How to choose nylon wall plugs for light-duty fixings

For light fixings (shelves, brackets, pictures, cable trunking), choose the plug according to the substrate, then diameter and length. For solid brick and concrete a nylon plug with a screw is fine; in hollow brick choose a universal or long-expansion model and drill without hammer action. The hole diameter in the collection ranges from 4 to 14 mm; for light fixings 5, 6, 8 and 10 mm are common.

Types

• Nylon plug with screw: the most common type. It is inserted in the hole and expands when you drive the screw in. Sizes range from 5 × 25 to 12 × 55 mm and beyond, for example 6 × 30, 8 × 40, 10 × 50.
• Universal fixing: a plug that works in several substrates (solid and hollow). You will find several in the Fischer DuoPower series, such as the DuoPower S or the DuoPower L in the long version.
• Hammer-in plug: it is inserted in the hole and secured by hammering, without screwing. Quick for repeated fixing of battens, profiles and frames.
• Through-fixing plug: it is inserted through the object to be fixed, which is already drilled, and you drill only once.
• Plug with countersunk or pan-head collar: the collar is the head of the plug; countersunk to sit flush, pan-head to bear on the material being fixed.
• Spacer fixing: it holds the object away from the wall, like the TherMax 8 / 10.

How to choose by job

The features to look at

• Hole diameter (4 to 14 mm): the drill bit must have the same diameter as the plug. A larger hole makes it spin freely, a smaller one makes it break.
• Length and anchoring depth: the plug must be at least as long as the thickness to be fixed plus the anchoring depth. Add any plaster. The anchoring depth in the collection ranges from 4 to 80 mm.
• Fixable thickness: the height of the object you can fix with that screw. If it is out of range, change the screw or the plug.
• Material: nylon is the most widely used for light fixings. For screws, galvanised steel is fine indoors, stainless steel is the choice for damp or outdoor environments.
• Screw drive: Pozidriv (PZD2, PZD3) or Torx (TX25, TX30, TX40): choose the one you already have in your driver bits.
• Pack size: from 2-4 pieces in a blister pack to 100 or more in a box. For site work the box is more convenient.

Common mistakes

• Using a light-duty plug for heavy or suspended loads: for these cases you need heavy-duty fixings; a nylon plug pulls out.
• Drilling with hammer action in hollow bricks: the walls of the brick break. In hollow materials you drill in rotation only.
• Not clearing the dust from the hole: dust makes the plug slip and reduces its grip.
• Drill bit of the wrong diameter: it is the most frequent cause of plugs spinning freely.
• Screw too short or too long: the screw must pass through the plug for its whole length, without touching the bottom of the hole.

Frequently asked questions

Which plug do I use on a hollow-brick wall?

A universal or long-expansion plug, with the hole drilled in rotation only. Avoid models designed only for solid materials.

How do I choose the length?

Thickness to be fixed plus anchoring depth, plus any plaster. If in doubt, choose the longer one.

Can I reuse a plug?

Better not: after the first expansion it loses its grip. Replace it.

Which drill bit do I need?

One of the same diameter as the plug, for example an 8 mm bit for an 8 mm plug.

You will find the whole range in the light-duty wall plugs collection: to choose the right plug for your wall, ask for a quote or advice from the AMES technicians.