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Ever hung a heavy mirror only to hear a sickening crack as it pulls away from the wall? That’s the nightmare no DIYer wants. Choosing the right drywall anchor is like picking the right shoes for a hike — the wrong pair and you’ll be sliding down the slope. Anchors turn fragile plasterboard or hollow walls into reliable mounting points, and picking the right type and size will keep shelves, TVs, and fixtures safe for years. In this guide I’ll walk you through the best places to buy anchors across the UK, explain the types you’ll run into, and give practical tips so your next fix feels rock solid.
If you’re hunting for drywall fixings, the UK has plenty of options. Some specialist suppliers carry pro-grade ranges, while big-box retailers stock a wide variety of everyday anchors. Below I cover well-known names that sell strong, tested anchors — including the Expert Electrical range and brands like Unicrimp — and I’ll point out what each shop does best so you can buy with confidence.
Expert Electrical is a solid choice if you want trade-style fixings and branded items like Unicrimp. They commonly stock packs of wedge anchors, hollow wall anchors, and cavity screws in practical bulk counts — think packs of 100 or tubs of 200 — which is ideal if you have a long list of jobs. Their range often includes hammer-in fixings and boxed wall plugs, so you can grab everything you need in one go.
Screwfix is a favourite with tradespeople and serious DIYers for good reason: fast availability, clear product specs, and a huge range. You’ll find everything from basic plastic expansion anchors to heavy-duty toggle bolts and metal cavity fixings. If you need performance numbers or want to compare load ratings before buying, Screwfix listings typically give that detail.
B&Q is the high-street staple for casual DIY. Their ranges are user-friendly and organised by task, so if you’re fixing shelves or curtain rails they’ll highlight suitable anchors and often suggest matching screws. B&Q is handy for smaller quantities and easy returns, and its own-brand anchors are good value for occasional jobs around the home.
Wickes offers a balanced mix of trade and consumer products with clear advice for home projects. Their mortar and wall-fixing selections include specialist hollow wall anchors and heavy-duty options for mounting cabinets and rails. Wickes is a good stop if you want a middle ground between trade quality and consumer pricing.
Toolstation is well known for competitive prices and a broad anchor range aimed at professionals. They often stock multi-packs for common screw sizes and fast access to metal anchors, molly bolts, and cavity screws. If you’re buying anchors frequently or in larger quantities, Toolstation tends to have trade-friendly pack sizes.
Homebase caters to DIYers who want simple guidance and decent value. Their anchor ranges cover common jobs and they offer starter packs for general use. If you’re doing a weekend project and only need a few anchors, Homebase is convenient and easy to navigate.
For builders and contractors, Travis Perkins supplies trade-standard fixings and accessories. Their stock focuses on performance and durability, and they carry higher-spec metal anchors and wedges suitable for structural or heavier hanging tasks. If strength and professional use are priorities, Travis Perkins is a strong contender.
Amazon is great when you want a huge selection and fast delivery. You’ll find specialist brands, multi-size packs, and user reviews that can help you decide. Just remember to check seller ratings and product detail pages — load limits and material specs vary widely between manufacturers.
There’s no single “best” anchor — each type has its sweet spot. Think of anchors like tools in a toolbox: use the right one for the job and everything goes smoothly. Below I compare the main types so you can pick the right one for your wall and load.
Plastic expansion anchors are the go-to for light loads and quick fixes. They’re easy to use: drill a pilot hole, push the anchor in, and screw in. Expect them to hold small brackets, picture frames, or lightweight shelves — typically in the range of about 10 to 35 pounds depending on screw size and wall quality. They’re cheap and ideal for small jobs, but they won’t support heavy loads.
Molly bolts expand behind the wall to create a larger grip area. They’re great for medium loads like curtain rails, towel rails, and medium shelving. A single molly can comfortably handle roughly 25 to 80 pounds, again depending on factors like board thickness and screw length. They’re a reliable middle ground when you need more strength than a plastic plug.
Toggle bolts (or butterfly toggles) are the heavy lifters for hollow walls. They spread load across a wide area behind the board, so they’ll support large mirrors, cabinets, and flat-screen TVs. Toggle bolts can carry 100 pounds and up for larger sizes; they’re the right choice if you can’t find a stud but need a high-capacity fix.
Wedge anchors and cavity screws — like the wedge-style fixings often sold under brands such as Unicrimp — offer robust performance for medium-to-heavy loads. Wedge anchors seat into a drilled hole and grip as the screw tightens; cavity screws pull into the hollow wall to lock in place. These types are frequently available in trade packs (for example packs of 50 or 100) and provide reliable holding power for shelving units and mounted fixtures when used correctly.
