How to install expansion bolts in hollow walls
In decoration or home renovation, expansion bolts are a common tool for fixing heavy objects. However, hollow walls (such as gypsum boards, lightweight brick walls) have special structures, and expansion bolts can easily loosen or fall off if they are directly applied. This article will introduce in detail the correct method of installing expansion bolts in hollow walls, and attach relevant data comparison and operation steps.
1. Frequently asked questions about installing expansion bolts in hollow walls

Due to the loose internal structure of the cavity wall, traditional expansion bolts cannot be effectively fixed. The following are common problems and solutions:
| question | Reason | solution |
|---|---|---|
| Bolts are loose | Insufficient wall bearing capacity | Use special hollow wall expansion bolts |
| Drilling too big | Drill size mismatch | Choose a drill bit that matches the bolt |
| Wall cracked | Drilling force is too strong | Control drilling speed and pressure |
2. Selection of cavity wall expansion bolts
For hollow walls, there are a variety of special expansion bolts on the market. The following are common types and applicable scenarios:
| Type | Features | Bearing range |
|---|---|---|
| Cavity Wall Anchors | Expand the tail to increase friction | 10-20kg |
| Self-tapping expansion bolt | No pre-drilling required, screw directly in | 5-15kg |
| chemical anchor | Fixed by glue, high strength | 20-50kg |
3. Operation steps
The following are the detailed steps for installing expansion bolts in hollow walls:
1.anchor mark: Use a pencil to mark the drilling location on the wall, making sure it is horizontal or vertical.
2.Select drill bit: Select the appropriate drill bit according to the specifications of the expansion bolt, which is usually 1-2mm smaller than the bolt diameter.
3.Drilling: Use an electric drill on low speed mode to drill a hole to a depth slightly longer than the length of the bolt.
4.Clean holes: Use a blower or brush to remove dust from the hole and ensure that the bolt can be fully inserted.
5.mounting bolts: Insert the expansion bolt into the hole, tap it to the bottom with a hammer, and then tighten the screw.
6.test fix: Before hanging a heavy object, gently pull the bolt to test whether it is firm.
4. Precautions
1. Cavity walls have limited load-bearing capacity, so avoid hanging heavy items.
2. When drilling, be careful to avoid wires or water pipes in the wall.
3. If the wall is made of gypsum board, it is recommended to drill holes at the keels to increase strength.
4. For overweight items (such as TVs, bookshelves), it is recommended to use chemical anchors or reinforce the wall.
5. Common errors and correction methods
| Wrong operation | Consequences | Correction method |
|---|---|---|
| Use ordinary expansion bolts directly | Bolts fell off | Replace with cavity wall bolts |
| Drilling too deep | Bolts cannot be fixed | Fill with plaster or replace with longer bolts |
| holes not cleaned | Bolt cannot be fully inserted | Clean and install again |
With the above methods and precautions, you can easily install expansion bolts on hollow walls to ensure firm and safe fixation. If you need to hang heavier items, it is recommended to consult a professional or choose a more reliable fixing method.
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