How to Put Wall Plugs and Screws in the Wall
You have a beautiful painting to hang, but hammer and nail alone will not to do the magic. How can you ensure it won’t come crashing to the ground in the middle of the night? Wall plugs and screw is your answer. In this article, we will provide you with the necessary instructions to easily and safely hang your painting as well as any other item.
Determine whether what you are hanging needs plugs, or can be hung on a stud
Wall plugs are not always needed to hang an item. Purchase or borrow a stud finder to determine if there are studs in the area you are looking to hang your item. If there aren’t, you will need to purchase the appropriate wall studs and screws.
Which Plugs to Buy
If the item you are looking to hang weighs less than 6.8 kilograms, go to your local hardware store and purchase universal wall plugs. To ensure your screws will fit into the plugs, plug and screw combos are often available for purchase. If there are no combos available, you will need to test the screws with the plugs. Insert a screw inside the plug and check if, once fitting through the center, there are a few millimeters of the screw coming out of the other end of the plug. If so, your screw will work with that plug. If you are not sure, ask an employee to help you.
What to purchase if the wall is hollow and the item is light
If the wall that you are hanging your item on is hollow, and the said item is light, such as a painting, look for butterfly wall plugs. This will open up perpendicular inside of the wall. You can also buy something similar called a plasterboard plug which will open up like an umbrella.
For medium to heavy items
Buy a package that includes a steel screw in order to hang or attach your item to wooden beams, window frames or wall claddings. After you screw the steel screw into the wall, you will need to hammer the remainder in.
If your items are very heavy
For items that are up to 200 kilograms, use an anchor bolt. Instead of a screw head, there is a nut at the end. The nut will need to be tightened once the plug is installed in order for the anchor to strongly grip the material around it.
For items being hung on the ceiling
If you are looking to hang an item on the ceiling, you will need toggle plugs which have two metal wings. Push them through the ceiling, keeping them closed. Tighten the screw to engage the plugs.
Installing wall plugs
Ensure you have a drill and drill bits, and match your drill bit to the plug. Both are usually measured using millimeters. Compare them next to each other to match the size. If you do not have a drill, use a nail that is the size of the wall plug and hammer it into the wall to make your pilot hole.
Measure Correctly
Use a tape measure and pencil to locate and mark exactly where you will be hanging your item. Wall plugs need to be patched if you change your mind about, or make a mistake with the position of your wall hanging. Measure carefully and correctly to save time and energy.
Pilot Hole
Using the drill bit you have selected, or the hammer and nail, create your pilot hole in your specified location. The depth of the hole should be a little bit longer than the length of the of the screw.
Inserting the plug
Push the wall plug into the hole you have just created until the collared section touches the wall. If needed, use a hammer to lightly hammer the plug into the wall.
Inserting the screw
Place your screw on the flat or Phillips head drill bit (or screwdriver if you do not have a power drill) and steadily drill it into the wall plug.
Assess the screw
If your screw is smooth under the head rather than threaded, you have a combination screw. Once you have screwed the threaded part into the wall plug, you will need to use a hammer to tap the rest of the screw in.
Hang your Item
You’re almost done! Carefully hang your item on the screw (or screws).
There you have it. Your item is securely fastened to the wall, and you did it all on your own. Easy right? Give yourself a pat on the back. Great job!