u/SevenGameSeries

Drilled a 1/4" pilot hole for that type of drywall anchor that you then screw into the pilot hole until it's flush. However, found myself an air vent.

Would really like to hang my shelf in this location. I think I have about 1" of clearance from the outside of the drywall until I hit the air vent. My wall anchor and screw are 1.25".

Can I snip the end off of that type of wall anchor and not lose strength? I would then find new screws (or cut the end off of those too). Bad idea? Other alternatives.

After a bit of an investigation I'm certain it's an air vent, not anything else. I didn't penetrate it when drilling - just bonked into it after I made it through the drywall.

Thanks

Smoke