Hang Objects Securely in Drywall

I am a huge fan of auger anchors, also known as self-drilling drywall anchors. I live in a house where the interior wall studs are not at 16″ on center – they are 24″ on center. If I want to fasten anything to the walls, I need to use something strong that won’t pull out of the drywall. In the same situation? I’ll show you how to use auger anchors to keep your photo frames, shelves, etc. securely fastened to the wall!

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Auger anchors (<– affiliate link!) are little plastic corkscrew-looking pieces – they almost have a dangerous look to them, don’t they? They twist into the drywall then pop apart when the screw is inserted. There is less of a chance of them coming out of the drywall compared to regular plastic wall anchors.

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How to Install Auger Anchors in Drywall

Installation is so easy – here is how I do it:

If I am installing a shelf, I drive the screws through the marked location on the shelf directly into the drywall (without anchors). This creates the hole where I need it to be plus it is spaced correctly with no measuring. Then I remove the screws.

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The auger anchor will fit directly on the end of a drill or screwdriver with a Phillips head, and is driven in the hole in the drywall.

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Replace the screws through the item being hung (or by itself for a frame) and drive the screw until the auger anchor “pops”. This is the end of the anchor splitting which further secures it into the wall.

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As always, use caution when installing anchors near electrical outlets so that it does not come into contact with the wiring!

I hope my little tutorial on how to use auger anchors has helped! If you have any questions, please contact me at cher {at} designsbystudioc {dot} com!

Originally posted 2014-02-06 08:00:09.

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24 Comments

  1. Putting them in is not the problem for me, it’s taking them out …

    • CherTexter

      That is true, it does make a mess but that is where the drywall patching skills come in, lol!

  2. Jessica F. Hinton

    I use these all the time since my house has very few studs, so this was helpful!

    • CherTexter

      I love these! I wish I had discovered them sooner because they are easy to use and are very strong!

  3. WE LOVE Auger anchors. It’s sometimes tough not to use them on everything!

    • CherTexter

      Aren’t they great? I always had trouble with the other types pushing through the wall and making a bigger hole! Thank you for stopping by!

  4. I love these things too! I found your blog from the SITS girls comment party and I can’t wait to check out all of your furniture plans!

    • CherTexter

      Thank you very much, I really appreciate it! Auger anchors are one of the best inventions, in my opinion! I only wish I’d discovered them many years ago!

  5. Thanks for this little tutorial and all of your cool furniture plans! I see some DIY projects in my (very near) future….the husband will be trying to hide his tools.

    • CherTexter

      Thank you so much! I’m sure that once you start you will be horribly addicted like me! Thank you for stopping by!

  6. CherTexter

    Thank you so much! I am not the best at math myself and I had to pass Trigonometry for my Drafting degree (it was tough!!)! If you ever need help with projects, please let me know, I would be glad to help! I’m glad you stopped by!

    • Ok, I;ll remember you next time I do some handy work…which will probably be later today! I can’t stay away from it for long! Trig?! goodlord. I had a statistics class that was terrible! I like math, but Im sooo bad at it. Fractions give me nightmares though!

  7. Denise 'niecyisms'

    Auger anchors (aka the twisty pieces) were beyond my abilities before reading your post. This is great information in a well presented tutorial. I’m a new SITS follower! 🙂

    • CherTexter

      Thank you so much! I cannot tell you how much I appreciate it and I’m glad you came by!

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