Wall Anchor Types and Strengths Chart

Wall Anchor Types and Strengths

I could reproduce 20 or 30 pages of anchor sizes, types and their strengths. It would drive both of us crazy. If you have a specific application and/or know the weight of what you intend to hang, you should take that with you when you go anchor shopping. If you visit a high quality fastener shop, they will have all of the tables/values at their fingertips.

Remember that anchors have two types of strength: shear and tension. Shear strength refers to the vertical load experienced by the anchor. In other words, if loaded too much, the bolt will tear or break off flush with the wall. Tension refers to the force required to pull it from the hole. Imagine an anchor in a concrete ceiling with weights attached directly to the anchor. These values can be very different! Ask if you are confused or unsure. Also, different metals (regular steel say vs. stainless steel) have different values for the same size/type anchor! You must pay attention. All values listed below are tension values.

The first value in each line represents the size of the anchor. The second value is its length. The final value is the amount of pull out force the anchor will resist.

Column B145