3D printed drywall anchors can work for light items if printed in PETG and on their side, and one PETG design held over 75 lb in its designer’s wall test. That anchor, by Ptarmigan on Printables, uses compliant hinges that swing braces behind 1/2 in drywall, though the designer advises not loading a single anchor anywhere near that.
Vez3D, a YouTube channel, runs load tests on printed wall anchors. Reddit users in r/BambuLab report printed anchors holding small shelves or a picture, and several say store-bought anchors are cheap and better for anything that matters.
Here is what testers and users report, and when to buy real anchors instead.
What Works and What Fails
Prices checked on Amazon Oct 16, 2026. I may earn a commission from links, at no cost to you.
| Factor | Users report |
|---|---|
| Material | PETG preferred; PLA is brittle and can snap during install |
| Orientation | Upright prints can shear at layers when torqued; print on the side, at 45°, or in two glued halves |
| Design | Designs made for printing do better than copies of molded anchors |
| Load | Pictures, clocks, light shelves; not cabinets, TVs or anything overhead |
Tips for 3D Printed Drywall Anchors
- Use PETG with 3 to 4 walls; infill matters less than walls
- Match the thread to your screw exactly
- Prefer a machine screw (M4 or 8-32) with a design that expands behind the wall
- Never use printed anchors on ceilings
Safety: 3D printed hardware is not rated like store-bought hardware. Never use it where a failure could injure someone or damage something valuable: overhead loads, TVs, cabinets, ladders or anything you climb on.
Commercial metal toggles are cheap and rated for a known weight. Use them for anything important.
| Use | Filament | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor, light load | PLA | Stiff and easy, but creeps under constant load |
| Constant load, bumps, flex | PETG | Tougher; resists creep and impact better |
| Hot garage, car, outdoors | ASA | Heat and UV resistant; needs an enclosed printer |
| Grip, soft contact | TPU | Rubber-like |
Best Printers for PETG Parts
| Printer | Price (Amazon, Oct 16, 2026) | Why it fits | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bambu Lab P1S Combo | $549.00 | Enclosed and consistent for PETG | Check price |
| Bambu Lab A1 | $299.99 | Prints PETG well in open air | Check price |
| Bambu Lab P2S Combo | $779.00 | Built-in filament drying for PETG | Check price |
What YouTube Creators Found About 3D Printed Drywall Anchors
These are findings from popular YouTube videos, paraphrased from their transcripts and credited. They are the creators’ experiences and claims, not my test results.
- Vez3D (Vez3D: “Wall anchors tests”) runs load tests on printed wall anchors. Watch the video for the setup and results.
- Printables designer Ptarmigan (Drywall Anchor) designed an anchor with crossing compliant hinges that swing braces behind 1/2 in drywall. They specify PETG, saying PLA breaks during install, printed on its side with 3 to 4 perimeters. One PETG anchor held over 75 lb in their wall test, but they advise not loading a single anchor anywhere near that.
- On Reddit (r/BambuLab, r/functionalprint), users reported printed anchors holding small shelves or a picture, others snapping the head off during installation, and one suggestion to print anchors in two halves and glue them so the layers are not twisted. Several said store-bought anchors are cheap and better for anything that matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do 3D printed drywall anchors work?
For light items, yes, in PETG and a print-friendly design. For heavy or important items, buy rated metal anchors.
PLA or PETG for anchors?
PETG. PLA is brittle and often snaps during installation.
How much weight can a printed anchor hold?
It varies a lot with design and print. One designer measured over 75 lb in a test but advises far less in use.
Can I use printed anchors on a ceiling?
No. Ceiling loads pull straight out; use rated toggles.
Sources
- Vez3D: “Wall anchors tests”
- Printables: Drywall Anchor by Ptarmigan
- r/BambuLab: Would they work?
- r/functionalprint: Ran out of drywall anchors
- Amazon product listings for the printers linked above, October 16, 2026
Related: Useful Things to 3D Print for Your Home | 3D Prints for Garage Organization | PLA vs PETG for Beginners | How to 3D Print Replacement Parts
Notes and disclosure
Note: Printer prices come from Amazon listings on October 16, 2026 and change often. The ideas below come from popular YouTube creators and Reddit threads, credited where used. My own hands-on results will be added after my planned test prints.
Affiliate Disclosure: If you purchase an item through the links on this page, I may receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel.