Hollow wall anchors are known by several names — plasterboard fixings, metal cavity anchors, drywall anchors, or hollow wall plugs. Despite the different names, they all serve the same purpose: securely fastening items to hollow walls such as plasterboard or chipboard.
Because plasterboard is hollow behind the surface, standard screws won’t hold properly on their own. Hollow wall anchors expand behind the board, creating a strong fixing point that distributes the load and allows heavier items to be mounted safely.
Have a look at the video guide to learn how plasterboard fixings work, and how to use them
Hollow wall anchors expand behind plasterboard to create a secure fixing point. This allows you to mount heavier objects like shelves, mirrors, cabinets and TVs without needing to hit a wall stud.
When a hollow wall anchor is installed into plasterboard, the body of the anchor expands behind the wall as the screw is tightened. This creates a clamping effect that distributes the load over a larger surface area.
This expansion is what allows hollow wall anchors to hold significantly more weight than a standard screw. Once installed correctly, the fixing becomes securely locked behind the plasterboard.
With properly installed anchors, plasterboard can support surprisingly heavy loads. One square metre of plasterboard with a single wallboard can support approximately 15 kg. Double plasterboard can support around 25 kg per square metre, while triple wallboard can hold up to 35 kg.
If you're going to put up something heavier, read our guide on this.
Installing hollow wall anchors is straightforward when you follow the correct steps. Proper installation ensures maximum holding strength and prevents damage to the plasterboard.
Start by finding out which type of plasterboard fixing you need. Read our guide on choosing the right plasterboard fixings for tips based on what you want to fasten.
Drill a hole sized for the anchor you are using. With hollow wall anchors from Rapid, the correct drill size is included in most packs. Note that this may not apply to larger Master packs.
Each hollow wall anchor comes with a pre-installed screw. Unscrew and remove it before inserting the anchor into the wall.
Push the anchor into the drilled hole. Gently hammer the last section so the anchor teeth grip into the plasterboard surface.
Screw it back in, but leave a gap between the screw head and the anchor. This space is required for the setting tool.
Insert the setting tool into the gap and ensure it sits at the correct angle. Squeeze the handles together until you feel resistance. This resistance indicates the anchor is expanding behind the wall.
If you don’t feel resistance, screw the screw in slightly further and repeat the process.
Once expanded, remove the screw, position your item, and tighten the screw again to secure it to the wall.
For more tips, read our other guides on plasterboard fixings here.