threaded anchors - dry wall fixings

[consoletable]

Hi there,
We have hollow walls - plaster board - and I'm trying to hang a mirror.
The first anchor went in fine - nice and secure. The second, however, was not willing to play ball. The threaded anchor kept turning without biting and just pulled away. I now have a large hole just where I need the second fixing for the mirror.
I'm at a bit of a loss as to the best way forward and would appreciate any help or advice that's going!
Thanks, in anticipation!
Brenda

 

[Crystalclear]

It's a tricky one. Ideally you would repair the hole with new plasterboard cut out using the right filler and starting from scratch.

I'd recommend picture handing strips, if they work for your mirror?

• Each pair of small strips holds up to 450 g
• Each pair of medium strips holds up to 1 Kg
• Dimensions of strips: small = 54 x 16 x 2 mm / medium = 70 x 19 x 2 mm

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Command-Picture-Hanging-Strips-Value/dp/B000OF6X48

 

[Burnerman]

Can you move the mirror either up or down just a wee bit to allow you to start again?
With hollow wall anchors, you must drill the correct size diameter hole to start with, and you must prevent them from spinning when they are being tightened.
This is where the correct setting tool comes into its own, although you can get by without one......just press the barb tightly into the plasterboard and keep it there.
John

 

[consoletable]

Thanks Burnerman, I think I'll go with your suggestion. I do hope it works - such a disappointment when it had all started so well!

 

[Burnerman]

Don't worry - we've all been there!
John

 

[consoletable]

Have you ever used the nylon threaded anchors? They seem to just screw into the plasterboard directly - no need for a drill!?

 

[Burnerman]

Can't say I have seen nylon screw in anchors, but certainly I've seen the steel ones.
Again, they are ok if conditions are absolutely ideal - which they rarely are!
Personally I go for the hollow wall anchors every time, but I'm careful to use the correct size drill (some of these things can actually cut their own way into plasterboard).
Once these things are set, they can withstand heavy loading.
John

 

[consoletable]

Thanks once again. I value the time you give!

 

[Burnerman]

A pleasure......I don't suppose you have a plasterboard off cut you could have a play with, have you? Great for finding how these fittings behave.
John

 

[consoletable]

Sadly no. I would love to play about - but the place we have moved into (a flat) is only 5 years old and I haven't done that much of a diy nature in it. Previously, in our old house I did loads of stuff and had a shed full of bits - including plasterboard. Ah well. (I can do stuff with solid walls - but have never really encountered hollow wall situations before. ) You live and learn, I will make it work!

 

[Mr Gear]

If you think this could turn out to be more than a one-off, certainly might be worth getting a setting tool in your kit - they were recommended to me in another thread and certainly a worthwhile investment for less than a tenner....

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p96740

http://www.screwfix.com/p/rawlplug-interset-fixing-setting-tool/92462

 

[consoletable]

Success! Mirror is on the wall - absolutely level and firm!!!
Thank you for all your help! (I don't think I shall being doing much more of this sort of thing now - but if it turns out that I do, I shall certainly look into the setting tool!)