What anchor do I use for shelves?
If a stud is in the right spot, use a 2″ or 2-½″ wood screw directly into the stud — no anchor needed. Between studs in drywall, use toggle bolts for anything holding significant weight and plastic expansion anchors only for very light decorative shelves.
Into a stud (best option)
Studs are typically spaced 16″ on center. A #10 × 2-½″ wood screw driven at least 1-½″ into the stud can hold 80–100 lbs in shear. Use a stud finder or tap-knock to locate them before drilling.
Toggle bolts — heavy shelves in drywall
Toggle bolts (also called butterfly anchors) spread load across a wide area on the back face of the drywall. A ¼″ × 3″ toggle bolt in ½″ drywall can hold 50–100 lbs.
- Drill a hole sized for the folded toggle to pass through.
- Thread the bolt through the bracket, then through the toggle wings.
- Push through the hole and pull back so the wings open against the drywall interior.
- Tighten snugly — do not overtighten or you will strip the drywall.
Toggle bolts cannot be removed and reinserted — the toggle drops into the wall cavity when the bolt is removed.
Plastic expansion anchors — light shelves
Plastic expansion anchors (sleeve anchors) wedge open as the screw is tightened. They are rated around 25–30 lbs per anchor in ½″ drywall, which is enough for small floating shelves holding books or small décor.
Do not exceed the manufacturer's load rating. These anchors can slowly pull through drywall under sustained heavy load.
Load capacity at a glance
| Anchor type | Typical load (per anchor) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Wood screw into stud | 80–100 lbs+ | All shelves — always preferred |
| Toggle bolt | 50–100 lbs | Heavy or kitchen shelves |
| Plastic expansion anchor | 20–30 lbs | Decorative floating shelves |