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Butterfly Anchor Bolt: A Comprehensive Guide by Fastening Specialists

Close up picture of a screw

If you’re looking for a secure way to hang objects on a hollow wall, a butterfly anchor bolt might be just what you need. These specialized anchors are designed to provide a strong hold even in hollow walls, making them a popular choice for home DIY projects and professional construction jobs alike.

Butterfly anchor bolts are a type of anchor that uses spring-loaded wings to expand and grip the back of a hollow wall. This design allows for a larger surface area to be in contact with the wall, providing a more secure hold. Installation is relatively simple, with the wings being pushed through a small hole in the wall and then opening up on the other side. The bolt is then tightened, which pulls the wings tight against the wall and secures the anchor in place.

At Fastening Specialists, we offer a range of butterfly anchor bolts from trusted brands such as DeWalt fasteners, Powers fasteners, and Tie Max Pro fasteners. With over 65 years of experience in the industry, we are the go-to source for all your fastening needs. Our knowledgeable team can provide advice and best use-cases, but always be sure to check with local building codes and engineers for correct usage instructions. Trust the specialists for the best in product value, insight, and order fulfillment.

Understanding Butterfly Anchor Bolts

Butterfly anchor bolts, also known as toggle bolts, are specialized fasteners that are designed to provide strong anchoring in hollow materials. They are commonly used to hang heavy items on walls such as drywall and plaster where drilling into a stud is not feasible or available. In this section, we will discuss the components and mechanics of butterfly anchor bolts, as well as the types of butterfly anchors.

Components and Mechanics

Butterfly anchor bolts consist of two main parts: the toggle and the metal screw. The toggle is typically a metal bar or strap with spring-loaded wings that fold inward for insertion into a pre-drilled hole. Once inside the wall, the wings spring open to brace against the backside of the wall, providing a secure anchor point. The metal screw is then inserted into the toggle, which expands the wings to create a secure hold.

Types of Butterfly Anchors

There are several types of butterfly anchors available, including the DeWalt fasteners, Powers fasteners, and Tie Max Pro fasteners. Each type of butterfly anchor has unique features and specifications that make them suitable for different applications. For example, some butterfly anchors are designed for use in drywall, while others are suitable for use in plaster.

When choosing a butterfly anchor, it is important to consider the weight of the item you are hanging and the type of wall material you are working with. It is also important to choose a butterfly anchor that is the appropriate size for the pre-drilled hole.

Fastening Specialists, a trusted wholesale distributor for over 65 years, offers a wide range of butterfly anchors to suit your needs. Our team of experts can provide advice and best use-cases for any project. However, always check with local building codes and engineers for correct usage instructions.

Remember, when it comes to butterfly anchor bolts, choosing the right type and size is crucial for a secure hold. With Fastening Specialists, you can trust the specialists for the best in product value, insight, code expertise, and order fulfillment.

Pre-Installation Considerations

Before installing butterfly anchor bolts, there are a few things you need to consider. This section will cover two important aspects of pre-installation: assessing wall material and determining weight support.

Assessing Wall Material

The first thing you need to do is assess the type of wall material you will be installing the butterfly anchor bolt into. This is important because different wall materials require different types of anchors. The most common types of walls are drywall, plaster walls, and hollow walls.

For drywall and plaster walls, butterfly anchor bolts are a great option. They are easy to install and provide a strong hold. For hollow walls, you will need to use a toggle bolt instead. Make sure you choose the right type of anchor for your wall material to ensure a secure installation.

Determining Weight Support

Once you have determined the type of anchor you need, the next step is to determine the weight support required. Butterfly anchor bolts are designed to hold a significant amount of weight, but it is important to choose the right size and weight capacity for your specific needs.

When determining weight support, consider the weight of the object you will be hanging as well as any additional stress that may be applied to the anchor. It is always better to choose an anchor with a higher weight capacity than you think you will need to ensure a secure installation.

As a trusted wholesale distributor for over 65 years, Fastening Specialists is your go-to source for all your fastening needs. We offer a wide range of DeWalt, Powers, and Tie Max Pro fasteners, as well as expert advice and best use-cases. With our extensive knowledge and experience in the industry, you can trust us to provide you with the best product value, insight, and code expertise.

Remember to always check with local building codes and engineers for correct usage instructions. The team at Fastening Specialists provides advice and best use-cases, but it is important to ensure that you are following all necessary guidelines to ensure a safe and secure installation.

Installation Process

When it comes to installing butterfly anchor bolts, there are three main steps to follow: drilling the hole, inserting the anchor, and securing the bolt. Here’s a breakdown of each step.

