How much weight can a Molly wall anchor hold?

Author: Hans Langosh  |  Last update: Saturday, February 21, 2026

Molly bolts can hold up to 75 pounds per pair on drywall, plaster and other hollow walls. Expansion anchors can hold up to 100 pounds per pair on concrete, brick and masonry walls.

How much weight can a molly anchor hold?

They're easier to install than expansion anchors because they don't require a pilot hole. Sleeve type anchors (molly bolts) – These can hold between 25 to 50 pounds on walls. On ceilings, they can hold small items such as smoke alarms or lights weighing not more than 10 ounces.

Are molly bolts strong?

Molly bolts may look similar to the small plastic anchors meant for hanging lightweight items, but they are much more heavy duty and more reliable wall mounts.

What is the best anchor for heavy weight drywall?

Toggler Snaptoggle: These anchors are similar to toggle bolts but feature a one-piece design that can be easily installed without the need for separate bolts or screws. They are suitable for heavier items and can support up to 238 pounds in 5/8-inch drywall.

Can you hang a TV mount with drywall anchors?

Mounting a TV with drywall anchors or bolts is a great option if you can't drill into a stud. You'll need to use a hollow wall anchor that looks similar to a regular screw, with a butterfly toggle at the end. Once they're placed in the wall, they'll attach to the back.

Hanging Heavy Items on Drywall - How Much Weight Can Wall Anchors Hold?

How much weight can a plasterboard wall anchor hold?

In standard 12.5mm-thick plasterboard, snaptoggle cavity wall anchors are capable of holding up to 100kg per two fixings used. This makes them the ideal choice when fixing heavier objects such as cabinets, televisions or large mirrors.

How much weight can a wall anchor hold?

Threaded drywall anchors are suitable for objects weighing up to 25 pounds and are ideal for use on drywall. Hollow-wall anchors can hold up to 30 pounds per pair on plaster, paneling and other hollow walls.

What is a molly wall anchor?

How it works: A molly bolt is a screw encased with metal that expands in a predrilled hole to support medium-weight items. Best for: high-use and mid-weight range items, like coat hooks, or with lightweight items in the ceiling, such as smoke detectors. Weight limit: 25 to 50 pounds.

How much force can an anchor hold?

The modern stockless anchor has a holding strength of five times its weight in Newtons, whereas the ancient or primitive stock anchor has a holding strength of ten times its weight in Newtons.

Are molly bolts permanent?

Essentially, a molly anchor bolts adds permanent screw threads to any material it is attached to.

What anchors are best for plaster walls?

The best-rated product in Plaster Hollow Wall Anchors is the HTB 2-1/4 in. Drywall Anchor Bolt with Slotted Round Head Screw (100-Pack).

What is an alternative to molly bolts?

Another option for hanging items on plaster walls is the toggle bolt, a type of anchor that consists of a metal toggle and a screw. Toggle bolts work in a similar way to Molly bolts, with a toggle that expands behind the plaster to provide support.

What is the weight limit for anchors?

not always stated in the vehicle or car seat owner's manual. If the manufacturer offers no weight limit, do not use lower anchors or the tether anchor if child + car seat weight is more than 65 pounds.

How to tell how much weight a wall anchor can hold?

Here's how we tested each drywall anchor:
  1. Tension scale: When tension is applied, this scale measures weight in pounds.
  2. Turnbuckle: Turning increases the tension on the scale, providing a weight reading.
  3. Hold-down: A 2×4 screwed to studs provides a solid base.

Do you need a tool for molly bolts?

There is a pliers-like tool known as a molly setting tool, or molly setter, that can be used to expand mollies without the use of a screwdriver.

How much weight can a molly bolt hold?

While plastic anchors and molly bolts can typically hold weights up to 50 pounds, properly installed toggle bolts can often support much more. Check the specifications of a particular toggle bolt for maximum weights, as the bolt's size affects how much weight it can hold once installed.

What is the strongest wall anchor?

Toggle bolt

These are considered the strongest option. Metal toggle anchors are also the only wall anchors recommended for concrete or plaster walls. Best for: Shelving that will bear weight such as pantry shelving. Ratings vary, but some can hold as much as 300 to 350 pounds.

What type of anchor is strongest?

Wedge anchors are one of the strongest anchors available. They come in nine different diameters and several different lengths. The larger the anchor, the more holding power it has. They also come in several different materials, so you can use them in areas with or without the possibility of corrosion.

Does the weight of an anchor matter?

Bigger is better when choosing anchor weight. You won't need as much for holding the boat in a quiet cove, but you will need much more weight for an emergency situation in the wind. You can also carry two anchors of differing weights.

How heavy can you hang without a stud?

Use a toggle bolt or anchor to hang the piece on areas with no studs, This Old House says. The weight of the piece, and the thickness of the wall, will dictate the toggle size. The typical metal toggle bolt can hold 25 to 50 pounds on plaster, according This Old House. A plastic one can hold 10 to 25 pounds.

How much weight can a hollow wall anchor hold?

Typically, a metal hollow wall anchor can support up to about 50 lbs.

Can I hang a TV on drywall?

Hollow-wall drywall TV mount installations are limited to total weights (TV, peripherals, and mount) of about 100 pounds. You'll be able to attach fixed or tilting TV mounts but not full-motion mounts, as they can pull out of the drywall. Toggle bolts are the best way to mount heavy objects like TVs to hollow walls.

How much weight can I hang from my ceiling?

How much weight ceiling joists hold depends on their size and spacing and what they're made of. Wooden joists can support 50 to 100 pounds per square foot. Steel joists are more common in commercial buildings and can handle higher loads. Joists are spaced at regular intervals of 16 or 24 inches apart.

How much weight can a plasterboard wall hold TV?

But, if your television is particularly heavy, you may find it useful to know that generally, with the right mounting, plasterboard can hold up to 50kg.

Previous article
How often should you clean and sanitize an ice machine?
Next article
How to do an alcohol wash for mites?