There are a lot of drywall anchors out there, but fewer that can hold any kind of substantial weight, and still fewer that can hold heavy loads and are easy to install. FastCap RocLoc anchors can can hold up to 150lbs, are easy to install, and are available in sizes for 1/2″ or 5/8″ drywall. Further, once you no longer need the anchor, it can be easily removed and reused.
To install the anchor, you drill a 1/2″ hole into the drywall and push the anchor into place. The lip on the end prevents the anchor from slipping into the wall.
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Before driving in the screw, you want to make sure the anchors are oriented so that the support behind the drywall is vertical and above the hole, because as you pull down on the load, that support resists the torque by pressing against the back of the drywall.
The RocLocs optionally come with self-tapping 1-1/4″ PowerHead screws. FastCap claims the oversized head of the PowerHead screws has 4x the holding power of a regular screw head and eliminates pull-through.
The RocLocs are sized for either 1/2″ or 5/8″ drywall, and you need to pick the right anchor for the thickness of drywall you are using. A 10-pack of either the 1/2″ or 5/8″ will run you $5.95, while a 50 pack will run you $23.95. You can also buy a 10-pack of either size with PowerHead screws for $9.95. FastCap has free shipping for orders over $100.
The 1/2″ RocLocs are black, and can hold up to 150 lbs each, and the 5/8″ ones are green, and can hold up to 200 lbs each.
Also, right now Rockler has a special and is selling a 10 pack of the 1/2″ RocLocs with PowerHead screws for $9.
Amazon has 10-packs of anchors-only, for $9.95 with free shipping.
Buy Now (via FastCap)
Buy Now (via Rockler)
Buy Now (via Amazon)
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*I want to note that the first two pictures look like 3D printed prototypes. I think the finish of the actual product is a smooth, cleanly-molded product like the third photo.
FastCap Overview Video:
firefly says
I like the Hercules hook much better. https://www.amazon.com/Get-Organized-HERCULES-HOOK-HANGER/dp/B001420MVU
They are smaller. Leave a very small hole if you need to remove them. Also rated for 150 lbs. I have personally installed them with my bare hand before.
JB says
They’re for different use. With these you could mount a flat panel TV, a shelf, or anything else that requires screws to be mounted.
Stuart says
“Up To 150 LBS In Test” and “load capacity up to 150 lbs” are not necessarily equal.
A 150 max test rating does not equal a 150 load rating, since load ratings typically have a safety factor built in. I’d hope that this is the case with the FastCap load rating.
For instance, a ladder with a load rating of 250 lbs should be able to hold at least 3x or even 4x that weight. But for safety, they’re never going to say that.
And as JB said, you can’t fasten anything to a hard wire sticking out of the wall. How do you attach a coat hook to it? Speaker mount? A shelf?
But those wires do look decent for light duty hook-like applications.
firefly says
You guys are right that they are for different use. Based on the description page look like they rating are up to… Personally I just don’t think it’s a competitive product. For most light duty application such as hanging a picture I think the Hercules have it beat in term of price, reusability, simplicity and a whole lot less damage to the wall.
It’s actually very similar to the Hercules in term of design. That’s why I immediately think of the Hercules when I saw this. I think conventional anchor such as the Toggler are much better candidate when it come to heavier duty application that require a screw.
David C. says
Yeah, if I am drilling a 1/2″ hole in drywall I am going to use a toggle anchor like these.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Hilti-3-16-in-HTB-Toggler-Bolts-with-Philips-Flat-Head-Screw-8-Pack-3512330/204992998
rumpole says
what the heck are “PowerHead” screws and why would i want to pay $4 extra for them?
John says
It is kinda strange the suggest using their PowerHead screws because those are designed (and great btw on their site) to be driven in and flush and/or covered by a countersink hole. They even sell the countersink bit for it:
http://www.fastcap.com/estore/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=15
I wouldn’t think of using this screw to “hang off of”. Perhaps they intend on you driving through another material through to the mount. Either way seems odd to suggest it as it has an oversized head.
John says
Note also that the back of those power drive heads have flutes to bore in and lay flush.
Benjamen says
Good observation. I didn’t catch that.
Maybe want to leverage the products they already have by using them more places.
When I think about using these screws I think about hanging a TV bracket with a plate more than hanging a picture.
Robert says
Liked the video attachment. Funny how when someone demonstrates an installation they cut out and edit the most important part. The actual installation. Then in the next scene it’s finished and installed
It does help tremendously when you can put your other hand behind the drywall and help to fish the item through. I’m pretty sure 100% of my drywall anchor installations will not allow me to have a helping hand access.
