Why Would Anchors Be Pushed Out of a Wall?

Pilot Hole

• Creating too large of a pilot hole is a primary reason an anchor would be pushed out of the hole it was in. These anchors are meant to go into a hole that is smaller than the actual screw size you are using. The anchors are tapered on the end and should just barely fit, providing a snug fit. As you tap the anchor in, you should do so as gently as possible so that the hole does not hollow out excessively.

Studs

• You may find that you hit a stud with your screw or bolt after inserting the anchor into the wall. If this is the case, the threading action of the screw will pull the anchor outward as it attempts to go in. If this is the case, you need to insert a wood screw into the hole so that it will start a new hole in the stud once it reaches the wood. Otherwise, you will simply be drawing the drywall anchor out of the wall.

Foundation Anchors

• Foundation anchors are a second type of anchor that are often used in basements to secure foundation walls in place and keep them from bowing and bending. This type of movement occurs on occasion because of the pressure being exerted downward on the walls by the rest of the home. If the wall begins to bow in one direction with the anchor present, it could potentially push the anchor out the other side of the wall.

Movement

• Movement and settling of the house may also cause your anchors to eventually dislodge and be pushed out of the wall. Although settling and movement usually occurs on a very small scale, it can cause the hole in which the anchor resides to also increase in size if the home moves against the anchor and exerts a perpendicular force against it. The larger hole, coupled with gravity, could cause the anchor to be pushed out.