When you’re redecorating or when you move into a new home, the walls are a blank slate. This gives you the opportunity to hang everything wherever you want. If you’re hanging practically anything other than a picture, stock up on a couple of different sizes of drywall anchors. They’re inexpensive and do a good job of supporting items on the wall.

The problem is that they can be frustrating when you’re installing them. After all, you’re putting a hole in the wall that was just patched and painted. Many people are reluctant to do so and opt for nails. This can cause more damage if the object bends and pulls the nail.

No matter what kind you use, wall anchors work by going through the wall and spreading out to grip on the other side of the surface. These anchors are a necessity when you’re hanging heavy objects or items that will see a lot of use.

• curtain rods
• towel racks
• light fixtures
• mirrors
• shelves
• artwork
• telephones
• smoke detectors

A couple of things you must know in order to choose the right anchor: the kind of material and the weight of the object you want to hang. An anchor designed for hollow walls will not work well with solid walls, and vice versa. If you don’t use the correct anchor, it may feel secure at first, but will weaken over time and cause damage to the wall. Anchors have certain weight tolerances, so make sure to read the package to make sure you’re getting the correct anchor.

For very heavy objects, you’ll want to choose threaded toggle drywall anchors. They are made of metal and require you to drill a hole in the wall. The disadvantage is that they cannot be moved. When you remove the screw, the toggle will fall behind the wall.

For more common (and lighter) items, choose threaded drywall anchors. They come in several sizes and can be made of plastic (for drywall) or metal (for drywall or plaster). There are two advantages to the threaded anchors: 1. You don’t have to guess how large a hole to make; 2. It can be done with a screwdriver; no drill needed. They can hold up to 50 pounds. Remember, plastic is not indestructible; make sure to read the package before purchasing to make sure it will work on your wall. Metal anchors are usually stronger than plastic anchors and are better suited for heavy duty projects.

If you’re unsure, it’s always best to ask someone at your local hardware or home improvement store. Knowing the proper anchor will not only save you some headache and damage, it will save you some time and effort. Getting things up on the wall is the first step toward making a new house your home.