TAPLA drywall screw anchor

TAPLA ZK — Drywall Screw Anchor

Self-drilling drywall screw anchor (metal auger) — driven straight into the board with no pre-drilling, made of rigid Zamak by INDEX.

Self-drillingNo pre-drillingZamak metal8 kg safe pull-outDrywall 9–16 mmHollow blocks too

The Adit drywall anchor family

Choose the right anchor for your load level and installation method.

Technical specification

PropertyTAPLA ZK — self-drilling drywall anchor (INDEX)
Official model codeTAPLAZK
External anchor dimensions13×37 mm
Head type / driver bitPZ3
InstallationDirect — no pre-drilling
Suitable drywall board thickness9 mm to 16 mm
Minimum required rear cavity depth25 mm
Product materialZamak metal
Recommended safe pull-out load8 kg per anchor point
Recommended matching screws4.5×50 chipboard screw or DIN-7981 4.2×38 sheet-metal screw
Approved base materialsDrywall boards and hollow blocks / partitions
ManufacturerINDEX — Spain (Europe)

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What is a drywall screw anchor and how does it work?

A drywall screw anchor (also known as an auger anchor or self-drilling anchor) is a fixing component designed for fast, direct and safe installation of fixtures, light shelves and equipment on drywall walls and hollow partitions.

A drywall panel is a thin skin with a cavity behind it, so an ordinary screw simply pulls straight out. A drywall anchor solves this by gripping within the thickness of the board and spreading the load over a larger area, instead of relying on the thickness of the board alone. The ADIT TAPLA is screwed directly into the panel with no pre-drilling; its coarse thread and self-drilling conical tip cut into the gypsum and create a strong internal metal thread.

Types of drywall fixing solutions and anchors

In the construction-solutions market there are several main types of drywall anchors, each suited to different load levels and installation needs:

1. Direct self-drilling drywall screw anchor (metal auger) — ADIT TAPLA

A professional anchor with a conical drilling tip that allows clean, direct penetration into the drywall with no pre-drilling. The anchor sets firmly within the thickness of the board and creates a strong, durable internal metal thread.

  • Advantages: no pre-drill required, extremely fast installation, made of strong Zamak metal that does not strip or break under the screwdriver, and also suitable for hollow blocks.
  • Disadvantages: intended for light to medium loads (up to 8 kg recommended pull-out, per the manufacturer’s spec).
  • Load capacity: medium and reliable — 8 kg recommended pull-out load in a standard drywall board.

2. Universal expanding nylon anchor such as ADIT TN4S

The simplest, most basic plastic solution. It requires pre-drilling a hole in the wall, after which tightening the screw makes the plastic expand at the back of the board. See ADIT TN4S.

  • Advantages: a cheap, accessible product that is simple for very basic installations.
  • Disadvantages: very low load capacity; the plastic tends to deform or crack the board under weight, and it is not suitable for hanging from ceilings.
  • Load capacity: very low — only 2 to 8 kg depending on board quality.

3. Professional toggle / butterfly anchor such as ADIT IN-CO

A dedicated folding anchor inserted into a drilled hole that spreads out on the inner side of the wall, creating broad pressure over the rear surface of the board. See ADIT IN-CO.

  • Advantages: relatively high load capacity, suitable for both drywall walls and ceilings.
  • Disadvantages: requires a relatively wide drilled hole, installation is slightly more complex, and if the screw is fully removed the anchor drops into the cavity.
  • Load capacity: high — ranges from 20 to 50 kg, greatly affected by installation quality and technique.

4. Advanced American strap-toggle anchor — BA-NY

Advanced fixing technology that combines a wide metal channel with plastic guide straps to create a very broad support surface behind the board. See BA-NY.

  • Advantages: the highest working load capacity in the category, allows the screw to be removed and reinstalled, and the channel does not fall into the cavity.
  • Disadvantages: higher product cost compared with the simple anchors.
  • Load capacity: the highest — reaches up to 90 kg pull-out and up to 127 kg shear in double drywall.

Comparison table — drywall fixing solutions by load capacity

Anchor type / drywall screw anchorRecommended capacity (kg)Pre-drill requiredSuitable for hollow ceilingBody material
Classic expanding plastic2–8YesNoPlastic / nylon
Zamak auger drywall anchor (ADIT TAPLA)8 kg safe pull-outNoNoZamak metal
Professional toggle / crank anchor20–50YesYesMetal / rigid plastic
Heavy strap anchor (BA-NY)Up to 127 (shear load)YesYesCombined metal channel

Why is the ADIT TAPLA ZK drywall screw anchor the right choice?

The ADIT TAPLA ZK drywall screw anchor represents the peak of convenience and efficiency when working on drywall walls and partitions:

  • Made of strong Zamak metal: unlike plastic auger products that wear, deform or break under screwdriver force, the TAPLA is a rigid, durable metal alloy that drives smoothly and stably.
  • Smooth penetration without drilling: the self-drilling conical tip lets the anchor be installed directly into the board very quickly, with no pilot hole or drill bits.
  • Full fit for standard board thicknesses: designed and tested for a full fit to drywall boards from 9 mm to 16 mm thick.
  • Versatility in screw types: works with a range of common screws, such as 4.5×50 chipboard screws or DIN-7981 4.2×38 sheet-metal screws.
  • International quality: made in Europe by INDEX, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of advanced fixing solutions.

