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10 Best Wall Anchors of 2026: Which Ones Actually Hold Without Breakage

Choosing wall anchors that won't snap or pull out of drywall under real loads — for securely mounting shelves, TVs, and mirrors without studs.

You drill a hole, start screwing in what looks like a sturdy plastic anchor, and halfway in it snaps. That sinking feeling is familiar to nearly every DIYer who's hung a shelf or curtain rod. Many anchors promise 75 pounds of holding power, but fail the test before the screw is even fully seated.

The gap between what the package says and what actually happens in your drywall isn't a fluke — it's a consequence of brittle materials and the 'no pre-drill' shortcut that can crack thin plastic. This guide identifies the anchors that survive installation and hold firm, without wasting money on kits with high breakage rates.

Whether you're mounting a heavy TV on hollow drywall or hanging a dozen pictures around the house, the right anchor changes everything. We've sorted through the most popular options to show which toggle, self-drilling, and assortment packs earn their ratings — and which ones are only fit for the lightest tasks.

#01

Best Overall

TOGGLER SNAPTOGGLE 1/4" (20pk)

91 /100
Kirk Score Outstanding
Material
Zinc-plated steel, plastic
Weight Capacity
265 lbs drywall
Piece Count & Hardware
20 anchors, 20 bolts
Self-Drilling vs. Pre-Drill
Requires pre-drill (1/2" hole)
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Pros

  • One-person installation is simple — set the anchor first, then mount the fixture without a helper. — 389 mentions, 89% positive
  • Holds heavy loads like 65-inch TVs and 100-pound shelves securely in drywall. — 125 mentions, 91% positive; examples of 65" TVs and 126 lb mounts
  • Works across drywall, concrete block, and wall thicknesses from 3/8" to 3-5/8". — 358 mentions, 91% positive
  • Steel channel and zinc-plated bolt provide long-term stability without pull-out. — 167 mentions, 95% positive

Cons

  • Anchor can pull through and fall inside the wall if bolt is tightened too aggressively before setting. — 225 mentions, 67% positive — occasional reports of anchor popping through and falling
  • Plastic body may crack if hole is crooked or anchor is twisted during insertion. — 492 mentions, 58% positive — brittle plastic when overtightened or twisted; some anchors snap during tightening

The SNAPTOGGLE holds up to 265 pounds in half-inch drywall — enough for a large TV or a loaded cabinet — and its design lets one person install even heavy brackets without help. A zinc-plated steel channel toggles open behind the wall after insertion, spreading the load across a wide surface. The included 1/4-20 bolts thread directly into the anchor, so there's no guesswork about screw length. With 20 anchors and matching bolts per pack, you have enough for several heavy mounts.

What sets this anchor apart is the ability to set it before mounting anything. You drill a 1/2-inch hole, push the plastic body through, and the steel wings spring open. With the anchor secure in the wall, you can position your bracket, drive the bolt, and tighten, all without fumbling with a toggle that could drop behind the wall. This one-person sequence saves significant hassle when working solo with bulky items like a heavy medicine cabinet.

The anchor works in drywall from 3/8 to 5/8 inch thick and in concrete block — in block, its load rating jumps to over 800 pounds. It has been used to mount 65-inch televisions and shelving units that carry over 100 pounds without pull-out. The steel channel's grip is consistent across different wall materials, making it a solid choice for homes with both drywall and masonry walls.

This anchor is built for heavy-duty mounts where a stud isn't available. Homeowners hanging large mirrors, floating shelves, or kitchen cabinets on drywall or block will benefit most. It's not the right pick for a gallery wall of light picture frames; standard plastic anchors are cheaper and quicker for loads under 20 pounds. You'll need to drill a clean 1/2-inch hole and push the anchor straight in without twisting — the plastic body can crack if installation gets rushed.

A few installation pitfalls are documented. If you cinch the bolt too aggressively before the wings fully engage, the anchor can pull through and drop inside the wall, requiring you to start over. The steel channel can sometimes catch on hole edges if the hole isn't perfectly round. With a steady hand and gradual tightening, these are rare events that don't undermine the anchor's overall strength.

