Drywall is hollow, so a screw driven straight into it will strip out and let whatever you hung fall. A drywall anchor spreads that load across more of the panel, which is what keeps a shelf, a mirror, a towel bar, or a floating ledge in place. The tricky part is not finding anchors, it is matching the right anchor to the wall and to the weight of the item. This guide gathers six anchor and screw kits that cover the common jobs, from light plastic expansion anchors for picture frames, to self drilling anchors that skip the pilot hole, to all metal anchors for firmer holding, and toggle style bolts for the heaviest loads. Every pick here is an editorial selection from current Amazon listings, and the piece counts, sizes, and anchor types come straight from each product listing.
How we chose
We did not tear apart a wall of drywall to rank these. These are editorial picks based on current product listings: the anchor types each kit includes, the range of sizes, whether matching screws come in the box, and how clearly the listing states the wall it is meant for. Anchor types and any weight ratings are listing claims from the manufacturer, not our own measurements, so treat the figures on the package as the limit to respect rather than a target to push past. We leaned toward kits that give you more than one size, because the most common anchor mistake is grabbing whatever is in the drawer instead of the size the job actually calls for.
The picks
1. KURUI 350 Piece Assortment, Top Pick
For a single box that handles most hanging around the house, this is the easy default. The listing bundles 350 pieces across five anchor sizes plus matching flat head screws, and the maker lists it for sheetrock as well as concrete and brick. That size spread is the real value, since it means you are far more likely to have the correct anchor on hand instead of forcing a job with the wrong one. It does not include toggle bolts, so pair it with a heavier solution for big mirrors or loaded shelves.
2. Kviceo 264 Piece with Stainless Steel Screws, Best Assortment Kit
This set leans into variety with 264 pieces of plastic wall anchors paired with stainless steel screws. The stainless hardware is the standout, because it resists rust better than plain zinc, which makes it a sensible drawer kit for damp spots like a bathroom or a laundry room. Think of it as a general purpose plastic anchor assortment for picture hanging and light to medium fixtures rather than a heavy load specialist.
3. KURUI 180 Piece Self Drilling, Best Self-Drilling
Self drilling anchors twist straight into drywall with a screwdriver or drill, so you skip the separate pilot hole and the wall plug fiddling. This KURUI kit lists 180 pieces in assorted sizes with screws included, described as metal and heavy duty grip anchors for sheetrock. It is the quick option for frames, light shelves, and decor when you do not want to stop and pre drill each spot. Keep in mind self drilling anchors are made for drywall, not masonry.
4. Ansoon 50 Piece Metal, Best Heavy-Duty Metal
When a plastic anchor feels too flimsy for the fixture, an all metal self drilling anchor is the step up. The Ansoon kit lists 50 pieces of metal heavy duty self drilling anchors with screws. Metal bodies deform less than nylon when you load them, which is why they are a common choice for towel bars, small shelves, and curtain hardware on drywall. The count is lower and it is one anchor style rather than an assortment, so it works best alongside a broader kit.
5. KURUI 164 Piece with Toggle Bolts, Best for Heavy Items
For the heaviest drywall loads the answer is a toggle or butterfly bolt, which opens up behind the panel and clamps against the back for far more holding area. This KURUI kit lists 164 pieces and mixes self drilling anchors, metal and plastic anchors, and heavy duty toggle style butterfly bolts, including options for ceilings. It is the one to reach for when a plastic expansion anchor is simply not enough, such as a heavy mirror or a bracket carrying real weight.
6. BHALCVR 140 Piece Plastic, Best Value
A plain plastic anchor kit still covers the majority of light hanging jobs, and this BHALCVR set lists 140 pieces across three plastic anchor sizes with screws included. It is the starter box to keep in a kitchen drawer for frames, small hooks, and light decor. Plastic expansion anchors need a pilot hole first, so keep a drill bit handy and match the bit size to the anchor.
How to choose drywall anchors
Know the main anchor types. Plastic expansion anchors are the classic ribbed plugs; you drill a pilot hole, tap them in, and the screw spreads them against the drywall. They are cheap and fine for light items. Self drilling anchors have a wide threaded body with a pointed tip that bites straight into the panel without a pilot hole, which is faster for frames and light to medium fixtures. All metal anchors trade a little convenience for a stiffer body that resists crushing under load. Toggle and butterfly bolts are the heavy hitters: a spring or folding wing opens behind the wall and pulls flat against the back, spreading the weight over a much wider area than any expansion plug can.
Match the anchor to the weight. The rating printed on the package is the ceiling, not a goal. Light frames and small decor are happy on plastic or self drilling anchors. As the item gets heavier, move up to metal or, for the real weight, a toggle. If you are unsure, step up a category rather than down.
Match the anchor to the wall. Standard drywall, older plaster and lath, and masonry such as concrete or brick behave very differently. Self drilling and most plastic expansion anchors are made for drywall. Plaster can crumble, so go gently and favor a toggle that clamps rather than expands. For concrete or brick you need an anchor and bit rated for masonry, which is why a kit that lists concrete and brick support is worth noting if your walls are solid.
Pilot holes versus self drilling. Plastic expansion anchors and toggles need a drilled hole sized to the anchor. Self drilling anchors save that step on drywall, but they still need a driver and a steady hand so you do not tear the paper face. Either way, do not overtighten, since stripping the anchor out of the wall defeats the whole point.
Find a stud first for heavy loads. No anchor beats driving a screw into solid framing. For anything genuinely heavy, such as a large mirror, a TV mount, or a loaded shelf, locate a stud with a finder and fasten into it where you can, using anchors only for the fixings that fall between studs.
Favor variety. A kit with several sizes and, better still, several anchor types saves a trip back to the store and keeps you from using an undersized anchor just because it is the one left in the box.
A note before you buy
Match the anchor to your wall type, drywall versus plaster versus masonry, and to the real weight of what you are hanging, then stay within the weight limit on the package. Anchor types and ratings described here are drawn from the product listings, so read the box and follow the manufacturer instructions for the pilot hole size and the load limit.
Bottom line
For most people the KURUI 350 piece assortment is the sensible one box answer thanks to its five sizes and masonry support. Step up to the KURUI 164 piece kit with toggle bolts when the item is heavy, reach for the Ansoon metal anchors for firmer medium duty holding, and keep the BHALCVR plastic kit in a drawer for the quick light jobs. Whichever you pick, size the anchor to the wall and the weight, and let the package rating be your limit.