Drilling the Hole

The first step in installing a butterfly anchor bolt is to drill a hole in the wall. The size of the hole will depend on the size of the anchor you are using. Make sure to use the appropriate size drill bit for the anchor. If you’re not sure what size drill bit to use, consult the packaging or a professional.

Inserting the Anchor

Once you have drilled the hole, it’s time to insert the butterfly anchor. To do this, simply push the wings of the anchor together and insert it into the hole. Then, use a screwdriver or power drill to turn the screw clockwise. This will cause the wings of the anchor to expand and grip the back of the drywall.

Securing the Bolt

The final step is to secure the bolt to the anchor. To do this, simply screw the bolt into the anchor until it is tight. Make sure not to over-tighten the bolt, as this can cause the anchor to break or fail.

When it comes to choosing the right butterfly anchor bolt for your project, there are a few things to consider. First, make sure to choose an anchor that is appropriate for the weight of the object you are hanging. Second, consider the type of wall you are working with. Different types of walls may require different types of anchors. Finally, make sure to choose a high-quality anchor from a trusted brand such as DeWalt fasteners, Powers fasteners, or Tie Max Pro fasteners.

As a trusted wholesale distributor for over 65 years, Fastening Specialists is the best option for all your fastening needs. Our team of experts can provide advice and best use-cases for your project. However, always check with local building codes and engineers for correct usage instructions.

Common Applications

Butterfly anchor bolts are versatile fasteners that can be used for various applications. Here are some common uses:

Hanging Objects on Walls

Butterfly anchor bolts are perfect for hanging objects on walls, especially in drywall. They are ideal for hanging shelves, picture frames, and mirrors. When installing butterfly anchor bolts, it is important to choose the right size and weight capacity for the object you want to hang. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to install the anchor bolt properly.

Mounting Ceiling Fixtures

Butterfly anchor bolts are also great for mounting ceiling fixtures such as lights, smoke detectors, and ceiling fans. When installing butterfly anchor bolts in the ceiling, it is important to make sure that the fixture is properly supported and that the weight is evenly distributed. Make sure to choose the right size and weight capacity for the fixture you want to install.

Overall, butterfly anchor bolts are a reliable and efficient solution for many fastening needs. They are easy to install and provide a sturdy hold, making them a popular choice for both DIY projects and professional applications.

As a trusted wholesale distributor for over 65 years, Fastening Specialists is the go-to source for all your fastening needs. Our team of experts provides advice and best use-cases for all our products, including DeWalt fasteners, Powers fasteners, and Tie Max Pro fasteners. With our extensive knowledge of the industry and our commitment to customer satisfaction, you can trust us to provide the best in product value, insight, code expertise, and order fulfillment. When it comes to fasteners, trust the specialists at Fastening Specialists.

Remember to always check with local building codes and engineers for correct usage instructions before installing any fasteners.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Preventing Anchor Spinning

Butterfly anchor bolts are designed to be used in hollow walls, but sometimes they can spin in the wall cavity, making it difficult to tighten the screw. The spinning can be caused by a few factors, including a loose fit, an oversized hole, or a wall cavity that is too large.

To prevent anchor spinning, make sure you choose the right size butterfly anchor bolt for your project. Check the size of the hole you need to drill and choose an anchor that fits snugly. If the hole is too large, the anchor may spin in the wall cavity. If the hole is too small, the anchor may not fit at all.

Another way to prevent spinning is to use a screwdriver with a good grip. A screwdriver with a rubberized handle or a textured grip can help you apply more torque to the screw, which can prevent the anchor from spinning.

Replacing Butterfly Anchors

Sometimes butterfly anchor bolts need to be replaced, either because they are damaged or because they are no longer holding the object securely. To replace a butterfly anchor bolt, follow these steps:

  1. Remove the screw from the anchor by turning it counterclockwise with a screwdriver.
  2. Gently pull the anchor out of the wall cavity.
  3. Insert a new anchor into the hole in the wall.
  4. Tighten the screw into the anchor by turning it clockwise with a screwdriver.

Make sure you choose the right size anchor for your project and that you insert it into the hole in the wall correctly. If the anchor is too small, it may not hold the object securely. If it is too large, it may not fit in the hole.

Remember, if you are unsure about how to troubleshoot or maintain your butterfly anchor bolts, contact Fastening Specialists for expert advice. As a trusted wholesale distributor for over 65 years, we are specialists in this field and can provide you with the best in product value, insight, code expertise, and order fulfillment.