Fast installation in 5 simple steps

  1. Mark the point — use a pencil to mark the exact anchoring location on the drywall wall (no pre-drilling needed).
  2. Drive the anchor — place the drilling tip of the TAPLA directly on the mark and screw it in with a drill/driver or manual screwdriver (PZ3 bit) until the head is fully flush with the wall surface.
  3. Position the fixture — place the element, bracket, shelf or picture against the internal thread opening of the anchor.
  4. Insert the screw — pass a suitable fixing screw (such as a 4.5 mm chipboard screw) through the mounting hole of the fixture into the centre of the anchor.
  5. Final tightening — screw and tighten securely until the fixture is fully, strongly and stably fastened to the wall.

Why choose Adit Ltd.?

When it comes to the safety and integrity of your building’s walls, there is no room for compromise. ADIT Ltd. markets its own quality products and the European premium brand INDEX, with a full professional wrap-around for contractors, installers and engineers:

  • Many years of experience in the Israeli market supplying advanced construction, fixing and fastening solutions.
  • Quality products imported directly from the world’s leading manufacturers (such as INDEX of Spain), tested and compliant with stringent standards.
  • Comprehensive professional and engineering consultation for every project, from initial planning through execution.
  • Full technical support including precise load calculation, tailored custom solutions and on-site installation training.
  • A wide, rich range of fixing products and anchors for all types of walls and ceilings under one roof.

Frequently asked questions

What is an auger drywall screw anchor and when should it be used?
An auger drywall screw anchor is a unique anchor with a very wide external thread. It is designed for fast, clean installation into drywall boards and thin partitions, and is ideal for light to medium loads such as hanging pictures, bathroom accessories, signs, small light fixtures, wall clocks and frames.
What is the difference between a plastic auger drywall anchor and Adit’s metal (Zamak) auger?
The main difference lies in material strength and installation reliability. Simple plastic augers tend to wear, deform or break the moment a screwdriver applies torque, or when they meet slight resistance in the wall. In contrast, the TAPLA is made of a rigid, high-quality Zamak alloy that does not strip, penetrates the board perfectly and provides a much stronger internal thread base.
Do you need to drill a hole in the wall before installing the TAPLA?
No, there is no need for any pre-drilling in standard drywall boards. The TAPLA ZK is fitted with an independent self-drilling conical tip that clears its own path into the gypsum straight and clean during the driving itself, saving time and reducing dirt and dust.
How many kilograms can a single Zamak auger drywall anchor carry?
According to INDEX’s official laboratory data, the recommended safe pull-out load for the ADIT TAPLA in a drywall board is 8 kg per single anchor point. For heavier elements (such as arms for large TV screens or heavy kitchen cabinets), use anchors with a larger surface area, such as the ADIT IN-CO butterfly anchor or the heavy BA-NY strap anchor.
Which screws are best suited for use with the TAPLA?
The anchor was designed for optimal, precise work with chipboard screws 4.5 mm in diameter and 50 mm long, or alternatively DIN-7981 sheet-metal screws 4.2 mm in diameter and 38 mm long. Using these screw sizes ensures correct expansion and a firm mechanical hold within the body of the anchor.
Is an auger drywall anchor suitable for hanging from a drywall ceiling?
An auger-type drywall screw anchor is not recommended for hollow drywall ceilings. In ceilings, constant, direct pull-out forces act downward due to gravity (as with heavy chandeliers or ceiling fans). For a drywall ceiling use dedicated mechanical anchors that open and rest against the back of the board, such as the butterfly anchor or the professional strap anchor BA-NY.
Can an auger drywall screw anchor be used for hollow blocks?
Yes. Despite its common market name, the TAPLA ZK is approved and defined by INDEX as an excellent fixing solution for hollow blocks and brick partitions. It can screw into and set very effectively within the walls and internal partitions of hollow blocks.
How do you remove an auger-type drywall screw anchor, and does it leave a large hole?
Removal is easy: first unscrew the inner screw that holds the fixture. Then use a manual screwdriver or a drill/driver with the right bit (PZ3) and turn the auger counter-clockwise until it is fully pulled out. Since the anchor’s external diameter is 13 mm, a small round hole remains that can be filled quickly with wall filler compounds and repainted.
How much weight can you hang on drywall?
It depends on the anchor and the board thickness. BA-NY carries the heaviest loads in the series, followed by IN-CO. TAPLA is intended for light loads only. Always verify against the technical data.
Can you use an ordinary nylon anchor in drywall?
For very light loads only. A nylon anchor expands inside the thin board skin and may tear it. A dedicated drywall anchor locks itself behind the board and spreads the load.
What if there is a metal stud behind the drywall?
If you can fix directly to the stud, that is the strongest option. If not, make sure there is enough cavity behind the board for the anchor to open or set.

Hanging something on drywall? Tell us the weight and the board thickness — our engineers will recommend the right anchor and send you the technical data.

Talk to our engineers