When you want to hang pictures, shelves and other décor onto your walls, you might start contemplating the subject of how to screw into drywall without crumbling it. Drywall drywalls are widely used for walls, but are quite fragile, prone to cracking or giving way with the slightest pressure. Fortunately, hanging items on drywall isn’t very difficult when you follow a few basic guidelines and tips. In this guide, we will go over what you should and shouldn’t do when , the best methods to use, some common mistakes to avoid, and the best types of anchors to use. Thanks to DG Guyi, you will master the skills of drywall screwing like a pro!
Do: Sighting a stud finder, locate the studs that sit behind the drywall whenever you can. Studs are the strong wooden pieces that hold the drywall and keep it on the wall frame. Since these studs are the sturdiest components of the wall, they are the best locations to anchor screws. If you try to hang something heavy or bulky without hitting a stud, it will fall off the wall, and might even pull (damage) the drywall itself.
Step One: Select the Appropriate Screw and Anchor. Plastic anchors should be used for lightweight items, such as picture frames or small shelves. These spread open when you insert the screw, helping to firmly set the item in place. For midweight loads, such as mirrors or decorative plates, use metal toggle bolts. When you screw in the screw, these bolts spread behind the drywall for a good hold. SnapToggles or Zip-Its for heavier items, such as cabinets or bookcases. These specialized anchors dig into the back of the drywall and give a very solid grip.
Step 2: You need to indent the area you want to screw the anchor into the drywall. Put a tiny pencil mark or even a little dent on the wall. Next, press the anchor to that mark and tap it in with a hammer until it’s flush with the drywall. After the anchor is inserted, place the screw into the anchor, and tighten the screw clockwise with your hand until it is snug and secure. If using a power drill, set it to a low speed and stop when the screw is slightly recessed below the surface of the drywall.
Another mistake is failing to pre-drill the screw with a pilot hole. This is important because failing to drill a pilot hole can cause the drywall to crack or break. If either of these mistakes sounds familiar, then make sure you always check the weight and size of the item you want to hang. Read the instructions that come with the screw and anchor you choose to use. You should also drill a guide hole for the screw with a smaller drill bit. Doing this will prevent damage to the drywall.
Something else to be careful of is to make sure that you are not cutting into any electrical wires or pipes behind the drywall. Drilling or screwing into a wire or pipe can create a fire hazard or cause a water leak. To avoid that, use a stud finder capable of detecting metal and electrical voltage to scan the wall before getting started. If you do hit a wire or pipe: the safest is to go elsewhere and let a pro come out to tackle the problem.
Just as an important note, we discussed earlier how plastic anchors are best for hanging lightweight things. For medium-weight items, toggle bolts are the way to go. Heavy-duty items—SnapToggles or Zip-Its. Hybrid anchors for specific needs are also available. EZ Ancor Twist-N-Lock anchors, for example, are ideal for drywall and plaster walls and can support up to 75 pounds. “These Monkey Hooks are another fabulous solution for hanging art or mirrors without the use of tools or studs, and they have a weight capacity of 50 pounds.”
