Drywall anchors: types and applications

The anchor is a very reliable fastening element for various materials. The scope of its application in construction and finishing works is very wide. However, not all anchors are equally suitable for different types of fasteners. This article will discuss in detail the types and models of drywall anchors, the features of their selection and use.

Any type of anchor bolt is a structure for fastening, consisting of the following parts and elements:

• internal screw bolt;
• frame;
• plastic or rubber gasket;
• screw.

The drywall anchor differs from other types in that it is able to be retained in hollow materials and structures. This is possible thanks to special spacers. The spacers rest against the edges of the hole on the sheet and thereby hold the entire sleeve inside.

Drywall anchors can be plastic and metal.

Fasteners for drywall are divided into 2 types:

• Straight through design. With the help of such an anchor, various suspension elements are fastened to the ceiling.
• Expanding design (spring). This type is suitable for fixing any structures to plasterboard walls.

To correctly install the anchor fasteners, you must adhere to a certain algorithm.

• A hole of the required diameter must be drilled in a drywall sheet.
• The hole should be cleaned of dust, crumbs and debris. Then the anchor itself must be placed in it, while holding the folding elements of the fastener.
• After placing the element in the hole, the anchor should open on the inside.
• The anchor bolt must be tightened all the way to ensure maximum expansion of the fastener body inside the hole. Tightening with a screw will provide the most reliable fastening of the element.

Fasteners that are used for plasterboard products must have the following properties:

• the body and the bolt itself must have an anti-corrosion coating;
• the material from which the fasteners are made must have high strength indicators;
• the fasteners must be equipped with spacers: without them, reliable fixation on the plasterboard sheet is impossible.

There are several models of anchor fasteners that differ in purpose, appearance and performance.

• Molly fasteners. It is one of the most expensive. It is made of steel alloy and zinc plated. The anchor has a high strength of the body and the bolt, is able to withstand high weight loads. There is a possibility of dismantling without damaging the fastening element. Since outwardly this type of fastener looks like an umbrella handle, it has a second name - an umbrella dowel. The fasteners are capable of loading up to 35 kg.

• Driva fasteners. At the moment it is one of the most popular and demanded in the Russian market. Combines high quality and affordable cost. Fasteners are available in two types: plastic and metal. The plastic fasteners are designed to hold up to 25 kg, while the metal ones are capable of holding more than 32 kg. This anchor does not need free space behind the leaves, which is a significant plus. The difference between the fasteners is that when installing it, it is not necessary to use a drill.There is already a drill at the end of the anchor, so you can screw it into the sheet with a screwdriver.

• Dowel-butterfly. Most often, fasteners of this type can be found from the manufacturer Fischer. This fastener is made of polypropylene and has a relatively low cost - from only 0.3 rubles. Suitable for hanging and fixing structures and objects of light weight. The maximum weight load is only 20 kg.

• Chemical anchor. This type of fastener is a capsule with an adhesive composition. During installation, the capsule is deformed, its contents mix and react.

Unfortunately, the technology is not always followed in the production of fasteners. Buyers are faced with the presence of defects that significantly impair the quality of work.

When choosing anchors, you should pay attention to some points:

• Measure the bolt diameter and make sure it matches the manufacturer's stated specifications. Other dimensions must also strictly comply with manufacturing standards.
• The fastener must be free of rust. Its presence indicates an insufficient amount of anti-corrosion coating, or its complete absence.

• Pay attention to the thread of the bolt. The cut should not be sparse and weak.
• The tip should be sharp enough.
• The product should be free of burrs, chips and obvious surface roughness.
• Inspect the plastic plug of the dowel carefully. There should be no sagging on it.

The quality and durability of the plasterboard structure depends on the correct choice of fasteners, therefore, when choosing a material, you need to follow some rules.

• It is recommended to buy fasteners for drywall and other materials only in specialized, well-proven stores and retail outlets.
• Always check with your dealer for the maximum load mass for a particular attachment type. Do not seek to save money by purchasing weaker fasteners. This is fraught with possible rupture of the mount due to excessive load.

• Don't skimp on the material of the fastener. Plastic fasteners are cheaper, but inferior in strength.
• If you need to attach drywall to a solid solid base (brick, concrete, wood), you should choose metal anchors.
• If you choose the wrong anchor fasteners, you run the risk of injury during operation, as well as reduce the strength of the fastening of the structure.

In the next video, you will see a comparative overview of the different types of anchors.