I recently used a self-drilling drywall anchor but decided to pre-drill a hole first. The anchors fit into the hole easily, but they stop once the screw part reaches the drywall. I'm concerned if this is okay for a shelf I'm putting up for my cats. They won't be able to reach it until I add some stairs, but I'm worried that I might have compromised the integrity of the anchor by doing this. What do you think?
3 Answers
It really depends on how big the hole you drilled was. In general, self-drilling anchors can be a bit tricky in lightweight drywall, like for things like toilet paper holders. If you want a stronger hold, I’d recommend switching to toggle bolts or something similar, especially if your cats will be jumping on that shelf. At least make sure one screw goes into a stud for extra support!
Yeah, it mostly comes down to the size of the hole you made. Screw it in and see how solid it feels; it should be fine if it feels secure. Just keep in mind that those self-drilling anchors are usually not meant for heavy stuff.
Toggle bolts tend to be the best option for heavier items. The press-in anchors are pretty much just for lightweight stuff and can pull out over time, especially if you’ve got cats jumping on them. Consider switching to a more robust anchor for peace of mind!
Yeah, I've had issues with those press-in types before. Better safe than sorry!
Totally agree! Heavy-duty anchors can make a big difference, especially with playful pets around!