How to Install a Molly Bolt: A Step-by-Step Guide?
Molly bolts are a great way to hang heavy objects on walls without using nails or screws. They are easy to install and can be used in a variety of applications. In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to install a molly bolt in your home or office. Let’s get started!
How to use a molly bolt?
Source: YouTube
A molly bolt is a type of fastener used to hang heavy objects on walls. It consists of two parts: the first part has threads while the second part features sharp teeth that grip into drywall or other materials when tightened with force. The threaded portion screws into place and holds up whatever you want hanging from it; for example, picture frames, mirrors, shelves, etc…
Molly bolts are a great way to avoid using nails or screws and they can be installed in a variety of materials, including drywall, plaster, brick, concrete, and stone. They are also very easy to use; all you need is a drill with a Phillips head bit and about five minutes.
In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to install a molly bolt in your home or office.
Step 1 – Things You’ll Need
Source: YouTube
Before you get started, make sure you have the following items:
- A drill with a Phillips head bit
- A level
- A tape measure
- Pencil and paper
- Safety goggles
Now that you’re prepared, let’s get started!
Step 2 – Drill a pilot hole at the location you intend to insert the molly bolt
Source: YouTube
Using your drill and Phillips head bit, drill a pilot hole at the location you plan to insert the molly bolt. The size of the pilot hole should be equal to the width of the molly bolt.
Once you have drilled the pilot hole, use your level to ensure that it is perfectly vertical. If it is not, adjust accordingly.
It is important to make sure that the hole is drilled straight so that the molly bolt will be secure once installed.
Step 3 – Place the tip of the molly bolt into the hole and drive it in with a hammer
Source: YouTube
Place the tip of the molly bolt into the pilot hole and drive it in with your hammer. Be sure not to hit too hard or you may damage both the wall and hardware. The molly bolt will expand on the other side of the wall, securing it in place.
Step 4 – Tighten the molly bolt by hand using a screwdriver to expand the anchor
Source: YouTube
With the screwdriver, turn the molly bolt clockwise until it is fully expanded. If the hole in the wall is too tight, use a drill to make it slightly bigger. Insert the screwdriver into the hole and turn it clockwise until the molly bolt is tight.
Step 5 – Loosen the bolt just enough to accommodate the object
Source: YouTube
Loosen the bolt just enough to accommodate the object. The bolt should be slightly longer than the thickness of the object. If it is too long, then you may need to adjust the nut. To do this, turn in a clockwise direction until it becomes tight. It should slide into place easily and without much effort on your part.
You can always cut off any excess length with a hacksaw or other sharp tool if necessary.
Step 6 – Hang the object onto the molly bolt
Hang the object onto the molly bolt, using an appropriate fastener. A picture hanging hook can be used to hang lightweight objects such as a framed photograph or mirror. For heavier objects like shelves, use screws that are long enough.
If you’re installing a towel rack or curtain rod, choose fasteners that fit in with your décor and support its weight without taking up too much space.
Finally, make sure your bolts don’t stick out past their intended purpose; otherwise, they may get caught on clothing or other items passing by them which could cause damage not only to them but also to whatever they touch since some materials will break.
What size molly bolt do I need?
via @robzz_customs
The size of the molly bolt you need is determined by the size of the hole in the surface you are bolting it to. The most common sizes are #0, #12, and #16.
To determine the size of molly bolt you need, measure the diameter of the hole in millimeters and match it to this chart:
| Hole Diameter | Molly Bolt Size |
|---|---|
| less than or equal to 12mm | #0 molly bolt |
| 13-17mm | #12 molly bolt |
| 18-22mm | #16 molly bolt |
| 23+mm | use a toggle bolt instead |
How much weight can a molly bolt support?
via @parax_germany
Molly bolts are not designed to support heavyweights. The weight a molly bolt can support depends on the thickness and composition of your drywall (or another surface), as well as the size of the molly bolt you use and how far it’s embedded in the wall.
As an example, a #12 molly bolt can hold up to 20 pounds in half-inch thick gypsum board when inserted at least one inch into the wall; by comparison, a #16 molly bolt can only hold 17 pounds in that same piece of drywall under those conditions.
If you need to hang something over 20 pounds, install two or more mollies, spaced apart so they will all be able to bear some portion of the weight.
When in doubt, use an alternative screw type that’s designed to support heavier weights, such as a toggle bolt or hollow wall anchor. In most cases of hanging items over 20 pounds, you will be better off installing a heavy-duty bracket into the studs behind your wall material instead of using molly bolts.
Can an Installed Molly Bolt Be Adjusted Slightly?
Source: YouTube
If you’re hanging a heavy item, it’s always a good idea to test the position of your molly bolt before screwing in the finishing screws. To do this, insert a flat-head screwdriver into the slot on top of the molly bolt and turn clockwise until you feel some resistance.
The hole in your wall should be large enough for you to adjust where the molly is positioned slightly by hand, then tighten up with another half-turn or so with your screwdriver once you’ve found its best location. You can tell when it’s tight because there will be no more give and all movement will stop; any further tightening at this point won’t cause anything but damage to either your wall or whatever is attached to the molly bolt.
Once you’re happy with the position, finish tightening the screws that came with your molly bolt to secure it in place. If you need to move your molly bolt, later on, use a flat-head screwdriver to loosen the screws and reposition as needed before retightening.
How do you remove Molly?
Source: YouTube
If you ever need to remove a molly bolt, use a flat-head screwdriver and insert it into the slot on top of the bolt. You will then want to turn counterclockwise until there is no more resistance or movement in that direction; this means that all tension has been released from inside your wall so that you can pull out both sides of your molly bolt safely without damaging anything else around them (including yourself).
The only thing left now would be removal/disposal which should take about five minutes depending upon how large these items are!
Conclusion
via @nkap_bolting
If you want to learn more about how to use different types of fasteners for various applications, read our blog post on “How to Install a Hollow Door Anchor?“. If any other topics interest, you or questions we haven’t answered yet please let us know so we can add them to future content pieces.
