Installing toggle bolts is a great way to hang heavy objects on drywall when you don’t have access to wall studs. Toggle bolts provide a sturdy mounting option that distributes the weight across a larger area of the wall surface. While toggle bolts might seem intimidating, installing them properly is easy with the right tools and technique.
What Are Toggle Bolts?
Toggle bolts, also known as butterfly anchors, are a special type of hollow wall anchor that work well in drywall. They consist of two pieces – a spring-loaded bolt that gets inserted into the wall and a circular clamp that compresses against the backside of the drywall to hold it in place.
The toggle slides through a pre-drilled hole and then springs open behind the wall, bracing itself horizontally. When the bolt gets tightened, the clamp compresses against the back of the wall and creates a sturdy mounting point. This helps disperse weight laterally across the wall rather than concentrating it in one spot like traditional anchors.
Some key benefits of using toggle bolts include:
- Holds heavy objects – Toggle bolts can support a lot of weight, typically up to 50 pounds per anchor depending on the drywall thickness. This makes them ideal for mounting things like shelves, cabinets, TVs, overhead lighting, and other heavy items.
- Works on drywall – Since toggle bolts distribute weight laterally, they can be installed securely in drywall without needing to hit a wood stud. This gives you more flexibility on placement.
- Adjustable grip – The wings collapse smaller to fit through the hole and then open wider on the other side to grip against the back of the drywall. This self-adjusting grip keeps the anchor firmly planted.
- Holds in thick drywall – Many traditional hollow wall anchors lose holding strength if installed in thicker drywall. But toggle bolts maintain impressive holding power regardless of the drywall thickness.
Overall, toggle bolts create very secure mounts in drywall alone. Let’s look at how to install them properly.
Tools and Materials Needed
Installing toggle bolts is a straightforward process but does require some specific tools and materials:
- Electric drill – To drill holes in the drywall to insert the toggle bolts.
- Drill bits – Match the size to the toggle bolt diameter. Typically around 1/4″ or 3/8″.
- Toggle bolts – Get the appropriate size, length, and weight rating for your project. Consider drywall thickness.
- Screwdriver – A Philips head screwdriver will be needed to drive in the bolts.
- Pencil – To mark the holes.
- Level – Helps mark installation points accurately.
- Safety equipment – Safety glasses and masks protect from debris.
Having these basic tools on hand will make the installation process go smoothly. Always check the packaging of your specific toggle bolt for any specialized tools needed.
How to Install Toggle Bolts in Drywall
Follow these steps to properly install toggle bolts in drywall:
Step 1: Mark the Holes
First, determine where you want to install the toggle bolts. Use a level to mark the precise points.
Space the holes based on the size and weight of the object being mounted. For heavy objects, plan to use at least two or more toggle bolts spaced several inches apart to distribute the load. Mark each hole location with a pencil.
Step 2: Drill the Holes
Put on safety glasses and a dust mask to protect yourself.
Use a power drill and drill bit matched to the size of the toggle bolts. Drill straight through the drywall at each marked location, keeping the drill perpendicular to the wall.
Drill all the way through so the hole fully breaks through the backside of the drywall.
Pro Tip: Go slowly when the drill is about to penetrate the backside so you don’t damage anything behind the wall.
Step 3: Insert the Bolts
For each hole, take a toggle bolt and compress the wings down so they fit through the hole.
Insert the end of the bolt through the front of the hole and push it flush until the wings spring open flat behind the drywall. You may need to wiggle or rotate the bolt to get the wings positioned properly.
Give the bolt a slight tug to ensure the wings have opened all the way and are braced horizontally behind the wall. The bolt head should sit flat against the wall surface.
Repeat this for every marked hole before moving to the next step.
Step 4: Mount the Object
With the toggle bolts inserted, you can now position the object you’re mounting over them.
Line up the mounting holes on the object with the inserted toggle bolts. You may need a helper for large or heavy items.
Start threading screws through the mounting holes and into the toggle bolts. Tighten each one a few turns at a time to draw everything together evenly.
As you tighten the screws, the wings will collapse together and compress against the back of the drywall. Keep tightening until the item feels secure and stable on the wall.
Step 5: Confirm Proper Installation
Once everything is mounted, visually inspect each toggle bolt to ensure they are tight and compressed properly. Give the item a gentle pull or shake to confirm it is firmly anchored.
