Absolutely essential for all DIY enthusiasts, the Molly is THE ideal fixing plug when the support wall is in hollow material. It is available in different models in order to meet all the needs in terms of fixing, thus making it possible to suspend more or less heavy objects and equipment. Let’s discover together the Molly ankle and in which cases to use it.
Ankle Molly: description
The Molly is a expansion deformation mechanical anchor. She is composed :
- With one head (or collar) threaded, flat and wide, specific to each type of Molly, which implies the use of a suitable tool whether to tighten or loosen the ankle. This head has an anchor thanks to which it remains fixed when tightening with a screwdriver.
- Deformable branches,
- From a stiffener,
- A mechanical screw and a nut which are integral to the entire system.
To be put in place, it requires the use of expansion pliers. During its introduction into the material, its deformable branch is pressed in the shape of a star behind the support (that is to say inside the wall). It is thanks to this principle that the bearing surface is augmented and is perfectly homogeneous.
Depending on the model chosen, the Molly plug can therefore be ideal for fixing heavy objects to the wall, provided that the load is not greater than that which the wall itself is capable of supporting. It is specifically designed for:
- All categories of plasterboard (dimpled, insulated, single or double),
- The hollow cinder block,
- The entrevous (also called slabs),
- The hollow brick.
Tear resistantthe expansion anchor guarantees a solid anchor.
A Molly dowel can withstand, without any prior preparation, a weight of up to 40 kg. But beyond that, it is absolutely necessary to install either rails, or stiffeners or even supports. This allows to secure very heavy objects in Placoplâtre or any other hollow support. But you still have to get the Molly model that suits you best.
Ankle Molly: the different models
On distingue three types of expansion anchorsto know :
- The classic Molly anklet : A hole must be drilled in the wall beforehand using a drill, and an expansion pliers is required to crimp this dowel. It is used for moderate loads (picture frames, curtain rods, shelves for small decorative objects, etc.).
- The self-drilling Molly dowel : thanks to its fine tip, it is struck with a hammer to pierce the wall, then the expansion pliers are used to crimp it. It supports heavier loads than does the classic model.
- Molly self-drilling dowel : it is inserted into the wall with a hammer then by screwing the nut located under the head of the Molly. Its tip drills the support and is also a guidance aid. Again, it is crimped with the expansion pliers. The self-drilling Molly can be used to hang a large mirror, a heavy frame, a convector, a shelf that must support books or heavy objects…
The classic model is perfect for all hollow supports while the self-drilling and self-drilling dowels should not be used only on plaster walls. Because they are inserted with a hammer, there is a real risk of breaking other types of walls such as cinder block or hollow brick.
Each Molly family comes in different sizes.
How to choose a Molly ankle?
Molly type and size are easily identifiable in DIY stores because the identification labels are always the same. They precisely indicate the size and the total length. A label saying for example M4 x 59 means that it is a Molly (M) dowel with a machine screw of 4 mm and the total length of the dowel is 59 mm. As for the drilling diameter – which is logically the diameter of the dowel -, it is also shown on the packaging. This is an important indication since it is necessary to use a corresponding drill.
The labels also indicate the weight that the ankle can support. But be careful, the direction of the load impacts this weight (horizontal or vertical). It is therefore necessary to be particularly vigilant when buying your Molly.
Thus, the choice of an expansion anchor relates to:
- Molly’s guy,
- Her size,
- Its length,
- The thickness of the support wall to be drilled,
- The weight of the object that must be supported by the expansion plug but also by the wall,
- The load direction.
Do not hesitate to ask a salesperson for advice before buying expansion dowels because there is no question of getting the wrong Molly! Many things can be fixed with this type of dowel, from a small frame to a water heater, the main thing being to choose the appropriate type, classic, self-drilling or self-drilling, but also the size and length that are needed. . Finally, you must always know the weight of what you want to suspend so as not to have any unpleasant surprises.