How Much Weight Can Drywall Anchors Hold?

Family Handyman

When you need to hang something in a spot without a stud, drywall anchors are the way to go. But how much weight can drywall anchors hold? We were skeptical. So we picked up some drywall anchors at a local home center and a few others online to subject them to a stress test. Here’s what we found.

The HomeLAB Test:

We installed each anchor in one-half in. drywall, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Then we hung a tension scale from the anchor and fastened it to a hook screwed into a 2×4 fastened to the wall studs. We slowly twisted the turnbuckle and watched as the tension increased until the anchor buckled. Here’s how we tested each drywall anchor:

• Tension scale: When tension is applied, this scale measures weight in pounds.

• Turnbuckle: Turning increases the tension on the scale, providing a weight reading.

• Hold-down: A 2×4 screwed to studs provides a solid base.

Check out this compilation of tips for working with drywall to make your next build or repair easier.

The Results:

All the anchors we tested lived up to the claims, and all but one exceeded their weight rating.

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Everbilt Ribbed

• Claimed: 22 Lbs.
• Tested: 80 Lbs.

Given the modest claim, we didn’t expect much from these, but we were amazed by their strength.

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Cobra TripleGrip

• Claimed: 45 Lbs.
• Tested: 90 Lbs.

This heavier-duty anchor snaps into place when the screw is installed, but it performed about the same as the Everbilt Ribbed.

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Pop Toggle

• Claimed: 60 Lbs.
• Tested: 130 Lbs.

This anchor clips to the back of the drywall and creates a tight bond. In our test, it held more than twice its rated weight.

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E-Z Ancor Twist-N-Lock Medium Duty (Best Value)

• Claimed: 75 LBS.
• Tested: 100 LBS.

The E-Z Ancor is a great multipurpose choice. They’re widely available, inexpensive and easy to install (no need to drill a hole).

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Toggler SNAPTOGGLE (Best Overall)

• Claimed: 80 Lbs.
• Tested: 180 Lbs.

This anchor held strong at 180 lbs., and we couldn’t turn the turnbuckle any more. They’re overkill for most projects, but sometimes the job calls for maximum strength.

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Cobra DrillerToggle

• Claimed: 90 Lbs.
• Tested: 140 Lbs.

This anchor screws into drywall. Then, as you drive in a screw, a metal arm tightens against the back of the drywall.

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WallClaw Anchors

• Claimed: 90 Lbs.
• Tested: 90 Lbs.

Easy to install with no drilling required (use a hammer), this stays true to its weight rating. But once over that, several popped right out of the drywall, leaving a big hole.