Toggle Bolts - Butterfly Anchors
Toggle Bolts, also known as Molly Bolts or Butterfly Anchors, are light-duty, hollow wall anchors specifically designed for use in hollow block, drywall, and other hollow base materials.
Toggle bolts for drywall are commonly used to hang heavy items such as shelves, mirrors, cabinets, or light fixtures. They provide a reliable and sturdy anchoring solution, distributing the weight across a larger area behind the wall, reducing the risk of damage or failure.
Toggle wall anchors consist of two main components: a spring-loaded winged mechanism and a threaded bolt. The bolt is typically made of steel and has a pointed end for easier insertion into the wall. The wings are attached to the bolt and can be folded down to fit through a pre-drilled hole in the wall.
Once the wings pass through the hole, they spring open behind the wall, providing stability. Used as an alternative to other hollow wall anchors, steel toggle anchors are more temperature resistant.
We are a full service toggle bolt supplier. Our selection of butterfly anchors comes in various sizes. Bolt sizes range from 1/8” to 1/2” and lengths up to 6”. Butterfly anchors most-commonly come with a zinc finish.
Installing Butterfly Anchors (Toggle Bolts)
- Create a hole in the base material using a drill bit. If the material is especially dense, such as high strength concrete, it is advisable to make the hole slightly wider than usual (1/16" larger).
- Insert the bolt through the item to be attached, screw on the wings, then push the wings inwards and push the bolt all the way through the opening until the wings expand.
- Finally, pull back on assembly to hold the wings inside the wall to prevent the wings from spinning while tightening bolt. Turn the bolt with the screwdriver until firmly tightened.
How to remove Toggle Bolts
- Locate the screw or bolt head that is visible on the front side of the wall. This is the part that you originally tightened to secure the toggle bolt.
- Using a screwdriver or a drill with a suitable bit, turn the screw or bolt counterclockwise to loosen it. Depending on the type of toggle bolt, you may need to use a screwdriver, a wrench, or a drill to remove it.
- As you loosen the screw or bolt, the wings on the backside of the wall will retract or fold down. Keep turning until the toggle bolt is completely free from the wall.
- Once the screw or bolt is removed, gently pull on the toggle bolt from the front side of the wall to fully extract it.
If the toggle bolt is tightly wedged or difficult to remove, you can try the following additional steps:
- Hold the screw or bolt head with one hand and apply light pressure while turning counterclockwise. This can help to disengage the wings more easily.
- If the wings are still expanded behind the wall, you may need to push them inward. Use a flathead screwdriver or a pair of pliers to carefully push the wings toward the center of the toggle bolt.
- In some cases, you may need to break or remove the wings entirely. This can be done by cutting or bending them with pliers or a suitable cutting tool. However, be cautious not to damage the wall during this process.
Remember to exercise care and caution when removing toggle bolts, as improper removal or excessive force can potentially damage the wall or surrounding area.
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