What is the typical use of toggle bolts?

Toggle bolts are specifically designed for securely attaching heavy fixtures to hollow walls, such as drywall or plaster. This is achieved through a mechanism that involves a spring-loaded toggle that expands behind the wall, creating a strong anchor point. When the bolt is tightened, the toggle pulls against the inside of the wall, which distributes the load over a larger area. This makes toggle bolts particularly effective for applications where traditional screws or anchors might not provide sufficient holding strength due to the empty space behind the wall.

Though toggle bolts can be used in other contexts, such as mounting shelves or securing wall panels, their primary and most distinctive advantage is their ability to support significant weights in hollow wall structures. Other fastening methods, such as standard screws, would likely not be able to provide the same level of support in these situations.