The Complete Guide to Anchors: Choosing the Right Fastener for Concrete, Masonry, and Drywall

Not all anchors are created equal. From heavy-duty wedge anchors to light-duty drywall solutions, Monster Bolts offers the right anchor for every project. Learn the differences, when to use each, and explore our full line of bulk anchors to get your jobs done right.

🏗️ Why Anchors Matter

Anchors are the hidden heroes of construction, remodeling, and DIY. Whether fastening racks to concrete, mounting fixtures to brick, or hanging a picture frame in drywall, choosing the right anchor ensures strength, safety, and long-lasting performance.

At Monster Bolts, we stock a wide range of anchors — from ICC-approved Tapking® and Ultrawedge® heavy-duty anchors to light-duty hollow wall and plastic options — all available in bulk and backed by our Anchor Drill Bit Compatibility Chart.

⚒️ Types of Anchors We Carry

1. Concrete Screw Anchors

• Commercial Concrete Screws (Blue Finish) – cost-effective medium-duty anchoring in concrete and masonry.
• Tapking® Premium SD Screws – ICC/Miami-Dade approved with DurableCoat® 1000-hour corrosion resistance.

Use for: Racks, machinery, formwork, and general concrete fastening.

2. Wedge Anchors

• Commercial Wedge Anchors (Zinc CR+3) – strong and versatile for everyday use.
• Ultrawedge®+ (Zinc CR+3) – premium ICC-ES #3981 and Miami-Dade approved wedge anchors.
• 304 & 316 Stainless Ultrawedge® Anchors – for corrosive environments, marine, or outdoor use.
• Hot-Dipped Galvanized (HDG) – excellent balance of strength and corrosion protection.

Use for: Permanent, heavy-duty installations like machinery, dock bumpers, and guard rails.

3. Shield & Expansion Anchors

• Single & Double Expansion Shields – zinc alloy for block, brick, or softer masonry.
• Lag Screw Expansion Shields – expand in masonry to provide strong holds for lag screws.

Use for: Medium-duty anchoring in brick and block where expansion grip is required.

4. Hammer Drive & Pin Anchors

• Hammer Drive Anchors – quick light-duty installs with mushroom heads.
• Split-Fast Anchors – hammer-driven anchors with expanding split shanks.
• Pin Drive Expansion Anchors – wedge expansion by hammering for reliable holds.

Use for: Quick mounting of fixtures, brackets, and light equipment in concrete or block.

5. Hollow Wall & Drywall Anchors

• Molly Bolts / Hollow Wall Anchors – screw is reusable, anchor body remains permanent.
• Plastic Anchors (ribbed, tubular, conical) – versatile light-duty options.
• Mungo® Nylon Plug Anchors – engineered European plugs with advanced expansion features.

Use for: Fixtures, shelving, light-duty installations in drywall, plaster, and hollow block.

6. Sleeve Anchors

Reliable medium-duty anchors with round, flat, acorn, or hex nut heads. Perfect for multipurpose concrete and masonry use.

7. Conical / EZ Plastic Anchors

Lightweight, easy-to-install anchors for drywall and light masonry. Available in multiple colors and sizes for common screw gauges.

📊 Anchor Drill Bit Compatibility

Confused about which drill bit to use? Monster Bolts provides a full Anchor Drill Bit Size Compatibility Chart to make installations faster and easier.

✅ Why Choose Monster Bolts?

• Bulk options available for every anchor type.
• Wide range: from heavy-duty ICC-approved anchors to light-duty drywall plugs.
• Stainless, HDG, and zinc finishes for every environment.
• Fast U.S. shipping, detailed specs, and trusted customer support.

🔧 Get Anchored with Monster Bolts

Whether you’re a contractor fastening equipment to concrete, a marine builder working outdoors, or a homeowner hanging shelves, the right anchor makes all the difference.

Monster Bolts carries it all — in bulk, in stock, and ready to ship.

👉 Shop our Full Anchor Collection

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s the difference between wedge anchors and sleeve anchors?

Wedge anchors provide permanent, high-strength anchoring in solid concrete. Sleeve anchors are more versatile, working in concrete, brick, or block, but typically handle lighter loads.

Can I reuse anchors?

Most expansion anchors (like wedge, sleeve, and split-fast) are not reusable once installed, since the expansion mechanism deforms permanently. However, concrete screws and some hollow wall anchors can be reused if the base material isn’t damaged.

Which anchor should I use for drywall?

For light-duty drywall jobs, choose hollow wall anchors or conical plastic anchors. For heavier shelves or fixtures, use toggle or molly-style hollow wall anchors.

Do I need a special drill bit for anchors?

Most anchors use a standard ANSI masonry bit, but some anchors (expansion shields, lag screw shields, and conical anchors) require oversize holes. See our Anchor Drill Bit Compatibility Chart for exact sizes.

What anchors are best for outdoor or marine use?

316 stainless steel anchors provide the highest corrosion resistance for saltwater and outdoor environments. Hot-dipped galvanized anchors are another strong option for outdoor applications where stainless isn’t required.