racks. Yes I know you can lift the towel off but tell that to kids.

[@DanKoning777]

@@dwightl5863 // Hmm, here's a situation which requires 3 anchors; 2 going into a stud and the 3rd can go into the drywall, right next to one of the other anchors. This anchor merely holds "the paddle" which is introduced during the "family meeting" that's held right after you hang the new towel rack(s). If that doesn't work there's shelving, or a commercial grade hand blower [sarc]. I'd go with the cheaper "family meeting" myself. 😄

[@MichaelCampbell01]

I use these by the score. Couldn't agree with you any more on this one; perfect call.

[@PatricksDIY]

I love those Anchors, those are the only ones I use!

[@gwargolet]

Great video, have used many different kind of drywall anchors over the years, which I've found to work but require more work, right drill bit and screw size. Will definitely give these a try. Thanks

[@lincolndickerson1293]

I agree for anchors this type are the best type. 👍🏼👍🏼 For pictures I like to use the wire picture hanging hooks. These carry a surprising amount of weight. Easy install, easy removal and wall repair, and they are reusable. Like wall anchors they don’t work on studs but like with wall anchors if you have a stud there much better choices.

[@stephengee8488]

Totally agree. It would be great if you covered anchors for cement or brick. I have tried a lot of methods but haven’t come up with a foolproof one. Dowel seems to work the best but not always.

[@ExiledStardust]

Yes, this. I live in a European apartment building and our walls aren't drywall, they're steel beams and cement. I despair of ever hanging a shelf. Maybe there is somebody else who knows how, but they don't have content in English on KZbin.

[@jiggely_spears]

@@ExiledStardust Any DIY store in Europe will have anchors/wall-plugs for stone/brick/concrete block ......

[@uilsper]

I have been using these drywall screws for years and they are well worth it. My new house has plaster walls and these don't work. The Toggler snap toggles are amazing for plaster walls and as shown on the project farm channel they are very strong.

[@spaci-1701]

I tend to prefer the kind that turns into atoggle only because they need a smaller entry hole and I often need to go through a hard wall covering first - like stainless steel or FRP. I'll carefully drill through the hard material then insert normally.

[@leedsscott9336]

Thank you so much!! Great video even for a simple mom like me!!❤❤❤

[@TheCaptainmojo1973]

Heck I’ve even been using them in masonry because they hold better than most other small masonry anchors.

[@robqcmccullum8797]

Thanks for that I jave some of these in my tool box for years they are strong

[@justintime5021]

One hack i use with these is just to press your drill with the Philips driver into your marking and pull the trigger this gives a nice divot for the anchor to bite into

[@robwebnoid5763]

This is something I need to use because I too have recently had problems with a toilet paper dispenser. The home builder used those regular small anchors on the dispenser but they are not holding well. And because the drywall has a pocket door behind it, I cannot use a toggle bolt because the longer length of the bolt will hit the pocketdoor as the bolt gets installed. So a self-drilling plastic/metal anchor should be the perfect solution. And if that does not work on just the TP dispenser handles alone, I could put a backer plywood between drywall & dispenser & then put in anchors spread across a wider area on the plywood. 02/14/24

[@bencompton799]

Great presentation, thank you. But I have a question; on your recommendation I bought some 75 lb E-Z plastic anchors and everything was super easy EXCEPT when inserting the provided screws. They are SO difficult to screw in! I'd get so far and have to lean all my weight on it just to keep it going in, very slowly. One of them I pushed so hard to stop the screwdriver from slipping that I pushed the E-Z anchor into the wall space!! So in exasperation, I tried drilling the screw hole in the anchor a little bigger but that obviously isn't the way they were designed to be used. What am I doing wrong? The Philips head I'm using seems to be the right size. I'd appreciate your help.

[@sizzlinbacon9718]

Your presentations are always short, sweet, and to the point. Now, have I missed your posts on dealing with plaster and lath? I am beside myself in a 100+ y.o. Craftsman. I am terrified to hang anything because I cannot find the studs! 😵‍💫

[@bilbobaggins4462]

Another great video! Even though I'm very familiar with some of the topics you cover I always end up learning something. Great job!

[@Theosplaytime]

What I find with these is in the UK we plaster over drywall and you have to drill the hole first, else the anchor cracks the plaster around these. So although they are good, it's an extra step

[@Packer1290]

I wasn't getting anywhere with the self drilling. I just drilled a hole a little smaller than the end of the anchor. Went in no problem then. I'm using 2 of them to hold up a set of 5 coat hangers so there's going to be some weight on them for sure. I have a 3XL wool pea coat that itself is pretty heavy. That plus 4 more coats? We'll see!

[@kennethiman2691]

Excellent video. Very professional!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Kenneth!

[@mojoman366]

Perfect tutorial video! No nonsense information, and all of my questions were answered without me asking. Wish everyone made tutorials simple and straight to the point.

[@T_Jonesy]

I love these things. They're so much easier to use than toggle bolts or old school drywall anchors. Another really great video.

[@silvorus]

The ez anchor brand tells you on the box they use a #8 screw. I was installing small floating shelves in my tiny bathroom for TP and feminine product storage and needed longer screws. A 2 inch #8 screw worked perfectly.

[@aetherguy881]

I'm an electrician, I prefer the metal version, specifically the Metallics brand. Toggles do have their place. The right fastener for the right application!

[@drjimmy2112]

Good video once again- thank you

[@serenetheslothqueen]

I could really use your help…..I’m installing 2 bungee cords vertically on a wall via 4 eyebolts for a bulk paper towels holder, but I can’t figure out the best anchor to use for the job and I’m trying to keep it as low profile as possible. The eyebolts are Everbilt 3/16”-24x3” eyebolts with nuts. Any help would be greatly appreciated and thanks for doing all these videos to help us novices out 😊

[@mrdot1126]

it really depends... where i live in Europe, we usually do double layer of drywall.