💡 💡 Tip: Drill a clean 1/2-inch hole, push the anchor straight in without twisting, and tighten the bolt gradually. This avoids cracking the plastic body and prevents the anchor from pulling through.

Bottom line: When a heavy TV or cabinet must hang where no stud exists, the SNAPTOGGLE is the anchor to reach for — just plan on drilling a 1/2-inch hole and taking your time with the insertion.

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#02

Best All-in-One Assortment

KURUI 350pc Assortment

91 /100
Kirk Score Outstanding
Material
Nylon/PE, steel screws
Weight Capacity
Varies (up to heavy)
Piece Count & Hardware
175 anchors, 175 screws
Self-Drilling vs. Pre-Drill
Self-drilling (some predrill)
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Pros

  • 5 sizes and 350 pieces cover picture frames, shelves, curtain rods, and light fixtures — 19 mentions, 100% positive; 18 mentions size assortment praise
  • Nylon/PE anchors resist crumbling during install and hold securely in drywall — 18 mentions reliability; 11 durability mentions, 91% positive
  • Organizer case and low per-piece cost keep whole-house jobs efficient — 19 mentions, 95% positive

Cons

  • Not intended for heavy-duty single-point mounts like large TVs or grab bars

The KURUI kit packs 350 anchors and screws across five sizes, giving you a single organized case that covers picture frames, curtain rods, light shelves, and wall décor. Unlike sets that supply only one anchor style, this assortment includes both self-drilling and traditional expansion anchors with matching flat-head screws, so you can match the anchor to the wall material and load.

New homeowners and active DIYers who need to outfit multiple rooms will find the assortment keeps them from running out mid-project and avoids trips to the hardware store. Heavy single-point loads like large TVs, bathroom grab bars, or heavy cabinets call for a dedicated toggle anchor — that is not this kit’s territory. Spot-checking a few anchors for the rare misshapen piece is quick insurance before driving.

The nylon/PE compound used here turns self-drilling tips with less crumbling than many budget plastics. In denser drywall or old plaster, a small pilot hole removes resistance and prevents the anchor from binding — a simple habit that extends the life of both anchor and wall.

The sturdy compartment case keeps sizes separated, and the sheer quantity means you won’t need to ration anchors across projects. At this mid-range price, the per-piece cost is low enough that a bent or discarded anchor doesn’t sting financially.

💡 💡 Tip: Inspect anchors before starting — discard any misshapen pieces. In dense drywall, a small pilot hole prevents binding.

Bottom line: If you’re settling into a new home or tackling a long list of wall projects, this kit hands you nearly every anchor you’ll need — just keep a box of heavy-duty toggles for the biggest mounts.

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#03

Best for Mixed Wall Materials

fischer DuoPower 50pk

90 /100
Kirk Score Outstanding
Material
Dual-component plastic
Weight Capacity
Piece Count & Hardware
50 anchors, 50 screws
Self-Drilling vs. Pre-Drill
Requires pre-drill (1/4" hole)
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Pros

  • Holds securely in concrete, brick, drywall, plaster, and wood, outperforming standard plastic anchors in shear strength. — 51 mentions, 80% positive
  • Dual-material design adapts without swapping anchors; expands in hollow cavities and knots in solid substrates. — 45 versatility mentions, 89% positive
  • Nylon/PE construction stands up to installation stress better than all-nylon designs, especially when a 1/4-inch pilot hole is pre-drilled. — 89 mentions, 89% positive about quality
  • 50-piece count supports several medium-scale projects without repeated trips to the store.

Cons

  • Some packages ship without the screws promised in the listing, leaving the user without the needed hardware. — 23 mentions, 83% negative about missing accessories

The fischer DuoPower anchors use a two-part nylon and polyethylene construction that responds differently depending on the wall material: in drywall, the soft outer sleeve expands to fill the cavity, while in concrete or brick, the harder core snugs tightly as it is driven in. This dual-material behavior sets it apart from heavy-duty toggles designed for maximum weight capacity in hollow walls; the DuoPower is a generalist that doesn't demand you carry multiple anchor types to a job site.