Start with the basics: what are you hanging, and how much does it weigh? Next check the wall type — plasterboard, stud wall, or solid plaster — and whether there’s a joist or stud to screw into. If a stud is available, a wood screw often beats any anchor. If not, match the anchor’s rated load with the real weight of the item plus a safety margin. Finally, pick a screw length and anchor diameter that suit the fixings: larger screws and anchors distribute load better, but require bigger holes.
Good installation is half the battle. Start by measuring and marking carefully: a spirit level and tape measure make this painless. Use the right sized drill bit — for plastic plugs you usually need a bit slightly smaller than the anchor’s outer diameter; for toggle bolts you need a larger hole to pass the toggle through. Drill cleanly and remove dust from the hole before inserting the anchor. When tightening screws, avoid over-torquing plastic plugs as that can crack the wallboard. Think of the anchor as a handshake — you want it firm but not crushing.
As a quick reference: for small plastic plugs choose about 1/8" to 5/32" bits; for medium molly bolts aim for around 3/16" to 1/4"; for larger toggles and wedge anchors you might need 5/16" up to 1/2" holes. Always check the anchor packaging for exact recommendations — correct pilot hole size is crucial for performance.
Never gamble with safety. Always factor in the dynamic loads an item might experience — a door or cabinet that’s opened and closed regularly will impose more stress than a static picture. Aim for at least a 20–30 percent safety margin beyond the stated weight. If an item is valuable or could cause injury if it falls (like a TV), use two anchors or fix to a stud when possible. And if you’re unsure, err on the side of heavier-duty fixings.
If you’re a one-off DIYer, small packs or mixed sets from B&Q or Homebase will cover most needs. If you’re a tradesperson or have multiple jobs, bulk packs from Expert Electrical, Toolstation, or Screwfix are cost-effective — think tubs of 200 cavity screws or boxes of 100 wedge anchors. Buying bulk keeps your toolkit stocked and often reduces the per-piece price significantly.
The material of the anchor matters, especially in humid or external locations. Zinc-plated anchors are common and affordable, but stainless steel is best for corrosion resistance. Metal anchors generally outperform plastic for long-term strength. If you’re mounting outdoors or in bathrooms, pick corrosion-resistant materials and consider sealing around the fixture to keep moisture out.
Wondering what to choose for common tasks? For lightweight frames and small shelves, simple plastic expansion anchors from B&Q or Homebase work well. For hanging medium-weight cabinets or towel rails, molly bolts or wedge anchors from Expert Electrical or Screwfix are a safer bet. For heavy mirrors and TVs where no stud is available, opt for toggle bolts or heavy-duty cavity screws from Travis Perkins or Toolstation. Buying the right anchor is like choosing the right key for a lock — the fit matters.
If an anchor spins in the hole, it’s usually the wrong size or the hole’s too big — swap to a larger anchor or use a resin or repair plug to fill and re-drill. If the screw strips the anchor, try a slightly bigger screw or a metal anchor instead of plastic. For cracked plasterboard, consider moving to a stud or using a toggle bolt that spreads load more widely. Little fixes like adding a washer under the screw head can help distribute load and prevent pull-throughs.
Choosing the right drywall anchor is about matching the anchor type to the load, wall material, and the job at hand. UK retailers like Expert Electrical, Screwfix, B&Q, Wickes, Toolstation, Homebase, Travis Perkins and Amazon UK offer a range of options from economical plastic plugs to trade-grade cavity fixings and wedge anchors. Think ahead, measure twice, and install carefully — a proper anchor will make your fixture behave like it’s part of the wall, not a temporary guest. With the tips above you’ll avoid awkward mishaps and hang with confidence.
| Drywall Anchors | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Unicrimp Wall Plug Brown Boxed Pack Of 100 | £ 1,42 | |
| Unicrimp 6x40mm Hammer In Fixings Pack Of 16 | £ 1,92 | |
| Unicrimp Large Hollow Wall Anchors M6 Pack Of 10 | £ 5,08 | |
| Unicrimp M10x40mm Wedge Anchors Pack Of 50 | £ 13,88 | |
| Unicrimp M6x25mm Wedge Anchors Pack Of 100 | £ 15,50 | |
| Unicrimp 200 Cavity Screws And Fixings Tub | £ 28,20 |
