How to Hammer in Drywall Anchors Correctly

Installing drywall anchors is a fundamental skill for anyone looking to hang pictures, shelves, mirrors, or any heavy item on drywall surfaces. Drywall, also known as plasterboard or gypsum board, is not strong enough to hold heavy screws on its own. This is where drywall anchors come into play — they provide the necessary support by distributing the weight across a larger area of the drywall.

However, hammering in drywall anchors incorrectly can lead to damage, weak hold, or even failure of the anchor itself. To ensure your fixtures stay securely mounted for years to come, it’s essential to understand the proper technique for hammering in drywall anchors. In this article, we will cover everything—from choosing the right anchor to the step-by-step process of installing them correctly.

What Are Drywall Anchors?

Drywall anchors are small devices designed to provide a secure mounting point in drywall where there is no stud behind the surface. They come in various types including plastic expansion anchors, self-drilling anchors, toggle bolts, and molly bolts. Each type has its own specific applications and weight limits.

The most common type that you hammer in is the plastic expansion anchor. It’s a simple sleeve that expands when a screw is inserted, gripping the drywall firmly.

Why Use Drywall Anchors?

Drywall alone cannot support heavy loads because it is brittle and prone to crumbling under pressure. Nails or screws inserted directly into drywall will quickly loosen or cause damage. Drywall anchors distribute the weight across a wider area and create a stronger hold.

Using anchors also prevents damage such as:

• Cracked or broken drywall
• Loose screws falling out
• Sagging shelves or pictures
• The need for frequent repairs

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before starting your project, gather these tools and materials:

• Drywall anchors (appropriate size and type for your load)
• Hammer (preferably with a smooth face to avoid damage)
• Drill with drill bits (optional but recommended for pilot holes)
• Screwdriver or drill driver
• Level (for precise placement)
• Pencil (for marking spots)
• Tape measure

Step 1: Choose the Right Anchor for Your Project

Selecting the correct anchor depends on what you want to hang and the weight involved:

• Light loads (up to 10 lbs): Plastic expansion anchors are sufficient.
• Medium loads (10–25 lbs): Self-drilling anchors or larger plastic anchors.
• Heavy loads (over 25 lbs): Toggle bolts or molly bolts.

Check manufacturer specifications carefully; using an anchor rated below your load can cause failure.

Step 2: Mark the Location Where You Want to Install

Use a pencil and level to mark where your items will go on the wall. Verify measurements twice before proceeding to avoid mistakes.

If possible, use a stud finder to locate studs behind your drywall; anchoring into a stud is always preferable for heavier items.

Step 3: Drill Pilot Holes (Optional but Recommended)

For many plastic expansion anchors, drilling a pilot hole equal to the diameter of the anchor makes installation easier and reduces risk of splitting or damaging drywall.

Use a drill bit recommended by your anchor instructions. For example:

• A #6 anchor might require a 3/16-inch pilot hole.
• A #8 anchor might require a 1/4-inch hole.

Avoid making holes too large; an oversized hole means less grip.

Note: Some self-drilling anchors do not require pilot holes as they are designed to screw directly into drywall.

Step 4: Insert the Drywall Anchor

Once your hole is prepared:

1. Align the anchor with the hole.
2. Gently tap it into place using a hammer with controlled strikes.
3. Do not hit too hard — excessive force can crush or deform the anchor.
4. Continue tapping until the flange (the wider part) is flush against the wall surface.

If you find resistance early on, stop and reassess; you may need to enlarge the hole slightly or choose another anchor size.

Step 5: Drive in the Screw

After placing the anchor correctly:

1. Insert your screw into the center of the anchor.
2. Use a screwdriver or drill driver on low speed.
3. As you tighten, watch for resistance — if it becomes very hard to turn, back off slightly.
4. Tighten until snug but avoid overtightening which can strip the anchor or damage drywall.
5. The screw head should be flush against your fixture or slightly recessed if countersinking is required.

Common Mistakes When Hammering Drywall Anchors

Understanding what not to do can save time and prevent damage:

• Hammering too hard: Will crack drywall or deform anchor.
• Using wrong size anchor: Too small won’t grip; too large may need bigger holes.
• Skipping pilot holes when needed: Can make insertion difficult and cause wall damage.
• Not ensuring flush anchor placement: Protruding anchors reduce stability.
• Overtightening screws: Strips anchor threads inside drywall reducing holding power.

Tips for Hammering Drywall Anchors Correctly

Follow these best practices for success:

• Always use a hammer with a smooth face to avoid damaging walls.
• Tap lightly and steadily rather than hard strikes.
• Keep your hammer strike controlled and targeted at only the anchor flange area.
• If an anchor doesn’t go in easily after several taps, try slightly enlarging your hole with a drill bit.
• Use quality anchors from reputable manufacturers; cheap ones tend to fail more often.
• When hanging very heavy objects, consider using multiple anchors spaced evenly instead of relying on one.

How To Remove Drywall Anchors

Sometimes you need to remove old anchors before re-installation:

1. Use needle-nose pliers to grip and pull out plastic expansion anchors carefully.
2. For stubborn ones, push them through inside if possible.
3. Repair holes with spackle or joint compound afterward before installing new anchors.

Conclusion

Hammering in drywall anchors correctly is critical for creating secure mounting points without damaging your walls. By selecting appropriate anchors, preparing pilot holes when needed, tapping gently but firmly with a smooth-faced hammer, and driving screws carefully, you can ensure durable support for all your wall-mounted projects.

Always take time measuring accurately and working methodically—this will save you from costly mistakes and unnecessary repairs down the line. With these tips and techniques in hand, you’re ready to tackle hanging tasks confidently knowing your fixtures will stay firmly anchored for years ahead.