Wall inserts go by a few different names depending on their specific purpose, but they are most commonly called drywall anchors or wall plugs.
A drywall anchor, also known as a wall anchor, is an insert that, combined with the appropriate screw, can create a strong mount anywhere on a drywall panel or similar hollow wall. A drywall anchor goes between the screw and the drywall, gripping the drywall much more effectively than a screw would.
That plastic item is called a wall anchor, often specifically a plastic expansion anchor or ribbed anchor. It is used to securely hang items on walls (especially drywall) where a screw cannot be driven directly into a stud, preventing the screw from loosening, crumbling the drywall, or falling out.
Niches often feature a simple design that makes it a versatile addition to any room. Our wall niches are crafted out of high density poly-urethane. Poly-urethane has the traditional appeal of stone or plaster, while being lightweight and easy to install.
When it comes to sheer holding power in hollow walls (like drywall) without relying on a stud, Toggle Bolts are the strongest anchors you can buy.
A wall plug (UK English) also known as an anchor (US) or rawlplug (UK), is a fibre or plastic (originally wood) insert used to enable the attachment of a screw in a material that is porous or brittle, or that would otherwise not support the weight of the object attached with the screw.
Fasteners are mechanical devices used to join, secure, or hold materials together, with common types including bolts, nuts, screws, washers, rivets, anchors, and pins. These components are used across industries to create non-permanent or permanent joints in machinery, construction, and electronics.
Inserting wall plugs (drywall anchors) requires matching the anchor type to your wall and drilling the correct-sized hole. First, drill a pilot hole matching the plug's diameter. Push or tap the plug in until it sits flush, then drive your screw into the anchor.
You put a wall anchor (also known as a wall plug or rawlplug) into the wall. Anchors are typically made of plastic or metal and ensure the screw grips properly, preventing the wall from cracking or the screw from falling out.
Universal wall plugs are widely used plastic plugs that are designed to hold light objects. They typically have ridges or flanges on the outside to grip the wall material. Universal wall plugs are inserted into a pre-drilled hole in the wall.
Drywall anchors are a type of fastener that is used to secure shelves, cabinets, mirrors and artwork onto drywall. Anchors distribute weight evenly and you don't need specialized hardware. Without anchors, items can fall off the wall or the drywall can sag.
Two common mistakes made during drywalling are improper joint compound application (such as applying it too thickly or not feathering the edges), and failing to stagger the seams across different studs, which weakens the wall and increases the risk of cracking.
"Wall anchor" is most commonly called a wall plug, drywall anchor, or hollow wall anchor.
A molly bolt (or "moly") is a specialized metal fastener used to hang items on hollow walls, like drywall or plaster, where there are no wooden studs to drill into. They are ideal for medium-to-heavy items like coat hooks, mirrors, and shelving.
Wall plugs (or wall anchors) secure screws and fixtures into surfaces that can't hold threads on their own. The right plug depends entirely on your wall type and the weight of the object being hung.
To insert a wall anchor, drill a pilot hole matching the anchor's diameter, tap the anchor flush with the wall using a hammer, and drive the included screw in. This expands the anchor behind the drywall to securely lock it in place.
The holes on the wall:
Common fasteners include screws, bolts, nuts and rivets. The terms bolts and screws do not refer to specific types of fasteners, but rather how they are used (i.e. the application). Thus the same fastener may be termed a bolt or a screw.
The 5 basic types of mechanical fasteners are screws, bolts, nuts, washers, and rivets. These essential hardware pieces are used across industries to securely join and hold materials together.
The thing that holds a screw in a hollow wall (like drywall or sheetrock) is called a drywall anchor (or wall anchor). It acts as a sleeve between the screw and the wall, expanding or gripping the material to prevent the screw from pulling out.
The term "anchor" generally refers to a device used to secure an object to a specific location. Depending on the context—whether you are working on a home improvement project, anchoring a boat, or optimizing a website—the type of anchor varies significantly:
A Molly anchor (or Molly bolt) is a heavy-duty fastener used to hang medium-to-heavy items on hollow drywall or plaster walls. As you tighten the screw, the metal sleeve expands behind the wall into a secure "butterfly" shape.