PACO BELL says
Yeah, ha! Love the editing and the, “oh wait I shouldn’t use my other hand and reach around the back. Here, let me get the hammer, I’ll make it fit.”
PACO BELL says
TBH, I would have done the same thing.
John says
Personally I prefer Toggler brand anchors like:
TOGGLERS
http://www.toggler.com/products/plastic-toggle/overview.php
And these with 1/4 inch bolts for heavy stuff like tv mounting between studs :
SNAPTOGGLES
http://www.toggler.com/products/snaptoggle/overview.php
After using those and never having hanging issues again, I’ll never use those split blues and whites types that come bundled with hanging items.
Blythe M says
We usually install a “floating” corner seat when we tile a shower-which has to support 60+ lbs of dry pack plus a person- and they are shipped with 6 toggler anchors, haven’t had a problem yet.
Their self drilling variety are genius for household stuff, don’t have to switch between drill bit and driver, and best of all, no dust!
Phil says
Is it just me or do these look 3D printed?
Benjamen says
At the end I put a note because I didn’t want it to confuse the rest of the post, but yes I had the same thought. I think the photos are early press photos of prototypes. I believe the real product should be smooth like the last photo.
Hmm. If I ever fix my 3D printer I could make some and see if they work.
fred says
I suspect that why many of these drywall fasteners work is the force exerted by the object being hung is mostly in the same plane as the wall. If we did a free body diagram and were able to calculate the force vectors – we might see what “pull-out” force is being exerted on the anchor perpendicular to the wall. When we hang things like shelves – depending on how they are loaded – the upper screws will have forces exerted out from the wall and downward. The lower screws may have forces exerted into the wall and downward. So unlike a slim mirror – where the forces will mostly be downward – with a shelf it is not only the load on the shelf – but how that load is distributed out from the wall. With supporting live loads – or accounting for human action (like with a grab bar – or a pull-out TV mount) the pull-out forces may be very significant and anchoring to drywall only is impossible. On remodeling work – especially on bathrooms – we’d suggest adding ¾ plywood behind the drywall or tile backer board – thus giving a solid way to later add grab bars without need to fiddle with finding studs or positioning the grab bars in awkward spots.
Stuart says
Very true.
Hanging a heavy frame is a lot different than a 12″ shelf.
Bryan says
It’s cool to see something from FastCap on here.
I’ve only recently stumbled onto their site and was impressed with some of their innovative products.
I’m just a DIYer and would like to see what products of theirs are really usefull or must haves.
fred says
While I like a lot f the Fastcap products, I’m not sure any are “must-haves.”
Most of their products address productivity or other issues that come up in a commercial or industrial work environment. Their various “jacks”, zip-wall holders, garbage disposal lifters, are nice to have if you do a lot of the work they are meant to make easier. Some (but not all) of our guys swore by a particular one (like their 32mm system tape) or two of their tape measures. If you look at some of their items – like their 10-Million Stick – mitersaw holder – you could probably make your own – so long as it wasn’t for business purposes. Others like their Hooker – for holding countertop cutouts – at $2.75 for a pack of 10 – might be cheap enough not to bother making if you needed them.
Benjamen says
If you click the MORE FROM: FASTCAP link below the post you can see the other things that have been previewed or reviewed on this site. This works for most posts.
or go here https://toolguyd.com/brand/fastcap/
I own a few of their tools that haven’t been covered here too like the Glubot and the AccuScribe Pro. I use the Glubot all the time and I bought the AccuScribe on a whim once because I was sick of my cheap compass slipping.
Interesting enough they are going to sell the Paulk Workbench soon, if you don’t know who Ron Paulk is check out his youtube channel especially his latest trailer videos. He’s got some really good ideas about efficiency and organization.
Steven says
If you need to hold 150lbs, find a damn stud.
150lbs of vertical?…how about an articulating tv mount that extends 12″ @ 150lbs? Good luck!
Drywall anchors r for hanging pictures, or objects with light to moderate weight.
I dont buy into high “weight drywall anchors”.
Get a stud finder, make an 1/8 steel bridge from stud to stud….
By the rational, i could instal a freestanding lav with only drywall in a ada bathroom with these plastic anchors? I dont buy it….ill pass on the coolaid
Wheres the next best thumb wheel wrench article?
fred says
Just kidding – but us woodworkers don’t like steel plates.
So why not hang heavy objects like mirrors or objet d’art with French Cleats made from wood and tied into 2 studs.
Of course the steel plate does work well for mounting thatTV