Butterfly wall plugs, also known as **butterfly anchors** or **toggle wings**, are a type of wall fastener designed to provide a secure hold in hollow walls, such as drywall, plasterboard, or other thin materials. They are ideal for hanging medium-weight objects like mirrors, shelves, or light fixtures.
Features of Butterfly Wall Plugs:
1. **Design:**
- Made of durable plastic (nylon or polypropylene) or metal (zinc, steel).
- Consists of two hinged wings that expand behind the wall when the screw is tightened.
- The wings fold flat for easy insertion and then spring open inside the cavity for a secure grip.
2. **Types:**
- **Plastic Butterfly Anchors:** Light-duty use, suitable for drywall or hollow-core doors.
- **Metal Butterfly Toggles:** Heavy-duty anchoring, often used for heavier loads in drywall or plaster.
3. **Load Capacity:**
- Plastic versions typically hold **10–25 kg (22–55 lbs)** depending on wall thickness.
- Metal toggle versions can support **25–50 kg (55–110 lbs)** or more.
4. **Installation:**
- Requires a pre-drilled hole (size varies by model, usually **8–14 mm**).
- Insert the folded plug into the hole, then tighten the screw to expand the wings behind the wall.
- The wings press against the back of the wall, distributing weight evenly.
5. **Advantages:**
- Strong hold in hollow walls.
- Easy to install and remove if needed.
- Reusable in some metal toggle designs.
6. **Disadvantages:**
- Not suitable for solid walls (brick, concrete).
- Requires sufficient wall cavity depth for wings to open.
*Common Uses:**
- Hanging shelves, mirrors, or artwork.
- Mounting TVs (with proper weight rating).
- Securing curtain rods or light fixtures.
**Installation Steps:**
1. **Drill a hole** slightly larger than the plug.
2. **Insert the folded butterfly plug** into the hole.
3. **Push until wings open** behind the wall.
4. **Tighten the screw** to secure the anchor in place.
Butterfly wall plugs are a versatile and reliable solution for hollow-wall anchoring, offering a balance between ease of use and strong holding power.