how much weight can a drywall anchor support?

Question

I am trying to hang a piece of woodwork on the wall, it will have four screws or bolts to hold it in place.

Answer 1

Depends on the type of anchor you buy. Since you will be using 4 of them, you can use smaller ones. They make the small plastic anchors that are not much bigger than the screw/bolt and now they make one that looks like huge screw itself and installs with a phillips screwdriver.

Answer 2

How much the drywall will withstand will depend largely upon its thickness. 1/8" drywall is pretty flimsy while 7/8" can take quite a tug.

If you're talking any more than just a few pounds, then seriously I wouldn't rely on drywall anchors - if necessary cut out some drywall and install a backer board.

It also depends on stud spacing: with 24" spacing, the drywall won't be able to support the same load as 16" spacing. To an extent, how it's joined could play a factor. For example, if it was put up using only nails, it's going to tear off the wall at much less load than if done using screws every 12"

Answer 3

Weigh the piece and go to the home improvement store. All the packages of anchors are labeled for the weight they will support.