drywall screws loose in plastic anchors

[peterbrinson]

Rookie here.
I'm hanging a bathroom shelf on drywall. I used screws and drywall anchors that came with the kit. But the screws are loose. I tried using Loctite Red to glue them in there, but that didn't work.
I'm not sure if the holes I drilled are too large? (It wasn't easy to squeeze the anchors in there, so not sure what I did wrong).

Anyway, what should I do? Find a better glue/adhesive or bigger screws?

Thank you.

 

[allinon72]

The anchors that come with stuff like that are often junk. I would get different anchors and follow the directions exactly - it should tell you what size hole to drill for the plastic piece.

 

[peterbrinson]

I agree. One of them crumbled when I followed the instructions to screw them in with a screwdriver.
I could drill new holes, but I'd like to give the current ones a try. I can buy better anchors...and what else?
ty

 

[dogdog]

I get a different anchor system from Lowe’s when my shelf failed from drywall anchor

Toggles type and these screw type seems to work sell on enlarged holes but the best is still finding the stud to mount onto.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/E-Z-Ancor-4-Pack-Standard-Drywall-Anchor-Screws-Included/1098799

https://www.lowes.com/pd/TOGGLER-20-Pack-Assorted-Length-x-5-16-in-Dia-Standard-Drywall-Anchor-Screws-Included/3183869

 

[The Cobbler]

drywall screws have different thread pitch than the wall anchors are made for . use wood screws

 

[NUTTSGT]

Try to hit the wall stud if you can.

How big of a shelf are you trying to hang ?

 

[SlowPoke-Canada]

drywall screws have different thread pitch than the wall anchors are made for . use wood screws

I don't think the OP said anything about using drywall screws, he used the included screws & anchors.

You could try the stripped screw hole technique... remove the screw and put a wooden toothpick or a short length of stranded copper wire in the hole and try tightening the screw.

 

[The Cobbler]

I don't think the OP said anything about using drywall screws, he used the included screws & anchors.

me bad. misread his post . apologies

 

[Zeke]

Loctite is not the answer. Are the anchors loose of just the screws? You can use a larger screw. You can glue the anchors with carpenters glue. Or superglue. Leave the hole open, of course using a Q-tip to clean out.

 

[Skiff Builder]

For static loads, I like these drywall anchors. you can remove your original anchors and thread these in the holes you've already made.


If you ever hang something that has moving parts, like a door, the above will eventually loosen as time goes on. For those type loads I like a Toggler type anchor.

 

[Bucko]

For static loads, I like these drywall anchors. you can remove your original anchors and thread these in the holes you've already made.


If you ever hang something that has moving parts, like a door, the above will eventually loosen as time goes on. For those type loads I like a Toggler type anchor.

The Toggler type is my go to for heavy stuff where I can't catch a stud. Few things I've learned is to draw the metal bar all the way to the back of the drywall and make sure its not hitting anything before pushing the zip tie type collar down. I also like to add a fender washer on them as well.

 

[stonesfan68]

I get a different anchor system from Lowe’s when my shelf failed from drywall anchor

Toggles type and these screw type seems to work sell on enlarged holes but the best is still finding the stud to mount onto.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/E-Z-Ancor-4-Pack-Standard-Drywall-Anchor-Screws-Included/1098799

https://www.lowes.com/pd/TOGGLER-20-Pack-Assorted-Length-x-5-16-in-Dia-Standard-Drywall-Anchor-Screws-Included/3183869

I don't use the installation hardware that comes with the product, either. I use either one of the two types above. The anchor screws will most likely work in the existing holes.

 

[TRWham]

I don't think the OP said anything about using drywall screws, he used the included screws & anchors.

You could try the stripped screw hole technique... remove the screw and put a wooden toothpick or a short length of stranded copper wire in the hole and try tightening the screw.

me bad. misread his post . apologies

I read it the same way, but the thread title is "drywall screws loose in plastic anchors" so it is not unreasonable to have concluded drywall screws were used.

 

[rburke65]

Just a … misleading title. I too thought he used a drywall screws. My bad.

 

[SweetD]

I've used this type for a long time and they work great for most applications:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051IAMCM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Beauregard]

I too never use the supplied cheap Chinese plastic anchors.
Use a quality self-tap anchor, and as mentioned, a small washer between the screw and anchor.
The biggest thing for me was to never set the anchor with a power driver. There is little feel of when you hit the ideal set point and the anchor strips the gypsum. Use a quality #3 screwdriver and set them by hand.

https://www.amazon.com/Ansoon-Self-Drilling-Drywall-Anchors-Together/dp/B07CVT1N4M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[75gmck25]

I've been using this type of anchor if I have anything that is going to be heavy (radiator, shelves, etc.). They come in different sizes and weight ratings. You drill a hole and then snug them up to the wall with the plastic pull (very easy on the wallboard). Then use the metal screw to mount the item on the wall.

Hilti HTB 3/8 in.Toggle Bolt Drywall Anchor with Zinc Plated Slotted Round Head Screws (4-Pack) 3588750 - The Home Depot

The Hilti 3/8 in. Drywall Anchor with Phillips Slotted Round Head Screw is a drywall fastening solution that is ideal for a variety of hollow wall materials in a wide range of thickness. The rounded edges

www.homedepot.com

 

[The Cobbler]

I read it the same way, but the thread title is "drywall screws loose in plastic anchors" so it is not unreasonable to have concluded drywall screws were used.

Just a … misleading title. I too thought he used a drywall screws. My bad.

So I wasn't so bad after all

 

[ATC]