This kit suits users who hang shelves, mirrors, or light fixtures on mixed walls—especially older homes with plaster or masonry—and want one anchor for the job. The tradeoff: the included screws can bottom out in thinner materials before the anchor fully expands, causing the anchor to spin or crack. Keeping a selection of shorter screws on hand is common among experienced installers, but casual DIYers may find it an inconvenience.

Installation requires a 1/4-inch pilot hole, which eliminates the split risks common with self-drilling plastic anchors. Once the screw engages, the anchor either expands behind the drywall or forms a knot-like lock inside solid substrates. This process yields high shear strength—photos show the anchor withstanding pull-out forces that would strip basic plastic sleeves. In thin paneling or shallow holes, switching to a shorter screw preserves the holding power without compromise.

💡 💡 Tip: Keep a selection of shorter screws (e.g., 3/4-inch or 1-inch) for days when you're working with thinner wall materials or shallow framing; using a screw that fully engages the anchor without bottoming out prevents spin and preserves holding strength.

Bottom line: If your walls change from room to room and you're willing to keep a box of shorter screws nearby, the DuoPower anchors deliver a level of grip that makes one-size anchoring practical. For drywall-only projects with consistent thickness, a dedicated toggle or standard anchor may be simpler.

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#04

Best Residential Toggle for Everyday Use

TOGGLER Residential 20pk

92 /100
Kirk Score Outstanding
Material
Polypropylene
Weight Capacity
143 lbs (1/2" drywall)
Piece Count & Hardware
20 anchors, 20 screws
Self-Drilling vs. Pre-Drill
Requires pre-drill (hammer-in)
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Pros

  • Easy one-person installation with clear instructions, ideal for DIYers. — 54 mentions, 93% positive
  • Surprisingly strong hold for its size — supports shelves and organizers without sagging. — 50 mentions, 84% positive
  • Grips securely in thin drywall, far outperforming basic plastic anchors. — 47 mentions, 74% positive

Cons

  • The red plastic activation key can snap before the anchor expands, leaving an unusable anchor. — Some reviews report snapping the red push key

With a 143-pound capacity and a one-person hammer-in installation, the TOGGLER Residential toggle fills the gap between flimsy plastic anchors and heavy-duty toggles designed for large TVs. The pack of 20 includes #8 screws, giving you enough pieces for multiple rooms at a cost that won't stretch a home improvement budget.

Homeowners mounting shelves, curtain rods, or medium-weight fixtures in standard 1/2-inch drywall will find these anchors secure and fuss-free. Renters needing a low-cost solution for light fixtures across an apartment get dependable anchoring without leaving massive holes. The trade-off: the anchor is only rated for 1/2-inch drywall — walls thicker than that or concrete require a different anchor. Also, the red plastic activation key can snap during installation if struck off-angle, so a steady hand matters.

Once set, the toggle grips firmly behind the drywall, giving bookshelves and wall-mounted organizers a solid anchor point that doesn't sag over time. The hold is noticeably stronger than standard plastic expansion anchors, and the screw stays snug even in thin drywall. Installation is straightforward: drill a 1/2-inch hole, hammer in the red key to expand the toggle, then drive the screw. The whole process takes less than a minute once you get the rhythm.

💡 💡 Tip: Align the red key squarely and strike it with a single, firm hammer blow; a hesitant tap or angled strike increases the chance of snapping the plastic.

Bottom line: At a budget-friendly price per piece, this 20-pack is the no-hassle choice for medium-duty anchoring in standard drywall — strong enough for most shelves and curtain rods without the extra capacity of a heavy-duty toggle.

