Working on drywall would require installing a framing stud or a drywall anchor, as it is impossible to hang anything heavy without these aids.
A drywall anchor would help you keep hung pieces on the drywall, but sometimes, these anchors do not stay in place and start spinning.
This brings us to the question, why does drywall anchor keep spinning?
If your drywall anchor keeps spinning when you screw, it simply means it is not gripping your wall correctly. This usually happens when the hole is too big, or the screw is not the right size for the hole you created.
In this article, I will explain why your drywall anchor keeps spinning and how to stop this spinning and fix the issue, so please, stick with me!
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Five Reasons Why Drywall Anchors Keep Spinning
It is not a normal situation for your drywall anchor when it starts spinning, as there are reasons why it is spinning.
Some common reasons why drywall anchors spin are stated below;
#1. Wrong Size of the Anchor
If you use the wrong anchor size for the screw or the hole drilled into your drywall, the anchor will not be able to grip the wall properly, causing it to spin.
#2. Drilling Very Large Holes
If you drill the hole too big on your drywall, your anchor will not be able to sit correctly on your drywall, hence, spin.
Sometimes drilling overly large holes in the wall is not intentional, as the wall is too soft and keeps breaking. Ensure that your walls are firm enough before you install your anchors.
#3. Weak Or Old Drywalls
sometimes, your drywall anchor size is not the issue; the issue is directly from the wall.
If your wall has been up for years, then it is normal for its strength to depreciate over time, hence the spinning of your drywall.
If your walls have not been up for too long but have water damage, then it Is also common for them to have issues with strength.
#4. Incorrect Installation
Installing your drywall incorrectly is another factor that contributes to a spinning anchor. If your anchors are not pushed in far enough or are not placed in the center, then your anchor can spin.
Also, ensure that whoever installs your drywall is a professional because when an amateur handles this, it could also spin.
#5. Improper Screw Length
If the length of the screw you will be using is short, it will not be able to engage with the anchor causing it to spin correctly.
And if the length of the screw is too long, it might push the anchor too far into the wall causing it to lose its grip and spin sooner or later.
In summary, before installing your drywalls, ensure that you get the right size of the materials you will be using, and also work with a professional.
How to Stop Drywall Anchors from Spinning?
You can quickly stop your drywalls from spinning by just taking a few steps to fix the issue.
Some of these steps are listed below;Â
#1. Correctly Drill Holes
If you don’t drill the hole in the correct size, the anchors will never sit correctly. When drilling holes for your drywall anchors, it should be done smaller than the size of the anchor.
I recommend using a cordless drill to properly secure your drywall before drilling into it. It would ensure that your hole is straighter and your anchor is in place.
#2. Don’t Place too Much Weight on the Drywall Anchor.
Because your drywall anchor is required o hold weight; you should place only a little weight on the anchor.
There are different anchors, each with different breaking strengths, so you should be conscious of the anchor you use.
You must get sturdier anchors if you are going to be hanging heavier materials. Also, don’t hang whatever is heavier than the anchor on the anchor.
#3. Use the Right Size of Anchor Material for the Work
If you know that you will need to hang heavier materials, you should consider that you need a suitably stronger anchor for the job.
For instance, if you hang a light picture frame, you can use a plastic anchor, but for heavier materials like mirrors, use stronger anchors.
Below is a table that shows the reasons why your drywall anchors keep spinning and how to fix this issue;
| Issue | How to Fix |
|---|---|
| Anchors too small | Replace with a perfect size |
| Screw too long | Use a shorter, more appropriate screw |
| Damaged drywall | Install a new piece of drywall on that spot and install drywall |
| Poor anchor quality | Shop for the best anchors |
| Drilling large holes | Drill a suitable size in a different position |
Can I Overtight My Drywall Anchor?
Yes, it is possible for you to over-tighten your drywall anchor.
Although, you should be very careful when using your drywall anchor because overtightening your drywall can cause it to crack, deform or even break.
When your drywall cracks, standing the weight you mete on it would be tough.
To prevent this, ensure that you always work by the manufacturer’s instruction, which should be using the screwdriver to insert the anchor until it flushes with the surface of your anchor.
Can You Replace Damaged Drywall Anchors?
You can replace your drywall anchor with a new one when it is not holding properly.
If you cannot do this on your own, then ensure that you have someone there to support you, also, ensure that you have safety gloves on, just in case.
How Do You Replace Damaged Drywall Anchors?
Remove the screw from the damaged anchor to replace your damaged drywall anchors by turning it counterclockwise.
After that, use your plier or screwdriver to gently remove the anchor from the wall; you should be careful.
After doing this, you can replace it with another anchor the same size and type as the old one, then follow the installation instructions.
A general way to install your drywall anchor is to tap it into the wall with a hammer, and when it gets to the surface of the drywall, gently screw it in with your screwdriver.
Once the new anchor is in place, you can hang whatever material you want.
I recommend you use some of the best drywall anchors listed below;Â
- Toolfix self-drilling drywall plastic anchor.Â
- Sweet toggle bolt and wingnut kit.Â
- RIFAA’s self-drilling drywall anchor.Â
- Screw-its drywall anchor.
- Qualihome self-drilling drywall plastic anchor.Â
- Ansoon zinc self-drilling drywall anchors.Â
- SPINNER drywall anchors.Â
- HongWay 370-piece plastic drywall wall anchors kit.Â
Some amazing alternatives for drywall anchors include;
#1. Nails
A nail in your drywall will be enough to hang a very light object.
#2. Screw-In Studs
This would work for heavier materials; you can just hit a stud in when you put in a screw.
#3. Cleat System
This is just like a modified version of making a rail. If you go with a rail, you must secure a wooden material onto your walls and drive nails into it to hang materials.
With a cleat, you could bevel the rail instead of drilling holes into it, making the entire work neater.
Your wood size can come in different designs to fit the corresponding pieces you try to hang.
Ensure that you make this piece sturdy with specialized tools so it stays put after a short while of usage.
You can get creative and develop other sturdy hanging ideas that would not ruin your walls and hold your materials firmly.
FAQs
Why Is My Screw Spinning the Anchor?
Screw spinning the anchor usually happens when you drill a large hole into the wall; you risk having the anchor spin when you insert the screw.
Are Drywall Anchors Permanent?
Some anchors are permanent, others are removable, and some are said to be tamper resistant. So, you must get the correct type of anchor for your wall type.
What Is the Best Glue for Drywall Anchor?
The best glue you can use is the gorilla glue. The reason why is that this glue expands while drying; you can also get similar glues that expand while drying up too.
Should You Screw or Glue Drywall?
You can use any for your drywall anchors; people mainly use adhesives like glue to reduce the need for more screws. Even with glues, you should use a screw in the middle of the board.
What Is the Strongest Wall Anchor?
Toggle bolts are sturdy metal anchors, and since they are made of metal, they can be said to be strong enough. If you want a firm anchor, the toggle bolt is the best for you.Â
