Plastic expansion anchor vs toggle bolt
Use a plastic expansion anchor for masonry and concrete walls. Use a toggle bolt for hollow drywall or plaster walls. In drywall, a plastic expansion anchor provides very little holding strength — the toggle bolt is the far better choice.
Side-by-side comparison
| Property | Plastic expansion anchor | Toggle bolt |
|---|---|---|
| Best for wall type | Masonry, concrete, brick | Hollow drywall, plaster |
| How it holds | Expands to grip hole walls | Wing opens behind the wall panel |
| Pilot hole required | Yes — sized to anchor OD | Yes — must be large enough for folded toggle |
| Typical shear load (drywall) | ~10–20 lbs (unreliable) | 50–300 lbs |
| Typical load (concrete) | 25–55 lbs | Not applicable |
| Can screw be removed? | Yes | No (spring toggle falls in wall) |
| Skill required | Minimal | Moderate |
The common mistake: plastic anchors in drywall
Plastic expansion anchors are widely sold in general hardware kits and are frequently used in drywall — this is incorrect. Drywall gypsum is too soft and crumbly to hold an expansion anchor reliably under any significant load. The anchor simply works through the material and the fastener pulls out. For hollow walls, use a toggle bolt or a dedicated drywall anchor (self-drilling Toggler or E-Z Anchor type).
Quick decision guide
- Hanging a heavy mirror or TV bracket — toggle bolt, or preferably locate a stud
- Hanging a picture frame under 10 lbs — plastic self-drilling drywall anchor works fine
- Fastening a shelf bracket in concrete — plastic expansion anchor
- Fastening a handrail into brick — plastic or sleeve expansion anchor in concrete/masonry