Advice on fixing to plasterboard

caeler

Hi all

I don't venture over here too often so please be kind!

I've just brought a new build and I've got an array of things I'll need to be fixing to the walls from curtain poles and blinds, to picture frames, mirrors and toilet roll holders.

I am aware there are special fixings required for plasterboard but I'm really confused about what I'll need. All these items will need some heavy duty fixings and I've found the metal redidrivas that Screwfix do but they come in two sizes (35mm and 50mm) and I can't fathom how I tell what I need!

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/11923/Fixings/Cavity-Fixings/Metal-RediDrivas-35mm-Pack-of-100

Any ideas?

vivajustice

Hi,
http://www.rawlplug.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=34&Itemid=16

The top plugs on that list are what you are looking for, they have little wings on them what anchor them in the plasterboard. These are ideal for lightish fixings like what you posted. When it comes to heavy things (for example if you decided to hang a tv) you would have to either fix to timbers or fix some ply board to the timbers and fix to that.

Hope that helps

caeler

Thank you VJ. I believe I have a hollow cavity behind the plasterboard, there were some bits of timber where the plasterboard was nailed into and dry lined but not in the places I'd want to screw into. I don't see how normal rawl plugs will work, they will fall out of the back surely?

No floating TV's thankfully, but I'd class the curtain poles heavy duty as well as my living room mirror and don't want them crashing straight down.

I found a good article about the different type of fixings, but I'm still not sure what size I'd require. Does this depend on the thickness of plasterboard?

http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/diy/fixing/plasterboard.htm
http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/fixingtoplasterboard.htm

Russe11

you want these

http://www.diytools.co.uk/diy/Main/sp-2-2393-12438-faithfull-self-drill-plasterboard-fixings-%28100%29-zinc-alloy.asp

jennifernil

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/12229/Fixings/Cavity-Fixings/Hollow-Wall-Anchor-5-x-52mm

These are what you need, they come in at least 2 sizes.

We have a timber frame house, we have used hundreds of them.

Not one has ever failed. The larger ones can even be used to hang kitchen cupboards.

Buy according to the thickness of the plasterboard too.

vivajustice

If you drill the correct size hole in the plasterboard, the rawl plugs i showed you fit perfectly and will be fine for any of those jobs.

caeler

Hi all - Thanks for all the guidance. I went with Screwfix's Metal RediDrivas 35mm and they worked a treat. Everything is held up by them from small mirrors, curtain poles and blinds, to toilet roll holders and large mirrors!