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#05

Best Budget Plastic Value Kit

CrimsonMark 75lb Kit (120pc)

92 /100
Kirk Score Outstanding
Material
Nylon, glass fiber
Weight Capacity
75 lbs
Piece Count & Hardware
60 anchors, 60 screws
Self-Drilling vs. Pre-Drill
Self-drilling (no pre-drill)
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Pros

  • Self-drilling design eliminates pilot holes in standard drywall, speeding up jobs. — 109 mentions, 75% positive
  • Broad compatibility with common hanging tasks like light shelves, towel bars, and mirrors. — 68 mentions, 96% positive
  • High piece count at a budget price makes it cost-effective for whole-house projects. — 77 mentions, 87% positive

Cons

  • The 75-pound rating is overly optimistic; limit loads to around 30 pounds to avoid pull-out.
  • Nylon anchors may fracture during installation in hard or painted drywall — a tradeoff for the budget material. — 177 mentions, 55% positive — many reports of anchors snapping during installation

The CrimsonMark kit packs 60 self-drilling anchors and matching screws into a single box for less than the cost of a couple of premium toggles — a math that makes sense when you’re outfitting an entire wall with framed photos, curtain hardware, and small decorative shelves. Unlike the top pick’s heavy-duty toggle, which isolates a single massive load, this kit spreads its value across dozens of light-duty tasks. While even cheaper plastic anchors can turn to dust during installation, the nylon-and-glass-fiber blend here provides enough stiffness for straightforward drywall.

Budget-conscious homeowners and renters with a long punch list of small hanging jobs will find the 120-piece count right-sized. The anchors install easily with a screwdriver — the self-drilling tip often bites through fresh drywall cleanly. However, the nylon can become brittle in thick or hardened walls, and you should expect a few breakages per project. For this reason, limit loads to under 30 pounds per anchor and avoid using them for televisions, large mirrors, or heavy shelving.

Keeping a small pilot drill bit for older drywall or plaster makes a noticeable difference — the anchor threads in smoothly rather than chewing up. The tradeoff is that you might lose an anchor or two if you rush; but with 60 anchors in the box, that’s a manageable inconvenience for the price.

💡 💡 Tip: Pre-drill a small pilot hole in older or high-density drywall to prevent snapping the nylon anchors.

Bottom line: For the price of a single heavy-duty toggle, the CrimsonMark kit covers a whole house of picture-hanging tasks — just keep a small pilot bit handy for stubborn walls.

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#06

Heavy-duty specialist

Gripit Blue Drywall Anchors (4-Pack)

88 /100
Kirk Score Excellent
Material
Polyacetal
Weight Capacity
205 lbs sheer
Piece Count & Hardware
4 anchors
Self-Drilling vs. Pre-Drill
Requires pre-drill (1" hole)
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Pros

  • 205 lb shear load capacity on 5/8-inch drywall
  • Removable by twisting anticlockwise for anchor reuse
  • Wing expansion mechanism provides solid behind-wall grip

Cons

  • Requires a 1-inch drilled hole, larger than standard anchors, complicating future wall repair
  • Achieving a flush fit demands a perfectly straight hole; any angle can leave the flange proud of the wall

The Gripit Blue anchor promises a 205-pound shear load on 5/8-inch drywall with a twist-to-expand wing that grips behind the wall. It installs through a 1-inch drilled hole and can be removed by twisting anticlockwise for reuse, setting it apart from one-and-done toggles. Without independent field feedback on that high capacity rating, the anchor remains a calculated bet — the numbers are compelling, but real-world affirmation is missing. This design suits DIYers who value reusability and a clean removal path, provided they trust the manufacturer’s engineering over user-validated evidence.

💡 💡 Tip: Use a drill guide or clamp a block to ensure the 1-inch hole is drilled perfectly perpendicular for a flush, secure anchor seat.

Bottom line: If you need a reusable anchor rated for extreme loads and are comfortable relying on manufacturer specs over independent validation, the Gripit Blue fills that narrow niche.

