Hollow Wall Anchors | Copper State Bolt and Nut Co.

Aug 18, 2014

Wall anchors are designed to affix objects to walls, allowing them to hang suspended or simply remain stable. The hollow version of these common fasteners are frequently used in homes. Though the name might suggest that hollow wall anchors are more brittle or easily damaged than their solid counterparts, they actually tend to be quite durable and capable of supporting large loads.

How Hollow Anchors Work

Hollow anchors have contracted arms or studs that expand after the anchor has been driven in to a hard surface. In other words, they are narrow – a little thicker than a screw or bolt – when you hammer them into the wall, but once inside they expand like an umbrella to provide a secure drip inside the wall. Most brands of hollow wall anchors are used in the same way. The anchor is first inserted into a pre-drilled hole, and then a screw is threaded through the hollow in the top of the anchor. This makes the anchor expand inside the wall.

When to Use Hollow Anchors

Hollow anchors are designed for use on relatively soft surfaces like plaster. They can be used on walls or ceilings as long as you use a stud finder first. Hollow anchors cannot be placed in beams that run through the wall.

Suggested Projects

The most common uses for an anchor of this variety are hanging pictures or other items, or securing heavy furniture. Pictures or mirrors can be suspended from the bolt threaded through the hollow anchor. Large bookcases or cabinets that are at risk of tipping over can also be attached to the wall using anchors. The amount of weight an anchor can support depends on its size and brand. However, as a general rule, the more an anchor spreads out inside the wall, the more it can hold.

Hollow anchors are lightweight and easy to drive into the wall. They create a more stable base than standard nails or screws, making them perfect for attaching items of all sizes to the wall. Call (800) 603-6887 today for more details about hollow wall anchors and other construction supplies available at Copper State.