If you want to hang something from a wall or ceiling but need some extra support that a standard screw or nail won't provide, you can use a screw hook. A screw hook looks exactly like it sounds.
Ideally this should be screwed/anchored into a joist for maximum support. However, if you really want to use a drywall anchor, you should use a toggle bolt or a ceiling anchor.
Choose a sturdy attachment that can hold your heavy object.
If you're hanging something lighter, like a bassinet, you may want to use a screw-eye hook instead. Pick something with a thread that's at least 2 1⁄2 in (6.4 cm) long, so it can securely fit through the drywall as well as the ceiling joist.
Yes, you can use drywall anchors in a ceiling. Common types include toggle bolts, expansion, and self-drilling anchors. They are made of plastic or steel and come in varying sizes to hold different amounts of weight.
In most cases though, for anything above 5 pounds, any hook that screws into a wall or ceiling stud is the recommended hook to use. For weights below 5 pounds, an adhesive hook will do the job. Adhesive hooks are also easily removable and won't damage the surface they're attached to when removed.
Hang Items From Ceiling Joists
If you hang an item at the joists, the average drywall ceiling can hold up to 30 pounds. If you double the joists, the average drywall ceiling can hold up to 50 pounds.
Typically when you want to hang a heavy item on the wall where there is no stud, you have to get out your drill, drill a hole, hammer in a wall anchor, and then screw in a large screw.
Create a pilot hole by hammering a nail into the wood and then pulling it out to expose a small hole. Choose the right screwdriver compatible with the screw's length and width. Place the screwdriver's tip on the screw's head and drive it clockwise into the wood.
Self-threading anchors do not require pre-drilling holes because they are self-thread- SIMPLE! Using a nail to make an indentation on the mark is not required, but it is acceptable if desired. This indentation will be used to hold the anchor tip as you begin screwing the anchor into the wall.
In most situations you can use a hollow-wall anchor, which is designed to attach to the wall in the hollow spaces between the studs. Hollow-wall anchors come in a wide range of sizes and styles for use on virtually any wall, including drywall, plaster, and even hollow concrete block.
How much weight can drywall hold without anchors? This can be 5 to 10 pounds, but keep in mind that the drywall is an extremely brittle material and, it is not strong enough to hold the weight for a longer period of time.
Simple Answer: NO – A screw directly into drywall will not hold. You need to use some type of picture hanging hardware to hang a heavy picture securely. The threads of a screw into only drywall, without an anchor, will NOT permanently hold in the drywall. It will just pull right back out sooner or later.
You can install them in the wall without drilling a pilot hole. Like expansion anchors, driving a screw into the anchor splits the body of the anchor to hold it against the drywall. The threads on the anchor give additional holding power.
Toggle bolt
Toggle bolts have sturdy metal anchors. Like molly bolts, toggle drywall anchors are metal, and they include a sturdy anchor that will spread out on the opposite side of the wall (remember, most drywall is less than an inch thick). These are considered the strongest option.
Self drilling anchors are special type of rod anchors. Self-drilling anchor consists of a sacrificial drill bit, hollow steel bar of the appropriate outer and inner diameter and coupling nuts. The anchor body is made of a hollow steel tube with an outer round thread.