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#07

Medium items

E-Z Ancor Twist-N-Lock 50ct

94 /100
Kirk Score Outstanding
Material
Steel
Weight Capacity
75 lbs
Piece Count & Hardware
50 anchors
Self-Drilling vs. Pre-Drill
Self-drilling, audible click
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Pros

  • Easy installation with distinct click confirming secure set — 48 mentions, 96% positive
  • Secure hold for mirrors, curtain rods, and light fixtures — 40 mentions, 75% positive
  • Good quality and value compared to similar anchors from hardware stores — 42 mentions, 83% positive; 18 mentions, 89% positive

Cons

The Twist-N-Lock’s self-drilling tip and distinct click remove the guesswork from anchor installation, letting you know the moment the anchor has set correctly. For curtain rods, towel bars, and mirrors under 50 pounds, that confidence translates into fewer stripped holes and less wall repair. The plastic tip can dull or break when driving into hard, painted drywall without a pilot hole—the self-drilling claim hits a boundary in those conditions. A pilot hole prevents the tip from dulling in painted drywall, a behavior shared across self-drilling anchors of this type. The higher per-anchor price and plastic durability concerns keep it from the top tier, but the click feedback has no direct equivalent.

💡 💡 Tip: Drill a small pilot hole when installing into painted drywall to avoid dulling the plastic tip.

Bottom line: For homeowners who want the reassurance of a tactile click during anchor installation and are hanging items under 50 pounds, the Twist-N-Lock justifies its price—provided you’re ready to drill a pilot hole in hard, painted drywall.

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#08

Light-duty metal

KURUI Metal Self Drilling Drywall Anchors, 116PCs

91 /100
Kirk Score Outstanding
Material
Zinc alloy
Weight Capacity
50 lbs
Piece Count & Hardware
58 anchors, 58 screws
Self-Drilling vs. Pre-Drill
Self-drilling
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Pros

  • Metal construction feels sturdier than plastic anchors. — 69 mentions, 75% positive
  • Self-drilling design simplifies installation in drywall and plaster. — 25 mentions, 88% positive
  • Large 116-piece count provides good value at a budget price. — 21 mentions, 90% positive

Cons

  • Zinc can bend or snap if driven unevenly, requiring a steady hand. — 69 mentions, 58% positive
  • Anchors may pull out of drywall under moderate weight, limiting use to light-duty. — 35 mentions, 51% positive

The KURUI kit packs 58 zinc anchors and matching screws at a budget price — a metal alternative to plastic for light decorating. Self-drilling tips work with a screwdriver in drywall and plaster, and the anchors feel sturdier than typical nylon. The kit suits picture frames, power strips, and lightweight fixtures where you'd otherwise use plastic. However, holding power can be inconsistent: anchors may strip out of drywall under moderate weight, and zinc can bend during installation if force is uneven. This kit is not for shelving over 25 lbs or anything that needs a secure, tug-resistant mount. For non-critical, light-duty hanging, the piece count and metal feel are appealing.

💡 💡 Tip: Drive anchors with a steady, straight motion to avoid bending the zinc.

Bottom line: If you're hanging small picture frames or power strips and want an affordable metal upgrade, this kit works — just stay under 25 lbs and drive the anchors straight.

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#09

Bulk projects

Sunxeke 410pc Mega Kit

89 /100
Kirk Score Excellent
Material
Zinc-plated steel
Weight Capacity
66 lbs
Piece Count & Hardware
410 total pieces
Self-Drilling vs. Pre-Drill
Hammer-in, no pre-drill
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Pros

  • Hammer-in installation eliminates the pilot hole, speeding up work on large jobs. — 90 mentions, 97% positive
  • Zinc-plated steel wings expand for a firmer hold than plastic anchors. — 48 mentions, 79% positive
  • Huge 410-piece count provides anchors and screws for completing multiple rooms without re-stocking. — 21 mentions, 76% positive

Cons

With 155 small and 50 large anchors plus 205 screws, this Sunxeke kit covers virtually every light- and medium-duty hanging task a house or job site can throw at it. Hammering the anchor in works without a pilot hole in standard drywall, and the zinc-plated steel wings expand for a firmer hold than plastic. The per-piece cost is attractive for anyone stockpiling. The trade-off: some anchors are thin enough to bend during hammering, and the 66-pound cap means you can't hang shelving or TVs. For picture frames, curtain rods, and smoke detectors across multiple rooms, it's a practical bulk buy.

Bottom line: For whole-house light-duty jobs where speed and quantity matter more than maximum strength, this kit keeps the drill in the toolbox and the project moving.

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#10

Ultra-light temp

Qualihome 25pk Anti-Spin

89 /100
Kirk Score Excellent
Material
Plastic
Weight Capacity
75 lbs
Piece Count & Hardware
25 anchors, 25 screws
Self-Drilling vs. Pre-Drill
Self-drilling
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Pros

  • Self-drilling design works well for curtain rods and blinds — 195 mentions, 89% positive
  • Decent functionality for light everyday hanging like small frames — 198 mentions, 84% positive

Cons

  • Plastic is brittle; anchors can crack or snap during installation — 334 mentions, 40% positive
  • Grip can strip or fail in drywall under light-to-moderate load — 171 mentions, 49% positive

The Qualihome 50-piece kit is strictly for the lightest hanging jobs—think paper calendars, tiny frames, or temporary decorations. The self-drilling tip slips through drywall easily, and the anti-spin design keeps the anchor from twisting during screw insertion. The plastic is brittle, though; anchors can crack or snap if drywall is dense or you force the screw before the anchor seats fully. Grip can also be unpredictable—anchors may strip out under more than a few pounds. For anything over 10 pounds, or any mount you want to stay put, this kit’s limitations become real frustration. It’s a disposable solution for non-critical, ultra-light use.

💡 💡 Tip: Drilling a small pilot hole can reduce cracking in dense or older drywall, even though these anchors are labeled self-drilling.

Bottom line: For renters tacking up the occasional lightweight decoration or paper calendar, this 50-piece kit is a cheap, no-fuss, short-term fix. Anything that needs to stay secure beyond a week should look elsewhere.

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How to Choose

Weight Capacity

A 75-pound rating on a plastic anchor doesn't mean it can hold a 75-pound mirror in any drywall. Ratings reflect ideal conditions; in older or thinner drywall, pull-out can happen at half the claimed load. For anything heavier than 30–40 pounds, toggle-style anchors that expand behind the wall offer a much larger load-bearing surface than simple screw-in plugs.

Consider the lever effect: a shelf projecting out from the wall multiplies forces, so a 50-pound shelf may require anchors rated for over 100 pounds in shear.

Material

Plastic and nylon anchors are inexpensive and work for light loads, but they become brittle and crack when forced into hard drywall or overtightened. Metal anchors (zinc or steel) resist breakage during installation but can bend if the screw isn't aligned, especially hammer-in styles. The best heavy-duty anchors combine a steel channel with a plastic sleeve to balance strength and ease of installation.

Self-Drilling vs. Pre-Drill

Self-drilling anchors eliminate a step, but the tip still has to cut through paint and joint compound without snapping. Many break because the anchor's cutting threads are no match for tough drywall layers. A quick 1/8-inch pilot hole — even with a 'no pre-drill' anchor — greatly reduces breakage without harming holding power.

Grip Range & Wall Thickness

Toggle anchors with a wide grip range (3/8" to 3-5/8") expand to fit various hollow wall thicknesses, whereas shorter anchors only engage a limited section. If you're mounting in drywall over a 1/2-inch cavity, an anchor that's too short won't fully open, compromising hold. Always match the anchor's grip range to your wall's measured thickness, not the drywall alone.

Piece Count & Hardware

High piece counts in budget kits can be tempting, but the cost per anchor is meaningless if half of them break during installation. Assortment kits with multiple sizes and consistent quality pay off by reducing trips to the hardware store. Check that the listed hardware (bolts or screws) is actually included — some anchors ship without them, forcing a separate purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions