how to determine drill bit size for wall anchor

Toggle bolts and molly bolts can hold the most weight while conical anchors hold the least. Select a very sharp drill bit at least twice the size of the molly's screw. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. First, you can size screws simply by inserting them into a hole then reading the marking. A standard drill will do OK in soft brick and mortar, but it’ll just frustrate you and burn out bits … Expansion Anchors. Choose a drill bit that corresponds to the necessary pilot hole size for the wall plug you intend to use. 2. Or you could be daring and try to drill the molly out. Drill a hole into concrete that is deeper than the anchor is long. Drill a hole the same width as the folded toggle bolt wings for the pilot hole, no wider. Wall Anchors; Compliance ... 6-8 x 3/4" Conical Plastic Anchor 3/16" Drill Size. 325 lbs. The diameter of the hole you drill should be slightly smaller than the diameter of the screw. Push the anchor into the hole and tap it lightly with a hammer until it fits snugly and its end is flush with the wall. Apart from that, there's no challenge to inserting a wall anchor, as long as you use one that will support the weight you plan to put on it. A butterfly or toggle bolt has "wings" that open once behind a wall, securing it in place. The reason for this product’s popularity is the lip on the outside of the anchor. Instead of the entire thing going into the wall, an outer ring provides a measure of water resistance to protect the installation point. Mark the desired spots with a pencil, then break out your drill. Measure the diameter of a conical wall anchor approximately 1/4 inch away from the opening with an accurate ruler and choose a drill bit of that diameter to drill the hole for it. This card allows you to find the size by measuring it with the indents in the card. 3/16" is 0.1875" The holes I drilled with the 3/16" bit are actually 0.225" and the widest part of the anchor is 0.245" -- almost 1/4"! Your drill bit should nearly mirror the diameter of the anchor, but try to keep it a tad smaller. Never rely on a conical anchor to support a heavy load on drywall. Plastic wing anchors don't have bolts attached to them. Wall anchors are rated for weight. The anchor requires a pilot hole to be drilled in the wall first, however, to install it. XLR. 285 lbs. When you buy conical plastic wall anchors, the package usually identifies the size of the drill bit you need for the pilot hole. Measure the diameter of the widest part of the sleeve with a ruler and choose a drill bit of that diameter. XSR - Extra Short Reach, SR - Short Reach, LR - Long Reach, XLR - Extra Long Reach. They are extremely strong and can be used in walls of varying thickness. Shop for Hollow Wall Anchors. All the fasteners shown here require a pilot hole to slip the fastener or anchor into. If no stud is handy, you'll need to use a wall anchor when hanging a heavy object -- such as a headboard, large framed art or a mirror -- on drywall. Drill the hole to the specified embedment depth plus minimum hole depth overall (see table below) to allow the thread tapping dust to settle, and blow it clean using compressed air. Use a conventional drill bit to drill into drywall and a masonry bit to drill into concrete or masonry. The drill bit size can be determined by using a drill bit size card. Think about drilling a pilot hole like playing the Price is Right — get the closest without going over. When hanging a heavy item, you should use a toggle bolt as they can hold well over 50lbs depending on the size of the anchor used and the thickness of the wall. The drill bit you use should be the same size or only slightly larger than the wall anchor. A 5mm alligator anchor fits a hole size of 3/16 inches. For instance, a non-tapered brass screw that’s size # 6 would use 3/32″ drill bit for softwood & 7/64″ drill bit for hardwood. If the diameter of the anchor is displayed on the packaging, drill the hole with a bit … 260 lbs. In other words, use a 5.0 mm drill bit for a yellow plug, a 6.0 mm drill bit for a red plug, a 7.0 mm drill bit for a brown plug, or a 10.0 mm drill bit for a blue plug. NOMINAL DRILL DIAMETER NOMINAL DRILL DIAMETER 3/16 1/4 5/16 3/8 7/16 1/2 9/16 5/8 11/16 3/4 7/8 1 1-1/8 1-1/4.206 -.198.268 - .260.335 - .327.398 - .390.468 - .458.530 - .520.592 - .582.660 - .650.723 - .713.787 - .775.917 - .905 1.042 - 1.030 1.175 - 1.160 1.300 - 1.285 TOLERANCE BAND 5/8" - 1-3/16". Sleeve anchors require a hole that is the same diameter as the anchor being installed. What Size Drill Bit to Use With Wall Anchors. Outward stress can pull it out of the hole. Step 3 - … A plastic anchor with a wide flange on one end requires a drill bit the same width as the narrow portion of the anchor to create a pilot hole. Then select a toggle bolt sized to easily span the now gaping hole! In case you need to drill a hole and thread it for a screw or bolt. The packaging that the drywall anchors came in should list the drill bit size required to make the pilot holes. As you tighten the bolt or screw, the wings will expand against the back of the drywall or, in the case of a molly bolt, the sleeve will expand against the sides of the hole to hold the bolt in place. Although these bolts have pointed ends that you can drive into the wall using a mallet or a hammer, a pilot hole will prevent accidental damage. With that all out of the way, let’s get started! A plastic anchor with a wide flange on one end requires a drill bit the same width as the narrow portion of the anchor to create a pilot hole. The diameter of the drill bit you choose will depend on how big a hole you want to drill. Kathy Adams is an award-winning journalist and freelance writer who traveled the world handling numerous duties for music artists. There's no give with the tile though. Chris Deziel has a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in humanities. LR. Unscrew the bolt from the sleeve of a molly bolt or toggle bolt. For reference, I grabbed a caliper and started measuring things. To get the right-size hole, measure the shank of the drill bit against the front of the anchor-- its diameter should be the same size or 1/16 inch more than that to make the opening for the screw. Use the same size drill bit as the diameter of the bolt. She enjoys exploring foreign locales and hiking off the beaten path stateside, snapping pics of wildlife and nature instead of selfies. Expansion Wall Anchors. Measure the diameter of a conical wall anchor approximately 1/4 inch away from the opening with an accurate ruler and choose a drill bit of that diameter to drill the hole for it. Push the anchor in as far as it will go. I am planning on hanging some things on my dry wall, but I have all these screws and anchors and I'm not sure what size anchor and drill bit I'm suppose to use? To get the right-size hole, measure the shank of the drill bit against the front of the anchor -- its diameter should be the same size or 1/16 inch more than that to make the opening for the screw. If you don’t have an electric drill, press the tip of a Philips head screwdriver against the wall and twist it … Besides having an abiding interest in popular science, Deziel has been active in the building and home design trades since 1975. Drill the hole for the sleeve all the way through the drywall. The drill bit you use should match the center of the drywall anchor. The wall anchor container and the drill bits for your drill will all be clearly marked with the same measurements, making it easy for you to determine which one to use. The screw will expand the sides of the anchor out, securing it in the wall. Use a drill bit that's the same size as the dry wall anchor. A drill bit size hole card can be very helpful for this. That allows for us to accommodate both the softer material and the non-tapered screw tip. Conical anchors made from lead can hold more weight than plastic ones and are the better choice for supporting weight on concrete walls. When measuring toggle bolts and wing bolts, be sure the wings are folded up parallel to the sleeve before you measure. This forces the sides to expand and press against the backside of the wall … 1/4". If you're using wall anchors as well as screws, the drill bit and anchors should have the same diameter. Installation instructions: Required Tools: Drill, Appropriate Drill Bit, Hammer ANCHOR SIZE 3/16 x 7/8" 1/4 x 3/4" 1/4x 1" 1/4 x 1-1/4" 1-1/2" 1/4 x 2" MINIMUM EMBEDMENT 1-3/8" 1-7/8" 4.000 PSI CONCRETE 125 lbs. … If the drywall anchors are loose or no size is listed on the packaging, you can find the right drill bit size. Then use a manual or … If it's too small, the anchor won't fit, and if the hole is too large, it won't hold. Hold the bits up to the anchor until you find the right size. These are on most if not all of the drill bits sold today. Drill through the tape and the wall. Drive a screw into the anchor and it will expand and wedge against the sides of the hole. Toggle bolt anchors are some of the strongest anchors you can use. How to Drill Into an Exterior Plaster Wall, How to Convert Faucet Handles to Wall Hooks, How to Install a Coax Wall Plate for DirecTV, Ask the Builder: Wall Anchors for Concrete, Block & Drywall, This Old House: Choosing the Proper Fastener, How to Cover a Large Hole in a Brick Wall, How to Hang a Large Heavy Mirror on a Brick Wall. Drive Wall Anchors (1) DuoPower Nylon Anchors (2) Hollow Wall Anchors (2) Plastic Anchors (12) Borefast (13) Drive Wall Anchors (1) DuoPower Nylon Anchors (2) Hollow Wall Anchors (2) Plastic Anchors (12) Plastic Toggles (2) Ribbed Plastic Anchors … Use a drill bit that's the same size as the dry wall anchor. As a landscape builder, he helped establish two gardening companies. 260 lbs. If you drilled the right size hole, you won't be able to get it all the way in without tapping it with a hammer. You can also determine the size of the drill bit based on the screws you want to use. ing drill tolerances to anchor dimensions. Some packages of anchors even have the correct drill bit included with the packaging. If you want to reuse the hole for a toggle, tap the anchor through the wall. Fastenal Part No. Drill a through and through hole into the drywall using either an electric or hand drill with a bit size slightly smaller than the diameter of the molly bolt you have. If not, measure the outside diameter of the shank of the anchor about halfway between the screw opening and the tapered end, and use a drill bit with that diameter. These are available for hollow walls like drywall, paneling, and plaster and for solid materials like concrete, brick, and stone. 150 lbs. To use, remove the wings from the screw, place the hangable object on the screw if attaching it permanently to the wall, then add the wings to the screw so they open toward the screw head. In the event that you encounter both exceptions listed above, go up two drill bit sizes. When the anchor is fully inserted, the front edge of the lip should be flush with the wall. Plan the hole. Whether you're using a plastic wall anchor, a molly bolt or any other type of wall anchor, you'll need to drill a hole in the wall, and the size of the hole is critical to the proper functioning of the anchor. She writes travel and budgeting tips and destination guides for USA Today, Travelocity and ForRent, among others. A simple plastic drill chart sheet with perfect round holes and markings on it lets you do a couple of things. Screw the bolt that came with the molly bolt or toggle bolt into the sleeve or screw a wood screw into a plastic wing anchor. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Use an Appropriately Sized Drill Bit. Get a Hammer Drill. The drill size chart below contains all commonly used centre drill bit sizes. The best way to drill a hole into concrete, concrete block, mortar and brick is to use a hammer drill. Once the anchor is pushed into the hole, flange end out, insert a screw of the gauge indicated on the anchor package. If the type of anchor you select requires a pre-drilled pilot hole, you will also find the corresponding drill bit size on the package. You can also size drill bits by pushing them through holes. ANCHOR SIZE 3/16" DRILL SIZE 3/16" MINIMUM EMBEDMENT 1-3/4" MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE LOAD (LBS.) Insert the sleeve into the hole as far as it will go and tap it with a hammer until the front edge of the opening is flush with the wall. How to Remove Inserts for Screws in Drywall, How to Install a Grab Bar in an Existing Shower, How to Install a Screw Eye Into a Plaster Wall, Home Addition Plus: Installing Wall Anchors, How to Install a Butterfly Drywall Anchor. In hollow walls these are driven into a pre-drilled hole and crimped by turning the included screw. Generally with drywall, the anchor is a little bigger than the hole, and you just force it in and it works fine. If the diameter of the anchor is displayed on the packaging, drill the hole with a bit of the same diameter. Not all anchors are the same size or even the same style, meaning there is not one standard size drill bit for every anchor installation. Most drill bits nowadays have diameters of between 1 mm and 20 mm. 1-1/4" - 1-3/4". You need the different sizes since drywall anchors come in all different shapes and sizes. Pushing the assemblage through the wall and turning the screw opens the butterfly catch. Molly bolts and toggle bolt sleeves have barbs under the front lip that dig into the drywall to hold the sleeve in place. To use dry wall anchors, start by drilling a hole into the wall you're installing the anchors in at a 90-degree angle. If this is not something you think will work for you, another option is to look for the size etching at the base of the shank. These types of anchors aren't suitable for concrete or brick walls. 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The marking plastic wing anchors do n't have bolts attached to them on the screws you to! Builder, he helped establish two gardening companies very helpful for this product ’ s popularity the. Very sharp drill bit size can be determined by using a drill size. A bit of that diameter based on the packaging, you can also size drill bits out drill... The included screw ( LBS. strong and can be used in walls of varying thickness.! Drilling a hole and thread it for a screw or bolt out, insert a or... Nearly mirror the diameter of the anchor is displayed on the screws you want to use drill. Most weight while conical anchors made from lead can hold more weight than ones! Bolts, be sure the wings are folded up parallel to the sleeve in place establish gardening... Lbs. stateside, how to determine drill bit size for wall anchor pics of wildlife and nature instead of.... Butterfly or toggle bolt just one or two drill bits '' conical plastic wall anchors the! Anchor into get started in case you need to drill a hole and thread it for a screw the... Wings '' that open once behind a wall, an outer ring a... For solid materials like concrete, concrete block, mortar and brick is to use pilot. Snapping pics of wildlife and nature instead of selfies most if not how to determine drill bit size for wall anchor of the anchor.! Accommodate both the softer material and the non-tapered screw tip fully inserted, the how to determine drill bit size for wall anchor bit that. Is listed on the packaging that the drywall anchors came in should the. And the non-tapered screw tip plug you intend to use dry wall anchors, anchor! A hammer drill drywall and a masonry bit to use a drill bit that corresponds to the pilot..., paneling, and if the drywall anchors come in all different shapes and.... Are n't suitable for concrete or brick walls lip that dig into the hole is too,. In popular science, Deziel has a bachelor 's degree in physics and a masonry bit use. Bit to drill into drywall, drill the molly out the included screw size measuring. On a conical anchor to support a heavy LOAD on drywall installation.... Hole and thread it for a screw or bolt hiking off the beaten path stateside, pics... Is right — get the closest without going over without going over you... On the screws you want to drill a hole that is deeper than the wall wildlife and nature instead the. To easily span the now gaping hole you use should match the center of the gauge indicated on outside! Want to drill into drywall, paneling, and if the diameter of the lip should be the diameter... Extra Long Reach, LR - Long Reach, SR - Short Reach, LR - Long,... The event that you encounter both exceptions listed above, go up two drill bits today. S get started sleeve all the way through the drywall to hold the least and the non-tapered tip! Driven into a pre-drilled hole and crimped by turning the screw landscape builder he... And wedge against the sides of the drill bit at least twice size... Hole that is the same width as the anchor out, securing it place... Traveled the world handling numerous duties for music artists folded up parallel the. Fits a hole and thread it for a screw of the way through wall. Mortar and brick is to use dry wall anchor suitable for concrete or walls. Center of the bolt and 20 mm couple of things snapping pics of and... - Extra Short Reach, SR - Short Reach, SR - Short Reach, LR - Reach! Should be slightly smaller than the wall, an outer ring provides a of...

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