Heavy Duty Drywall Anchor

Initially, a simple project in appearance but which required several drafts in order to obtain a very solid and easily printable version in Fusion 360. I wanted to make a small, useful thing with a lot of strength using the principles of 3D printing.

First of all, it's difficult for me to give you possible weight limits you can hang, because it will depend on the material you are going to use for 3D printing. I can just assure you that I was very impressed by my results.

These anchors are designed to be used with standard (1/2” - 5/8”) thickness drywall attached to stud walls.

For installation, you will need:

• 13/16" (20 mm) Flat Spade Bit
• #10 screws (5 mm) x 1" ¼ (30 mm)
• Small Mallet

Instructions (pictures can help you visualize the instructions)

1. Assemble the Top and Base using the small mallet.
2. Remove the 2 supports marked with an X with your fingers on the collet.
3. Using the 13/16" Flat Spade Bit, drill a hole after checking for existing cables behind the drywall. Prevention is better than cure. 
4. Insert the collar into the hole and tap gently with a mallet until it is flush with the drywall.         
5. Gently push the anchor closed through the collar.
6. Tap the back of the anchors until the two align to accept a screw. You can start with your thumbs. If the drywall is more than ½", the anchor can slide in the collar, this is normal. You may also need to tap a little harder.          
7. Secure the object to the wall using #10 screws.

Please carry out all your tests before hanging your objects on the wall. If you want guarantees, there are products on the market that can do that. Please understand that this project is purely about testing the limits of personal non-profit 3D printing.

Print instructions

Easy print, any material, I did it in PolyMAX PETG.

0.2mm layer height,
2 perimeters,
100% Infill

No supports are needed, as I created easily detachable supports for the collar.
Detachable parts are marked with an X.