I have a s***w attached to a plastic anchor that is coming loose from the wall. How do I fix it?

Question

It is holding up a bathroom shelf which has 3 other screws which are fine. Is there an easy way to fix it without removing the entire shelf and starting over? Thanks, Judy

Answer 1

In reading the other answers, even the one that says COME ON, I have to wonder,,,with no offense, why you even ask here?

  I have suggestions, likely similar to those so far.

1. You used the wrong anchors, assuming drywall was SUPERMAN.

2.  The shelf in question has some level of being abused, used, over weighted on that END?

   Depending on the type of anchor, the weight of the shelf itself, anything added to that weight, I'm amazed still at those who think pressed gypsum, covered by paper and paint, is as strong as steel girders.

   Some of your thinking, pre- install should perhaps have been, 'Where are the studs... will the shelf be centered? etc

   At this point and with all due respect, take the shelf down, punch the anchors into the void, to be discovered a thousand years hence in some curiosity, purchase EZE anchors that essentially look like plastic screws on steroids, follow the directions, and re-hang the shelving unit.

   Certainly if you aren't using studs or don't want to create an ugly, larger hole for hollow wall anchors that flip out in a spring effect and grip the back side of the drywall, and don't intend to hoist heavy weight to the shelf, I suggest go the EZE way.

Steven Wolf

Just my two "sense"

Answer 2

Actually to do it properly, yes, you need to remove the shelf. The best anchor to use is what I always call "a zipit" What they are, are large threaded anchors that s***w into the drywall and have a threaded inside for a s***w. All you do is pop your old anchors right into the wall and take the new one and put it right into the exsisting hole and s***w it in with a screwdriver till it's tight. Take the s***w that is supplied with the new anchor and s***w it right in.

Answer 3

no.... take the shelf off the wall and replace the anchors and screws.... there is no way of tightening it without it off the wall

Answer 4

have you tried s******g it back in?...come on

Answer 5

if you can get the s***w and anchor out completely, install a toggle bolt or spring loaded molly boly, available any hardware or Lowes, etc. Cheap. Stick it in the hole and following the directions on the back of the package. The other fix would be to remove the anchor and install a larger size if the hole has enlarged. This would take the next sized s***w too.