When anchoring heavy objects to drywall, plaster, or other hollow walls, toggle bolts and snaptoggles are the two most popular options. However, many people need help distinguishing between these fasteners and using the wrong one for their application. This blog post will explore the differences between toggle bolts and snaptoggles so that you can choose the best one for your project.

What is Toggle Bolt?

A toggle bolt, sometimes called a butterfly anchor, is a fastener used to securely attach objects or materials to hollow walls. It consists of a machine screw threaded through an expansion sleeve of two spring-loaded wings, which open once the bolt has been inserted into the hole in the wall. The wings then close together behind the wall’s surface, creating a secure and reliable hold supporting heavy loads. They are available in various sizes and styles, making them suitable for residential and commercial applications.

What is Snaptoggle?

Snaptoggle is an innovative way of anchoring drywall, sheetrock, plywood and other materials to a wall or ceiling. It is the quickest and most secure way to mount items up to three times faster than any other toggle bolt on the market. Its unique design allows for fast and easy installation without the hassle of traditional anchors. Plus, it is rated at over 200 lbs in concrete or brick walls!

Difference Between Toggle Bolt and Snaptoggle

Composition and Design:

Toggle bolts are made of a threaded bolt and a spring-loaded wing toggle that opens up behind the drywall after being pushed through a pre-drilled hole. Snaptoggles, on the other hand, are generally made of a single piece of metal or plastic, often with an accompanying metal bolt. Unlike toggle bolts requiring a large hole to be pre-drilled into the wall, snaptoggles use a small hole and work by expanding their legs behind the wall.

Load Capacity:

While both toggle bolts and snaptoggles offer exceptional holding power, they are more robust and can hold significantly more weight than their counterpart. The tensile strength of toggle bolts is around 265 lbs, which means they can reliably support heavy objects. On the other hand, snaptoggles have a lower tensile strength of between 50 to 100 pounds.

Application:

Toggle bolts are generally used for heavy-duty applications such as hanging shelves, wall cabinets, big mirrors, or mounting televisions. They can be used on any drywall or hollow walls but are not ideal for extremely thick walls. Snaptoggles, on the other hand, are perfect for light-duty applications, such as mounting picture frames, small shelves, and towel bars. They also work well for walls with thin surfaces as they don’t require drilling a large hole.

Ease of Installation:

Installing toggle bolts can be tricky and time-consuming as it involves drilling a large hole in the wall and feeding the toggle bolt through. Once inserted, the wing toggle is pushed through the wall and opened by turning the bolt. Snaptoggles, on the other hand, require minimal time and effort to install, and they can even be installed single-handedly without having to hold the toggle in place. You only need to drill a small hole and push the snaptoggle through, and you’re ready to screw it up.

Cost:

Cost is also essential to consider when choosing between toggle bolts and snaptoggles. Usually, toggle bolts are more expensive than snaptoggles. But considering they can hold more weight, toggle bolts can be the more economical option in the long run. Snaptoggles are more affordable but are limited to holding light-duty objects.

Conclusion:

The main differences between toggle bolts and snaptoggles are their composition and design, load capacity, application, ease of installation, and cost. While toggle bolts are ideal for heavy-duty applications, snaptoggles work perfectly for light-duty applications requiring quick and easy installation. When selecting the appropriate fastener for your project, consider the weight of the object you’re hanging, the type of walls you’re anchoring to, and the effort required to install the fastener. By doing this, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and save yourself from countless headaches and disappointments.

Palak Karia

A passionate metal industry expert and blogger. With over 5 years of experience in the field, Palak brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her writing. Whether discussing the latest trends in the metal industry or sharing tips, she is dedicated to helping others succeed in the metal industry.