toggle bolt

noun

: a bolt that has a nut with wings which close for passage through a small hole and spring open after passing through the hole to keep the bolt from slipping back through

Examples of toggle bolt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Molly bolts and toggle bolts are hollow wall anchors that also work on drywall. Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Sep. 2023 For traditional wing-style toggle bolts, start by measuring its width with the wings folded up against the bolt. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023 There are four common types of drywall anchors, including expansion, self-drilling, hollow-wall, and toggle bolt drywall anchors. Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Feb. 2023 When hanging a picture between studs, use a hollow-wall anchor, such as a toggle bolt, molly bolt, or spiral anchor. Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, 22 Apr. 2021 Traditional toggle bolts can be maddeningly difficult to install because the wings just spin freely unless there is enough tension to keep them in contact with the back of the wall. Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 26 Nov. 2019 Another installs like a toggle bolt (envision a swag hook) with a drain plug. Bob Weber, chicagotribune.com, 1 Nov. 2019 Drown yourself in knowledge of people and places and things as simple as what is the advantage of a toggle bolt to hang a towel holder to what will Brexit mean on the emerging European markets. Valerie Strauss, Washington Post, 18 June 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'toggle bolt.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1794, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of toggle bolt was circa 1794

Dictionary Entries Near toggle bolt

Cite this Entry

“Toggle bolt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toggle%20bolt. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

toggle bolt

noun
: a bolt that has a nut with wings that close for passage through a small hole and spring open after passing through the hole to keep the bolt from slipping back through
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