There’s never a stud in the wall where you need one. In this situation what do you do?
You need a solid fixing in the wall and after a bit of research, there are two choices left: the toggle bolt and the molly bolt. What do you choose? This article explains the basics of these two bolts. After reading it, you will know which of the two is the best choice for your project.
Toggle and Molly Bolts: The Basics
Getting the right fixing in a wall is the difference between success and failure. Below we’ll explain the basics of the two bolts.
What Is a Toggle Bolt?
A toggle bolt is made from two components, it has a bolt section and a toggle. The toggle is spring-loaded. It is closed when pushed through the hole in the wall, once it gets onto the other side of the wall, it springs open.
When the toggle opens, it becomes wider than the hole it just passed through, this means that it can’t get pulled back through.
I wrote more about using this type of fastener in my articles about how to install toggle bolts and how to remove them.
What Is a Molly Bolt?
A molly bolt is another form of drywall anchor. It is made from a ‘sleeve’ that fits snuggly into a hole drilled in the wall. When a matching bolt is tightened, the molly sleeve expands. This expansion creates a stronger, tighter fit for the fixing.
Similarities of Toggle Bolts and Molly Bolts
Both the toggle bolt and the molly bolt share some similarities, which we’ll write about in this section.
1. Fixing into Cavity Walls
Toggle and molly bolts are specifically designed to provide a solution to the same problem – fixing into cavity walls. In this day and age, this usually means getting a strong fixing in drywall, when no stronger material is behind.
2. Bolts
The toggle and the molly each need two components to work. The wall fixing, which is either the toggle or the molly, and the bolt itself. Both fixings use the same type of bolt instead of a screw.
3. Larger Sized Wall Fixings
The molly bolt and the toggle are both larger wall fixings. The strength of each of the fixings will depend on the material it is made from and its size. Both of these types of wall fixing are a step up from smaller plugs, screws, and threaded inserts. The bolt is thicker and the anchor stronger.
Differences Between Toggle Bolts and Molly Bolts
There are some key differences between toggle and molly bolts. Understanding this is the key to deciding what wall anchor is best suited for your needs.
1. Repeat Usage
Consider if the item you fix to the wall has to be repeatedly taken down and put back up. The way the toggle bolt works means that if it is removed, the toggle section drops into the wall and can’t be reused.
On the other hand, the molly bolt is designed for repeat usage. The sleeve remains in the wall and the bolt can be tightened or removed from it multiple times.
2. Fixing Method
The way each bolt creates a solid fixing is the main difference between the two. A toggle bolt springs open and creates an anchor from the other side of the drywall. In comparison, the molly bolt expands within the drywall.
While both of these create a strong fixing, the toggle bolt tends to be stronger. The drywall usually fails before the actual toggle bolt does. In comparison, sometimes a molly bolt can pull from the plasterboard.
3. Strength
Both of these bolts are at the upper end of wall fixings in terms of strength. However, out of the two, the toggle bolt is usually the strongest option.
4. Size
The size of these bolts will vary. However, in general, a toggle bolt is longer. This is because it has to pass through the material for the toggle to spring out. The molly bolt on the other hand must rest within the material to engage properly.
5. Diameter of Drill Hole
To fit the toggle through the wall, the hole to drill must be a much larger diameter. In comparison, the molly bolt only needs a slightly larger hole than the bolt size to fit the sleeve into.
Toggle Bolts vs. Molly Bolts: Which Should You Use?
The choice between a toggle and molly bolt comes down to two main factors. The first of these is strength and the second is if you might need to remove the fixing multiple times.
The toggle bolt is a stronger fixing, however, once removed the toggle is lost. To replace it, you will need a new toggle. In comparison, the molly bolt is not as strong, but it can be repeatedly removed and reused.
Alternatives to Toggle and Molly Bolts
If neither of the two appear like the right choice for your project, consider the alternatives below too.
French Cleats (Split Battens)
This is another way of mounting items to a wall. It involves mounting one batten to the wall and a sister batten to the item that is fixed to the wall. Both of the battens are joined by a 45 degree angle.
The benefit of using a french cleat is that the item can easily get lifted on and off the wall. Secondly, you can install a long batten that runs between the studs or a heavier fixing point.
Wall Plugs
Wall plugs are the step down from toggle and molly bolts in terms of strength. However, they are easier to install and much cheaper. They come in multiple sizes depending on the type of screws you will use.
To install, you simply drill a hole to the specified diameter of the plug and hammer it into the wall.
Summary
If you are mounting something heavy onto a cavity, drylined wall, it’s so important to get a stong fixing. If not, there is a danger of the item falling, damaging itself, and harming people nearby. Toggle bolts and molly bolts are two of the strongest options available to get a fixing into a wall however there are clear differences.
The choice between the two comes down to strength and if the fixing must be repeatedly reused.