Carpentry

How to Install Drywall Anchors for Heavy Items (TV, Mirror, Shelf)

A failed wall anchor doesn't just dent your drywall — it can drop a 60-pound TV onto a coffee table. This guide explains the five anchor types, when to use each, the stud-first rule that pros follow, and the pull-test that catches a bad install before your TV does. For the holes left behind by failed anchors, see [How to Patch a Small Hole in Drywall](/guide/patch-a-small-hole-in-drywall).