molly bolt anchor
Emily Wong
Updated on June 12, 2026
Molly bolts are a mechanically-interesting anchor. They combine the ease of installation of a plastic expansion anchor with much greater strength. The largest mollys can hold up to 50 lbs. Essentially, a molly bolt adds permanent screw threads to any material it is attached to.
How do you anchor a molly bolt?
Molly anchors are unique in that the underside has sharp tips that help them grip the drywall. Insert the Molly bolt into the predrilled hole and use a small block of wood and a hammer to tap the bolt in so that it’s flush with the wall. Use a drill or screwdriver to tighten the screw to expand the anchor in the wall.
What is a molly bolt anchor used for?
A molly or molly bolt (often misspelled moly) is a type of screw fastener that fastens objects to plaster or gypsum board hollow walls by providing an anchor to be lodged inside a hole and expanded once in position.
What is the best anchor for plaster walls?
Plastic wall anchors, Molly Bolts or Toggle Bolts? Plastic wall anchors don’t work with lath and plaster walls. Instead, use plaster anchors made of metal like a molly bolt or a toggle bolt. Be sure to use one that’s long enough to get behind the plaster and lath.
How much weight will a molly bolt hold in drywall?
Sleeve type anchors (molly bolts) – These can hold between 25 to 50 pounds on walls. On ceilings, they can hold small items such as smoke alarms or lights weighing not more than 10 ounces.
Why does my drywall anchor keeps spinning?
If the anchor is already positioned fully behind the edge of the drywall, it may need to be pushed in and the hole patched, rather than removed from the wall completely. The anchor can be pushed back with a screwdriver and a bit of force.
How much weight can a drywall anchor hold?
Toggle bolts are the types of drywall anchors that can support up to 50 pounds, while steel hollow-wall anchors have a drywall anchors weight limit of up to 100 pounds.
Why is it called a Molly?
How is Molly different? Molly is short for “molecular.” It was given this nickname because this ecstasy comes in power or crystallized form, not in traditional pill form. Molly can be purchased in capsule form or in a baggie, and it can be swallowed or snorted.
What anchors to use in drywall?
A threaded drywall anchor is generally a good bet: It goes into walls without any pre-drilling and comes in strengths ranging from 25 to 75 lbs, which is enough for most light-duty to moderate-duty needs.
What is the difference between a Molly and an anchor?
The unique feature of molly bolts compared to other types of wall anchors is that the screw can be removed and reinserted without compromising the anchor. Molly bolts can be made from plastic or heavy duty zinc plated steel, with metal bolts generally being rated to hold greater weights (and last longer).
Are metal anchors better than plastic anchors?
“Metal anchors are stronger and are built to hold heavier items than plastic drywall anchors.” Drywall anchors are rated for weight capacity, based on the weight of an object they’re used to hang, says J.B.
How much weight can drywall hold without a stud?
How much weight can drywall hold without a stud? Typically around 20 pounds. For heavy items, you may need to double up or hang from a stud. With a cheap plastic wall anchor, like the ones most products include in the box, drywall can hold about 20 pounds.
Do molly bolts work in plaster?
Molly bolts
Nonpointed versions require an installation hole, and work well in old plaster-and-lath walls. To install: Seat the round flange flush with the wall surface by tapping the screwhead. Turn the screw to “mushroom” the slotted sleeve against the back wall surface.
What size molly bolt do I need for plaster walls?
The short is for 1/2-inch walls, typically drywall; and the long has a 3/4-inch shoulder for plaster walls. The two diameters cover different load ranges. The 1/4-inch can be used for up to 25 pounds and the 3/8-inch goes to approximately 50 pounds. I use the 1/4-inch for curtain rods, towel bars and large pictures.