Can Drywall Anchors Be Used in Wood? (Explained!)


People often question what type of anchors to use for different surfaces. Similar to Drywall anchors on wood, would it hold? How can I make sure that I do it correctly? What would happen if I didn’t?

You can use Drywall anchors on wood and plywood. No anchor is necessarily needed when the wood is less than 20 pounds. Also, the heavier wood or Plywood could hold up to 300 pounds, but this highly depends on the anchor used.

Most people think drywall anchors are used exclusively in drywall, but they can also be used in wood. A few different types of drywall anchors can be used in wood, including toggle bolts and expanding plugs. But choosing the right one is actually much more important than you think. 

Do You Need Drywall Anchors For Wood?

That will depend on the weight of the wood but also on the weight of the Drywall. Drywalls have minimum holding power, but if the wooden frame is less than 20 pounds like a shelf, you may not need anchors. However, anchors have holding power that can handle a lot of weight. 

Using a robust drywall anchor is the most practical way to distribute weight across a wall. Similar to different types of drywall, there are also different types of Drywall anchors.

Toggle bolts: Toggle bolts are strong fasteners of different shapes and sizes, and their holding capacity depends on the required weight for support. While toggle bolts can support a wood weight of over 300 pounds, you need an oversized hole to insert the spring. They are not very popular because they leave a gaping hole once they are removed.

Molly Bolts: Molly bolts are inserted into a drilled hole in the wall, or the hole can be created with a hammer. These bolts have significant holding power and stay in place when you tighten them. As you tighten the bolt, the casing expands behind the drywalls. Molly bolts can support a weight of over 100 pounds but are very difficult to remove once Installed. However, they are good alternatives to drywall anchors.

Threaded Toggles:  Threaded toggles are self-drilling devices that are better than normal toggle bolts. They fit well into holes and are relatively easy to install. Threaded bolts can handle a weight of over 200 pounds or more depending on the specification, but they are not as durable or large as toggle bolts. We recommend long-lasting fasteners over drywall anchors and toggle bolts if you want long-lasting fasteners.

How Do You Put A Drywall Anchor In Wood?

Installing a drywall anchor in wood is relatively easy. Simply follow these steps.

How to install a sleeve anchor

  • Use a pencil to mark the spot where you want to hang your item
  • Drill a hole into the hr sport using any tool you can find. Make sure the hole has a much smaller width than the anchor. Be mindful of the size
  • Stick the sleeve anchor into the hole and adjust it into place until the head flushes into the wall. 
  • Use a screwdriver to adjust the screws to make them tight.

How to install a Threaded Anchor

  • Mark the spot with a pencil
  • Use a rubber hammer or mallet to tap the anchor into the wall until you reach the thread.
  • Use your screwdriver to tighten the anchor until the head merges with the drywall.
  • Adjust the screws to the depth you want using a drill or screwdriver

We recommend this video to understand how to install a drywall anchor in wood.

Can You Use Drywall Anchors In Plywood?

Yes, you can use drywall anchors in plywood because they have good holding power, but the plywood has to be thick and sturdy enough; otherwise, the anchor will not hold. Thinner plywood will work better with Molly bolts or toggle threads because they spread weight evenly across the wall. While there is nothing wrong with using anchors on plywood, we only recommend them for strong ones.

If your plywood is light, use nails (but make sure that it can hold) or screws but make sure you drill a hole before inserting them so the plywood will not split.

FAQs:

Can You Put A Drywall Anchor Into A Stud?

Yes, you can, but make sure the weight of whatever you want to hang on the anchor is not too heavy that is if you’ve installed your Drywall correctly, meaning ending up on a stud. Studs are very good braces for weight and even protect the walls from damage.

Can You Use Drywall Anchors In Wood Paneling?

Drywall anchors are very good for wood paneling, regardless of whether the paneling is thick or hollow. They can also be sued for brick and concrete surfaces as well. Here is how to install anchors in wood paneling.

Locate the spot

Identify the spot where you want to install the item, then use a drill to make a hole behind the panel. As you drill, tap the panel regularly until you hear a solid sound. Also, ensure that you use a drill bit that is the same size as the anchor; otherwise, you will drill a hole that is too big or too small for the anchor. 

Press the Drywall Anchor

Once the hole is ready, press the anchor into it and tap with a hard object until it is in place.

Insert Screw

Insert a fitting screw into the anchor and tighten it with your screwdriver or drill.

How To Install Plastic Wall Anchors Without A Drill?

It will interest you to know that you don’t necessarily need a drill to install an anchor. Here are the steps to take.

Get the appropriate anchor.

The first step is to get a good anchor that is compatible with the screws you intend to use. For the grip to hold, the screw must be large enough to expand the anchor but not too big to make it crack. When shopping for anchors and screws, pay close attention to sizing as this is important for heavy items; use threaded anchors and sleeve anchors for lighter items.

We recommend a drywall sleeve anchor as it works for both light and heavy items and is easy to install. 

Make a hole using a screw or nail.

Once you have the appropriate anchor or screws, make a hole using a nail or screw. Do this by tapping your designated spot with the nail or screw until you penetrate the outer portion of the drywall. Make sure the one you use is bigger than the installation screw but not larger than the plastic anchor. Once the hole is made, wiggle the screw or nail around the hole until it becomes smaller than the anchor, then remove and re-insert several times.

Insert Plastic Anchor With A Hammer or your Fingers

Once the holes are ready, insert the anchor with a hammer or your fingers. Tap the anchor repeatedly until it merges with the wall. If you are using a plastic sleeve anchor, you have two options.

Option 1

You can tap the anchor with your hammer carefully 

Option 2

Push and twist with your hands.

If you choose to use a hammer, make sure you do it carefully so you don’t strike and damage the wall.

Screw Anchor

With the plastic anchor now in place, insert the metal screw and tighten it with your screwdriver. Note that the screw is what will hold your item, so make sure it has the appropriate length and tensile

strength. Take your time to tighten it so it doesn’t loosen and fall off; if this happens, whatever item it is holding will crash and likely break. As you tighten the screw, the plastic anchor will expand to give the drywall enough grip.

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