Cameras And Drywall Anchors?

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Brian Rhodes
Oct 07, 2013
IPVMU Certified

When it comes to hanging cameras on drywall, a few missteps can turn a $50 install into a $300 repair job if done incorrectly. Pretty quickly you learn: every screw into drywall needs an anchor behind it.

When it comes to drywall anchors: any preferences or brand recommendations to share?

In my experience, I just used the cheapest type for most (non-load bearing) work, so I'm unrefined. You installation veterans: which do you prefer?

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Ethan Ace
Oct 07, 2013

I've always been a fan of these:

They always felt more secure than the push-in ones. Plus it was one step to install, instead of having to drill then hammer.

For heavier things or plaster walls I've also used toggle bolts.

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Brian Karas
Oct 08, 2013
Pelican Zero

Those are some of my favorite also.

MI
Matt Ion
Oct 07, 2013

Second Ethan's suggestion for EZ-Anchors, except I prefer the metal ones - I find with the plastic ones, either the screwdriver slot strips out too easily if the going gets tough (thick layer of paint or wallpaper, for example), or the tip mushes out before it penetrates (ditto).

Of course, one of the gotchas with these is when you run into a stud with them, and then you have a big hole chewed out... if the site has wooden studs, however, you can use these, and they'll drill right into the wood:

For more holding power, toggles are great, but you're back to the two-stage procedure of drilling a BIG hole first... instead, how about something like this?  They drill in like a standard EZ Anchor, then the toggle opens up when you drive the screw in:

There are other variations on the design where the tip splits apart (similar to in Ethan's picture) or in other ways improves the holding strength.  Note that ANY type of wall anchors - be they for hollow wall, brick, concrete, etc. - should list what weight they're rated to support, so you can compare based on your requirements.

JC
Jason Clement
Oct 08, 2013

These are the best. Pretty much all I used as an installer.

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #1
Oct 08, 2013

I rarely use anchors (I find most screws hold good on drywall when carefully using a screw driver, not a drill). Hey, I even install alarm boxes and power supply boxes w/out anchors. When I do use anchors, I favor those used by Ethan.

MI
Matt Ion
Oct 09, 2013

This is true: for lighter objects like alarm sensors, mini-dome cameras, etc., something like a coarse-thread (for wood studs rather than metal) drywall screw will generally hold the drywall just fine on its own. Of course, they won't hold much of someone tries to rip the equipment down...

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Jon Dillabaugh
Oct 08, 2013
Pro Focus LLC

As Ethan said above, these....

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Daniel S-T
Oct 08, 2013

I prefer the ones above, over the one with the little blade on them (the first one Matt sugested) I have had those little blades snap on me sooo many times.

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Brian Rhodes
Oct 09, 2013
IPVMU Certified

MR
Mike Ridgley
Oct 09, 2013

Stud. I almost NEVER use drywall anchors if I can avoid it.

But if I cannot - the metal EZ-Anchor is the only way to go.

KL
Keefe Lovgren
Oct 09, 2013
IPVMU Certified

these little gems are spendy... they are great for ceiling cameras and are also great for mounting heavier loads (such as monitors or small racks) or where structure isn't available...

JS
Jeppie Sumpter
Oct 09, 2013
IPVMU Certified

Agreed. We use SnapTogglers for many use cases. Extra nice in metal stud construction.

KL
Keefe Lovgren
Oct 09, 2013
IPVMU Certified

jeppie... you are right metal stud construction they work extremely well... i find them so nice for mounting monitors when you don't always have a stud available to center up a mount... these work great in those instances...

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Jon Dillabaugh
Oct 09, 2013
Pro Focus LLC

Not sure what spendy is, but we use those for heavier objects, like shelves. However, you don't really need something that robust for a camera IMO. It also takes longer to install than the metal fastners.

MI
Matt Ion
Oct 09, 2013

How does one quantify "spendy" in a hollow wall anchor, when compared to the cost of a $1000+ camera hitting the floor? :)

JH
John Honovich
Oct 09, 2013
IPVM

Can someone (Brian, Ethan) do a quick roundup of options and approximate pricing?

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Brian Rhodes
Oct 09, 2013
IPVMU Certified
KL
Keefe Lovgren
Oct 09, 2013
IPVMU Certified

spendy was a comparative against the anchors listed above... red anchors ez anchors etc... the snaptoggle i believe go for over $1.25/each...

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Jon Dillabaugh
Oct 09, 2013
Pro Focus LLC

Not sure why you would pay so much for SnapToggles. They are only $0.54 each here.

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Brian Rhodes
Oct 09, 2013
IPVMU Certified

I would love nothing more than to see a thread dissolve into a heated argument over the price of fasteners. I also like making small children cry and kicking dogs.

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Ethan Ace
Oct 09, 2013

Mostly I'm just impressed this thread is still going!

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Brian Karas
Oct 09, 2013
Pelican Zero

Yeah, it's really hanging on.

KL
Keefe Lovgren
Oct 09, 2013
IPVMU Certified

it's because it is "well anchored"... awful i know...

MI
Matt Ion
Oct 10, 2013

Seems plenty screwed up to me.

JG
John Grocke
Oct 10, 2013

I'm fasten-ated...

MI
Matt Ion
Oct 10, 2013

Riveting stuff, really. Everyone here has really nailed it.

KL
Keefe Lovgren
Oct 10, 2013
IPVMU Certified

Now your just screwing around...

FC
Fanny Coling
Oct 14, 2013

To everyone on this thread, Thank you so much for all the information. It has really helped me a lot.

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