Screw mounting – Which anchors for which walls? How to find the right hold

Do you want to attach something to the wall but are unsure which anchor is suitable? No wonder – not every wall is the same, and the wrong anchor can quickly become a nuisance: wobbly brackets, torn-out drill holes, or, in the worst case, damage to the wall. In this blog, we'll show you which anchors are suitable for which wall types and how to ensure a secure hold. This is especially helpful if you use our products fromdesign Factory Hamburgby screw mounting – for example in old buildings or with particularly heavy loads.

11. June 2025

Niclas Knabben

Inhalte

1. Why the right dowel is so important
2. You should know these wall types
3. These dowel types are available – and they can
4. Drill hole, screw, dowel – everything fits together
5. Tips for safe installation
6. When to screw, when to glue?

Why the right dowel is so important

The anchor ensures that the screw is securely held in the wall – whether you're installing a shelf, a towel rack, or a coat rack. However, anchors grip differently depending on the wall material. A different anchor works in concrete than in plasterboard or perforated brick. The wrong anchor can break or twist – resulting in unsafe installation and potential damage. Therefore, first determine the wall type, then choose the appropriate anchor.

You should know these wall types

Before you even reach for the anchor, you need to know what type of wall you're dealing with. The most common wall types are:

Solid walls(e.g. Concrete, solid brick, sand-lime brick)
Lightweight walls(e.g. Plasterboard, drywall)
Hollow-core bricks(e.g. Vertically perforated bricks)
Porous materials(e.g. Aerated concrete/Ytong)

Just do a tap test: If it sounds hollow, it's usually drywall. You can also make a small test hole with a masonry drill to identify the material. Or you can use a wall scanner for a more precise analysis.

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These dowel types are available – and they can

Depending on the wall type and load, different dowels are used:

Nylon dowels: The classic for solid walls – expands in the drill hole and holds reliably.
Expansion dowel: Good for concrete or masonry. It expands when the screw is screwed in.
cavity wall anchors: Especially for plasterboard walls – spread behind the board.
Aerated concrete dowels: Coarse thread anchor with high holding force for porous walls.
Metal dowels: Ideal for heavy loads or damp rooms.

Tip: For ourdesign factory-Accessories such as the coat rack usually only require standard expansion anchors – unless you are mounting in plasterboard.

Drill hole, screw, dowel – everything fits together

A secure hold depends not only on the anchor – the screw length and drill hole size must also be correct. Basic rule: The drill hole should correspond to the anchor diameter (e.g., 6 mm for size 6 anchors). The screw should be 5–10 mm longer than the anchor. Also consider the load-bearing capacity: For heavier objects, such as a fully loaded shower shelf, it's better to choose a larger anchor or a special heavy-duty anchor. Our products come with matching screws – but we can also advise you on the appropriate installation upon request.

Designfabrik Hamburg Beispielfoto Screw mounting – Which anchors for which walls? How to find the right hold

Tips for safe installation

To ensure your wall accessories not only look good but also last, clean and precise installation is essential. In addition to the right anchor, drilling technique, tools, and small details like dust removal play a crucial role. Here you'll find practical tips on how to do everything right when screwing – whether in the bathroom, kitchen, or hallway.

Pre-drilling and dust removal

After drilling, you should thoroughly clean the hole of dust – preferably with a vacuum cleaner.

Use a suitable drill

For concrete or masonry, you'll need a hammer drill. For drywall, a regular drill will suffice.

Do not hammer in dowels with force

The dowel must fit tightly, but must not be damaged – otherwise it will not hold as well.

Pay attention to load distribution

It is better to mount heavy objects with two dowels – this distributes the weight.

Always follow the assembly instructions

Our products come with clear installation instructions – simply follow them and attach securely.

When to screw, when to glue?

Drilling is not always the best solution – especially in rented apartments or with tiles,drill-free installationideal.design Factory HamburgA wide selection of high-quality adhesive solutions that adhere firmly and can be removed without leaving any residue. Screw mounting, on the other hand, is useful if you need maximum load-bearing capacity or are installing into solid walls. Our range offers both, giving you the flexibility to choose.

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The right dowel provides safety and stability

Whether it's a lightweight wall or concrete, the right dowel ensures that your wall accessories not only look good but also stay securely in place. With a little knowledge of the wall structure and the right dowel type, nothing stands in the way of stable screw mounting. And if you prefer to work without drilling, our high-quality adhesive products are a smart alternative with a stylish design.

How do I know which wall I have?

A tapping test or test drilling can help. Alternatively, you can use a wall scanner.

What to do if the dowel spins in the hole?

The hole is too big – use a larger dowel or a special repair kit.

Can I also attach our products without drilling?

Yes, many of our bathroom and kitchen accessories can be installed without drilling – ideal for tiled floors or rental properties.

How much weight can a normal dowel hold?

Depending on the wall and dowel type, between 5 and 50 kg – exact information can be found on the dowel packaging.

Do your products include screws and dowels?

Yes, our screw-mounted products come with suitable mounting materials – just get started!

Über Designfabrik Hamburg

Designfabrik Hamburg Gründer Niclas Knabben und Lukas Jung

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