I have just moved into a new home and have found the move very expensive. So, I am looking to hang all of my wall items by myself, including those in the garage. Can you advise me on what to use so that everything will be safely placed on the walls?
Signed, Hanging Up
A: Dear Hanging Up,
In addition to safety, I will also give you a multiple of choices in case creating great symmetry is as important as hitting a stud. Here is a chart that everyone may want to cut out and place in your handy draw for future reference.
Dry wall
Wall Dog Holds up to 50 lbs
Plastic anchor 15
Hollow wall anchor 80
Pop toggle 80
Drill toggle 70
Toggle bolt 120
Plaster
Wall Dog 50
Plastic anchor 15
Hollow wall anchor 80
Strap toggle 80
Pop toggle 80
Toggle bolt 120
Tile
Hollow wall 80
Pop toggle 80
Toggle bolt 122
Hollow block
Wall plug 30
Toggle bolt 200
Plastic anchor 20
Wall Dog 75
Heavy duty anchoring for hollow block
Zamac Nailin 200
Lag shield 200
Tapper 190
Sleeve anchor 490
Concrete/brick
Drive anchor 1,200
Zamac Nailin 325
Drop in anchor 3,000
Lag shield 500
Tapper 370
Sleeve anchor 2,100
Power stud 4,000
Wedge bolt 4,000
Strike anchor 1,000
As you can see, there are multiple fasteners for every type of wall material. It is important to choose the proper fastener for the task at hand. When doing any type of wall fastening, always be sure to check for any plumbing or electrical work that may be behind the wall. And always check the hangers that are attached to the piece you will be hanging for proper attachment — a good catch here, is better than hoping for a good catch as the item is falling down the wall.
Kaile Warren of Windham is CEO/Founder of the national handyman franchise Rent-A-Husband. Kaile is also a national home improvement expert for the CBS Early Show, HGTV and Parade Magazine and appears locally on WCSH’s 207. When not on the road or working he spends his time teaching his newly adopted white shepherd, Maintenance, how-to ... Send your questions for Kaile to editor@themaineswitch.com.