I use threaded in drywall anchors all the time I do have aluminum type but that is all the thread is a bit wider but work the same. I use them for a kiddy gate and my youngest used to climb over it so I took it down, she was about 40# at that point. I use them to mount shelves I can all ways get one end into studs but not the other end. coat hangers have them also this house was built in the 70's they must have had different building codes back them because where we build with 16 inch centers they put 20 and 24 in centers. So I would not see a problem using them...

Bill