If the object ever feels loose, tighten the toggle bolts more by giving the screws another few turns. This will further compress the wings and reinforce the mounting.
And that covers the basics of installing toggle bolts! With the right tools and preparation, it’s easy to add these heavy duty anchors to maximize your mounting options.
Tips for Proper Toggle Bolt Use
Here are some additional professional tips for working with toggle bolts successfully:
- Test drywall thickness and density before choosing a toggle bolt length. The wings need ample space to open behind the drywall.
- Minimize empty space behind the drywall for best gripping power. Toggle bolts work poorly in hollow wall cavities.
- Ensure the wings are fully horizontal after insertion. Angled wings won’t grip properly when tightened.
- Start screws gently at first to avoid stripping the hollow bolt heads from over-tightening initially.
- Use fender washers to help distribute the load if mounting with sheet metal screws.
- For heavy objects, use 3-5 toggle bolts spaced at least a few inches apart. More bolts distribute weight better.
- Check installed bolts periodically and re-tighten if needed. Vibration can cause wings to loosen over time.
- When removing, loosen screws gradually to avoid damaging the drywall as the wings release their grip.
Using toggle bolts doesn’t require specialized skills, but following best practices makes for the sturdiest end result.
Common Problems When Installing Toggle Bolts
Toggle bolts are fairly straightforward to install, but here are some common mistakes to look out for:
Not drilling deep enough holes – The holes must penetrate completely through the drywall so the wings can open freely. Shallow holes won’t allow proper deployment.
Wings don’t open fully – If the wings only open partially, the grip won’t be as strong. Wiggling the bolt gently can help free stuck wings.
Uneven wing deployment – The wings must spring out evenly on both sides for optimal support. One-sided deployment causes wobbling.
Mounting object before bolts are tightened – Don’t fully mount the item until after bolts are tightened. Doing so limits the wing compression.
Stripping the bolt heads – Tightening screws too quickly can strip the hollow bolt heads. Go slowly at first until firmly anchored.
Poor placement – Leaving too much space between bolts or mounting near drywall edges can allow spinning and failure.
With care and experience, you’ll be able to avoid these pitfalls and achieve professional toggle bolt installations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toggle Bolts
Here are answers to some common questions about using toggle bolts:
Can you use toggle bolts in concrete?
No, toggle bolts are designed only for use in drywall or other hollow wall materials. For concrete, use appropriate concrete anchors. The wings won’t be able to deploy properly and grip concrete.
What size toggle bolt do I need?
Check the object’s mounting hardware and required load capacity. For light to medium duty, #6 or #8 sized toggle bolts usually suffice. For heavy objects, step up to larger #10, 3/8″, or 1/2″ toggles.
How much weight can a toggle bolt hold?
It varies by size, but roughly:
- #6 toggle bolts hold around 20-25 lbs each
- #8 toggle bolts hold around 30-50 lbs each
- 1/4″ toggles hold around 50-75 lbs each
- 3/8″ toggles hold around 100-150 lbs each
Use multiple bolts spaced inches apart for heavier loads.
Can I use a screwdriver instead of a drill?
No, you’ll need an electric drill to create holes properly sized for the toggle bolts. Screwdrivers won’t have the power to penetrate the drywall cleanly.
How do you patch a hole after removing a toggle bolt?
Use drywall joint compound and a taping knife to fill the hole and feather the edges. Apply primer once dry, then paint to match the surrounding wall color. Sand between coats for a smooth finish.
Do I need to hit a stud to install toggle bolts?
No, one of the main benefits of toggle bolts is providing sturdy mounting in drywall alone without needing to locate wall studs. Proper drywall compression creates strength.
How far from the wall edge can I install a toggle bolt?
It’s best to keep toggle bolt holes at least 1.5 to 2 inches from any edges to prevent spin-out. Increased edge distance is better for heavier loads.
Conclusion
Installing toggle bolts is an easy process that opens up options for securely mounting items on hollow drywall. By drilling holes sized to fit the toggles, inserting the bolts so the wings deploy properly, and compressing the wings as you tighten screws, you can create very strong mounting points without wall studs. Following best practices for usage and placement will ensure your toggle bolts live up to their full strength potential. Just be mindful of potential mistakes like stripped screws or uneven wing deployment. With a little care, toggle bolts provide an incredibly sturdy and versatile drywall mounting method for home projects and repairs.