Abstract: Various forms of tools are disclosed for effecting reciprocal movements between jaw members to be located between and exerting opposing thrusts on the flange and bolt head of a hollow wall anchor. For such an anchor driven through a plaster wall or wallboard with the flange brought flush against the inner surface thereof, the threaded bolt is unthreaded sufficiently to position the jaws as described. Operation of the tool to thrust the jaws apart causes the bolt to be drawn out axially, carrying the inner end of the anchor so as to decrease the distance between flange and inner end and deforming the anchor body for interlocking it with the wall material. Where such an anchor is initially only partly driven through the wall, due to its inner end being obstructed, the bolt is unthreaded and the jaws located between the thus spaced head and flange in the same manner.

Abstract: There is disclosed a wall anchor structure having a hollow body in which spaced ribs extend from a flanged portion at one end to a sleeve in which an axially movable nut element is captured. A bolt extends through the body from the flanged end to threadedly engage the nut. With the bolt head abutting the flange, the structure is struck or otherwise inserted through a dry wall or wallboard to bring the flange flush against the inner surface of the wall. The bolt, being slidable, is grasped at the head and pulled out to separate the head from the flange an amount permitted by the axial travel of the nut. This permits the jaws of an anchor operating tool to be inserted between the head and flange, and forced apart to forcibly separate the head and flange further, causing the ribs to deform so as to bite into and interlock with the wall material. The bolt is then threaded out of the nut and removed to permit a bracket or other support member for shelving or the like to be seated against the flange.