Need a secure way to hang mirrors, shelving or heavy fixtures on drywall? Ace Hardware provides a variety of toggle bolts designed for hollow wall applications. These fasteners offer the reliable grip necessary for projects where standard screws might fail to hold in hollow materials.
Common Types of Toggle Bolts and Anchors
Choosing the right fastener depends on your wall material and the weight of the object you are mounting. Different head styles and materials offer varying levels of support for your home improvement tasks.
Round Head Toggle Bolts for Hollow Walls
Round head toggle bolts are the standard choice for anchoring into hollow surfaces like drywall, plaster or ceilings. These fasteners consist of a machine screw and a spring-loaded wing assembly. Once inserted through a pre-drilled hole, the wings expand behind the wall to provide a wide surface area for weight distribution.
- Lengths may range from 2 inches to 6 inches to accommodate different wall thicknesses and project depths.
- Materials often include zinc-plated steel for corrosion resistance or unplated steel for interior applications.
- Pack sizes typically range from small 2-count packs to bulk 50-count boxes for larger nuts and bolts
Truss Head Toggle Bolts for Load Distribution
Truss head toggle bolts feature a wider, lower-profile head compared to round head versions. This design is specifically intended to provide a broader bearing surface against the outer wall, which can help prevent the bolt from sinking into or damaging softer materials like aged plaster or thin drywall.
- These fasteners are useful when you need a different profile than standard hex boltsor carriage bolts for hollow wall fastening.
- Available options may include zinc-plated steel for added durability in various environments.
- These are frequently utilized for hardwareapplications where a flat, wide head is preferred for aesthetic or functional reasons.
Replacement Toggle Wings and Spare Parts
Standalone toggle wings are available for situations where you already have compatible bolts but need new wings. This is common when a wing is lost inside a wall during a repair or when you are customizing a fastening solution with specific bolt lengths.
- Wings are typically made of zinc-plated steel for a strong, reliable hold behind the wall.
- These components are essential anchorsfor maintaining a versatile hardware kit.
- Pack sizes may include individual units or bulk 50-packs for professional contractors.
Plastic Strap Toggle Anchors
Plastic strap toggle anchors provide a modern alternative to traditional metal wing toggles for lightweight applications. These combination anchors use a plastic strap mechanism to secure the anchor behind the wall before the bolt is even inserted, making installation simpler in many drywall scenarios.
- The plastic construction is designed for lightweight hanging and mountingtasks where metal wings are not required.
- These units are often preferred for easy-install applications where you want to avoid the snapping sound or bulk of metal wings.
- Pack sizes typically include 2-packs for small household fixes.
How Do You Choose the Right Size Toggle Bolt?
To choose the correct size toggle bolt, you must consider both the weight of the item and the thickness of the wall. The diameter of the bolt determines the weight capacity, while the length must be long enough to pass through the fixture, the wall thickness and still allow the wings to fully expand on the other side.
Can Toggle Bolts Be Reused?
The bolt of a toggle bolt itself can be reused, but the metal wing assembly is usually lost behind the wall once the bolt is unscrewed. If you need to move a fixture, you will typically need to purchase replacement wings to use with your original bolts. However, most people typically purchase new toggle bolt assemblies
While you technically might be able to reuse a toggle bolt, most people typically purchase new toggle bolt assemblies instead of reusing. They are low cost, making them affordable to replace, and old bolts may have suffered from corrosion and wear.
Shop Toggle Bolts Near You at Ace Hardware
Finding the right fasteners is simple when you shop the extensive selection available online for shipping to your home. If you need immediate assistance or want to see the hardware in person, your local store offers a variety of options and useful advice. Shop online or browse toggle bolts near you today.
