When hanging an L bracket, I ran a test drill to see if there was a stud. I hit what I thought was the stud but it turns out to be a plastic stud. How do I anchor through the sheetrock? My screw will not pierce the plastic stud.
Drywall – How to hang something on sheetrock where there is a plastic stud
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Related Solutions
Windows typically have 2 or more studs on each side. Use a stud finder to ensure you are installing on a stud, then predrill with a bit slightly smaller than the solid part of the screw (not the threads themselves).
You can put a little soap on the threads of the screw if you want to try to make them easier to install, but I would focus on maintaining pressure and keeping the drill in perfect alignment with the screw. A skipping bit typically indicates that you aren't properly lined up with the screw. Also note that drill bits do wear out over time, particularly if you are skipping them on the screw head a lot, so it could be time for a new one.
See also:
What is the best technique for using a drill to insert screws?
When pre-drilling for screws, how do you determine the correct bit diameter?
Ideally this should be screwed/anchored into a joist for maximum support. However, if you really want to use a drywall anchor, you should use a toggle bolt or a ceiling anchor. Instead of just screwing into the wall, these expand to several times their size which gives you a good hold, especially when the force is pulling directly down. 10lbs might be pushing it though, it will depend on the thickness of your drywall and the overall condition. The worst case is you just have to patch the hole and repaint; drywall is pretty forgiving like that!
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Best Answer
How old is the building you are working in? Only a very new one might have (ecostud.com/product_details.html ) plastic framing studs. More likley you have drilled into a plastic pipe. If your water is on and you haven't noticed a leak you have drilled into a drain line or a plumbing vent stack. If it was my house I would cut a small opening in sheet rock at that very same location to verify what you have drilled into and if it is in fact a pipe open the wall enough to repair the hole in the pipe.
Please let us know what you find. And if it is a stud made of plastic explain why a screw would not pierce it. Studs are after all supposed to be accepting of dry wall screws regardless of what they are made of.