What Are Sure Wall™ Anchors?
To meet your need for installation of home appliances, fixtures or décor, Simpson Strong-Tie has developed a line of simple, durable anchoring solutions. Sure Wall anchors are made from quality materials and have been tested and proven to securely anchor into drywall, concrete, masonry and other wallboard materials. Each anchor is designed for specific needs and applications. Let’s see how you can use these anchors to tackle your home projects.
Why Do You Need a Wall Anchor?
Drywall gypsum board, nonstructural wall component of many homes, requires a different touch than a standard fastener or anchor can provide to secure wall attachments. When hanging something like a mirror, heavy picture frame, monitor or television, there may be no wall stud where you want to place it. In those cases, you have to rely on the drywall itself to support the load. When driving into a slab of concrete or wood, the material itself is strong enough to provide most of the load resistance you’ll need. However, drywall is much softer and more brittle, meaning that you need a product that will allow you to maximize the material’s potential load resistance. That’s what the Sure Wall anchors were designed for.
Why Use Different Anchors for Different Tasks?
While many of these anchors have some overlap in their intended uses, each has its own distinct mechanism for creating a secure, lasting drywall attachment. Some of the anchors offer greater load value, some are more “user friendly” and some are more cost-effective, so understanding their different designs can help you find the right one for your project.
Universal Benefits of the Sure Wall™ Anchors
Each Sure Wall™ anchor is designed for a specific application, but all deliver the same trusted performance, easy installation and dependable holding power.
Strength and durability
- These anchors are engineered to outperform many standard light-duty anchors.
- They can support loads ranging from 40 pounds to 90 pounds.
Simple, fast installation
- Innovative installation features facilitate faster, more secure anchoring.
- All anchors are supplied with the compatible fasteners needed for installation.
- Many of the Sure Wall anchors can be set with a standard Phillips-head screwdriver. No special tools are required!
Versatility
- From small tasks to large jobs, we have a wide variety of anchor styles, sizes and finishes to suit almost any project.
Sure Wall™ X1 Plug Anchor
The X1 plug anchor can support up to 65 pounds and is designed to perform especially well in drywall. It’s a great option for items that experience light pulling or tugging, as its flexible design allows for a slight give while keeping a strong hold. The X1 nylon plug uses the back of the drywall to lock the anchor securely in place and spreads the load in multiple directions, helping provide a strong hold while minimizing stress on base materials.
The X1 plug anchor is an ideal solution for mounting the following attachments:
- Towel rods
- Security cameras
- Interior and exterior signage

Sure Wall™ Self-Drilling Drywall Anchor (SDA)
The self-drilling drywall anchor can support up to 50 pounds and is a great option if you’re looking for an easy-to-install anchor. Its optimized thread and tip design make predrilling unnecessary. Simply screw the anchor into the wall, drive the fastener in behind it, and listen for the “click” that lets you know it’s securely fastened. For plasterboard and tougher wallboard material, the zinc version will break through with ease.
The self-drilling drywall anchor is an ideal solution for the following:
- Lighter-weight fixtures
- Coat hooks
- Hanging decor such as picture frames

Sure Wall™ Hollow-Wall Anchor (HWA)
The hollow-wall anchor can support up to 75 pounds and is a great option when you need a stronger hold in drywall or other hollow-wall materials. Its one-piece design makes handling simple and reduces the risk of losing parts. The expanding wing design creates a strong, secure hold, while the anchor’s higher load capacity makes it a good choice for heavier items. The HWA accomplishes many of the same things as the HWDA, but it takes a little more time to install since it cannot simply be hammered into the drywall.
The hollow-wall anchor is an ideal solution for the following:
- Garage organization accessories
- Bathroom fixtures
- Small household appliances such as paper towel holders

Sure Wall™ Hollow-Wall Drive Anchor (HWDA)
The hollow-wall drive anchor can support up to 40 pounds and is a great option when you need a quick installation solution for lighter-weight items. The HWDA can accomplish many of the same tasks as the HWA, but the two anchors differ in load capacity and installation time because the HWDA’s self-drilling tip allows you to hammer the anchor directly into the wall without predrilling.
Which Anchor Should I Use?
- Choose the HWA if you need to support heavier items and don’t mind spending a little more time on installation.
- Choose the HWDA if you’re hanging a lighter item and want a quicker, simpler installation.

Sure Wall™ Self-Drilling Toggle Anchor (SDT)
The self-drilling toggle anchor can support up to 65 pounds and is a great option for homeowners looking to hang heavier items without compromising the strength of the drywall. The self-drilling tip allows for fast, convenient installation using typical household tools, while the anti-rotation design helps prevent spinning during installation for a secure, hassle-free setup. The SDT accomplishes many of the same things as the SDST, but it uses smaller screws and is designed to support a lighter load.
The self-drilling toggle anchor is an ideal solution for the following:
- Medium to heavier picture frames
- Medium to heavier decor
- Book shelving

Sure Wall™ Self-Drilling Strap-Toggle Anchor (SDST)
The self-drilling strap-toggle anchor can support up to 70 pounds and is a great option for homeowners looking for simple installation using just a screwdriver. Its self-drilling design allows for quick installation without predrilling, even in a higher-strength drywall. Simply use a screwdriver to cut the anchor into the drywall and install the assembly. The design then allows the machine bolt to be removed without losing holding power. With its higher load capacity, the SDST is a versatile option for hanging heavier items. The SDST is designed for many of the same applications as the SDT, but the two anchors differ in load capacity and fastener size.
The self-drilling strap toggle is an ideal solution for the following:
- Heavier fixtures
- Larger-size TVs
- Wall-mounted mirrors

Which Anchor Should I Use?
- Choose the SDT if you’re hanging a lighter item or need a smaller fastener for your fixture. Its smaller screw makes it a convenient option for many common household installations.
- Choose the SDST if you’re hanging a heavier item and need the added holding strength of a larger machine bolt. The machine bolt is also fully removable, making it a good option for changing out fixtures and decor.
Sure Wall™ Spring Toggle Anchor (ST)
The spring-toggle anchor can support up to 90 pounds, making it a great option for hanging heavier items. Its spring-loaded toggle wings provide a strong, reliable hold while spreading the load across a wider area of the drywall.
The spring-toggle is an ideal solution for the following:
- Hollow-block-mounted fixtures and decor
- Wall-mounted appliances
- Ceiling-mounted fixtures like chandeliers or hanging decor
