Living in an apartment requires you to use every space imaginable including your wall.  I get (not a lot but some) emails on how hang items on the wall…more specifically how I hang heavy objects on the wall.

Knowing what your weight limitations are when hanging items will give you a good idea of what type of objects can be hung. Now since there are a variety of walls out there from brick to drywall…this post is only intended for those of you with drywall. I will try and throw up a post that deals with brick and concrete later.

I have over the years utilized the IKEA wall cabinets as space saving storage through out our apartment and home. What many people think is you have to mount these in studs and that’s not the case due to modern technology. The benefit of not always using a stud is being able to center and place your objects where ever you want. By only using studs, you will run into alignment issues soon or later. Another factor on determining if the wall and anchor can take the weight is the thickness of the drywall. For the sake of keeping this post simple I will assume your dealing with 1/2 inch drywall which is pretty standard in apartments today.

Listed below are several drywall hanging anchors that I use:

  1. Is a Heavy Duty Nylon Screw Drywall anchor made to hold up to 78 lbs in 1/2 drywall.  Very easy application with no pre-drilling needed, you simply screw the anchor into the drywall until your hear a POP.  Once you here the pop you have went far enough into the drywall. They come with a standard metal screw (as seen in the picture) that is used to mount or hang the object.  These are also good for hanging items from the ceiling. These are what I specifically use for wall cabinets, apartment shelving or any other type of apartment furniture where maximum strength is needed. Again with a 78 lbs wight limit…you can really apply some pressure to these things and the hold up well.  I have yet to have any item come out of the wall with this anchor. Although there are several companies out there that make these types anchors…Toggler and EZ anchor is what I use the most.
  2. Number 2 is a scaled down version of number one made for lighter objects.  Also made by Toggler and has a maximum weight limit of 65 lbs. I have used this anchor to mount computer monitors, bookshelves, wall mounted speakers and other pieces of apartment furniture that weighs less than 65 lbs. I will say that these anchors are bit more pricey, so I will only use them when I’m concerned about the anchor not holding the weight.  Anytime I use either the number 1 or 2 anchor is when I’m concerned and just want to make sure that I don’t risk having the anchor pull out.  I would say even for a TV or computer monitor this would still be a bit extreme.
  3. The middle one is probably the most versatile and common among wallboard anchors.  This anchor’s installation is a little more complex than 1 and 2.  This anchor requires you to drill a pilot hole before inserting the anchor. I use these anchors for objects that are 1-20lbs such as picture frames, light shelving and general wall decor.  These are very cheap anchors and just like the others very simple to use. Keep in mind that when installing these anchors you have to consider that your are putting holes in you walls and more than likely will need to patch them if you decide to remove the object you are hanging.  For a more subtle and easier way to hang lighter items with less damage…consider 4 and 5.
  4. These hooks got really popular a couple years back and are great if you are concerned on damaging you walls.  If you are renting your apartment than you know that you are responsible for any damage.  A lot of landlords will consider these anchors to be damage and you might have a hard time getting your deposit back if you plan on leaving.  These hooks are very inconspicuous and are great for those looking for the minimal amount of drilling. They are extremely easy to install. You simply take the sharp side of the hook and poke though the drywall reversing the hook once in.  This will allow the hook to protrude from the wall.  The downside to these hooks is that they are more for hanging rather than mounting.  Perfect for pictures, plants and other small wall decorations. I have had no problem hanging items as heavy as 10lbs with these types of wall hooks.
  5. Last nut not least is the standard ribbed wall nail.  Made for light wall frames and objects below 1.5 lbs.  Mainly I stick to the pictures and that’s it.  But again, hardly noticeable what the nail is removed.

If your planning a big project and just aren’t sure of the object you are wanting to hang…CALL A PROFESSIONAL.  IF your not sure…don’t risk it.