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Plasterboard fixings are an essential component of home DIY projects, particularly when you’re looking to mount or hang objects on walls made of plasterboard. Understanding the different types of fixings available and how to use them can make your project much easier and ensure that your objects stay securely attached to the wall.
Paul Kershaw Owner, manager & buyer
With over 30 years of experience in the building supplies industry
When it comes to hanging lightweight objects in areas that see light traffic, speed plugs (usually a metal or plastic plasterboard wall plug) like the Fischer Duo Blade are highly recommended. What makes these fixings stand out is their ease of use— most do not require any special tools for installation. This feature is particularly appealing for DIYers looking for a quick and efficient solution.
The speed plugs are a great option for most decorative items in the home such as lightweight mirrors and wall art. All you need to do is “punch” the plug into the wall (not literally) with a screwdriver. The sharp edge of the plug cuts into the plasterboard and then as you keep turning it in the sharp outer thread cuts into the board, creating a secure grip. They are often referred to a “pigtail” fixings because the shape of the plug.
Paul Kershaw Owner, manager & buyer
With over 30 years of experience in the building supplies industry
When the task at hand involves hanging heavier objects, hollow wall anchors come into play. These heavy duty plasterboard fixings are designed to offer a more robust and secure fixing for items that demand extra support. They are often referred to as “Metal Cavity Fixings” by manufacturers.
Click here to see a video showing the installation of a hollow wall anchor.
Load capacities can be found on the Fischer website in PDF form.
The hollow wall anchors offer the strongest and most secure solution for fixing to plasterboard. They are sometimes referred to as a “Brolly Fixing” because they look like an umbrella when they have expanded. Another common term is “Molly Bolt” which derives from a brand name. They offer a wide clamp, which spreads the load, making them more secure.
Paul Kershaw Owner, manager & buyer
With over 30 years of experience in the building supplies industry
Spring toggles are a traditional form of wall fixing that consists of a metal bar and a spring-loaded wings mechanism. When inserted into a hole in the plasterboard, the wings open on the other side, providing a secure anchor point. Hollow wall anchors have evolved from this concept, offering enhanced security and ease of use.
For professionals and tradespeople seeking a versatile and reliable fixing solution, Fischer Duo Plugs are an excellent choice. These wall plugs are designed to be used in a variety of substrates, including plasterboard, brick, and concrete. The plugs consist of two components that adapt depending on the application (see image below).
The DuoPower range of products by Fischer is one of their best selling ranges and for good reason. The technology is ingenious and means that tradespeople can stock one type of product to fit many applications, rather than requiring several different type of fixings. Our best selling product in this range is the Fischer DuoPower Fixtainer because it offers a great mix of the fixings and should last a while.
Paul Kershaw Owner, manager & buyer
With over 30 years of experience in the building supplies industry
Click here to see the Fischer DuoPower webpage, which contains PDF downloads for load capacity and a video explainer of the product.
Cupboards, especially when filled, can be quite heavy, and furthermore, if it is in a kitchen or dining room, there may be quite a lot of traffic. Therefore, we would recommend using hollow wall anchors.
For floor units, the weight load is carried by the floor. Therefore metal speed plugs or standard wall plugs and screws should suffice.
This depends on the fixing and it is always best to obtain the technical data sheet or load tables available for the product (which are typically found on the manufacturer’s websites). The approximate weight loads for each type of fixing are below:
This depends on the weight of the TV. Consult the previous answer for guidance. For the screw size, check the size of the bracket holes.
We always recommend Hollow Wall Anchors of heavy duty applications.
This depends on the type of fixing. Speed plugs should simply unscrew. The other types are a bit more complex to remove. For guidance on removing standard wall plugs, this video on YouTube should help. For removing Hollow Wall Anchors, this video is great. For more unique and complex types, a YouTube search is mostly likely the best way to find the answer.
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