How to Use a Toggle Bolt
Toggle bolts come in all styles today, but we will start with the original metal toggle bolt and then discuss how to use toggle bolts made from plastic at the end.
How to Use a Toggle Bolt: Preparation
To get started you need to drill a hole in your wall. This hole is to allow the closed toggle bolt to slide through. You can look on the box of toggle bolts for a hole size recommendation or simply squeeze the clamp shut and measure how wide it is.
Now, pre drill the hole going all the way through the dry wall. Do not hit a stud for this.
How to Use a Toggle Bolt: Inserting
To insert the toggle bolt you simply want to squeeze the clamp and slide it through the wall. The top of the screw head will be sticking out on the front of the wall.
Tip: If you bought long toggle bolts, then go ahead and spin the clamp until it is about an inch from the head of the screw. This will save you from having to screw the bolt a long time in the wall.
How to Use a Toggle Bolt: Finishing Up
To tighten the bolt simply pull it towards you. You want to have the open clamp catch on the back of the drywall. As you screw this pressure will cause the clamp to close in on the head and tighten the toggle bolt.
Tip: Be sure to place your cabinet or whatever item you are hanging, then slipping the toggle bolt into place You can pre drill holes in the cabinet to make sure the bolt fits through as well.
How to Use a Toggle Bolt: Plastic Bolts
Lately I have been finding toggle bolts made from plastic. Specifically at stores like Ace Hardware. They work well, but I would reserve these for smaller shelves than will not be holding a ton of weight.
These screw into place just like the metal traditional toggle bolts, but metal is of course much more strong than plastic, so keep this in mind. I used these on shelves that are holding up to about 10 pounds of weight, but read the package and see what the weight recommendation is for your piece.
Published by Ann Siper
Ann Siper is a web writer who has written for online sites such as Demand Studios, ehow.com, Goodhousekeeping.com and Overstock.com. She writes on a variety of topics, including holidays, health and fitness,... View profile
- 3 Ways to Decorate with a Garden Fence in a Kid's BedroomUsing a garden fence to decorate a small kid's bedroom is perfect for a nursery, a toddler's bedroom, or a garden themed bedroom.
- How to Make Accent Lamps Out of Old TiresThis light wall is a great way to add some affordable and very dramatic lighting to your home. You can use soft indirect lighting so that this project casts a nice warm glow in your home.
- How to Make a Vintage Wall Sconce Candle VotiveIf you want to add some secondary light in your home you have to try making these super easy candle sconces out of vintage electrical wall sconces.
How to Make Shelves with Baseball BatsLooking to incorporate some baseball themed storage in your home office or child's bedroom? These simple baseball inspired shelves are a great way to display a collection, books...- How to Hang Artwork on a Concrete or Cinderblock WallInstead of trying to drive a nail into that concrete wall, learn the right way to hang artwork using a concrete screw and wall fastener.
- How to Choose a Wall Anchor: 3 Best Drywall Anchors
- How to Make a Towel Rack Out of a Vintage Wood Ladder
- How to Make a Vintage Magazine Rack Out of an Old Wood Ladder
- Every Girl's Guide to Basic Car Care
- Home Improvement Tips: How to Fasten an Object to a Wall
- How to Hang a Fluorescent Light
- How to Put Fastening on Walls and Ceilings