Can't fix PVCu frame as B&Q plugs too big

Kernel_Sanders

I'm fitting a secondhand window frame and I thought removal of the existing wooden frame would be the difficult bit. I've not fitted one before so paid a bit extra for proper PVCu fixers from B&Q with diagramed instructions. When I drilled my 8mm hole I found the plug wouldn't even go through the frame, let alone the wall! The plugs are stamped 8 x 100 and my bit is 8.0 so who is at fault here?
Also, in what order do you fit the beading and glass?

ceredigion

8 of at 100mm ?
normally a 10 mm hole

Kernel_Sanders

ceredigion wrote: »

8 of at 100mm ?
normally a 10 mm hole

No, 8 x 100 means the plug is 10cm long, 8mm is the diameter!

firefox1956

Is the masonry bit a well used one ???
The tip can wear down dramatically so that even though it will still drill the hole the tip may be slightly smaller than indicated on the bit.
Any way I would always drill a slightly larger hole depending on the material I am drilling.....softer materials you tend to get a slightly larger hole due to the vibrations of the drill.

Kernel_Sanders

It's solid brick. I've compared it in a vice to a new SDS bit (which my drill cannot grasp), but the difference is infinitesimal. I don't have an 8.5, so would a 9 be too large ? Even if it's not, it's virtually the diameter of the screw head.

27col

Here's a thought. Take the screw out of the plug. No reason why the plug has to go through the frame.
I've fitted several windows in the past year. Just used ordinary screws and plugs. I would suggest that 100mm long plug is a bit of an overkill.
If you cannot get the plug into an 8mm hole. Wriggle the drill a bit and also make sure that the resulting hole has no debris/dust in it.

Kernel_Sanders

27col wrote: »

Here's a thought. Take the screw out of the plug. No reason why the plug has to go through the frame.
I've fitted several windows in the past year. Just used ordinary screws and plugs. I would suggest that 100mm long plug is a bit of an overkill.

These are proper frame fixers, designed for PVCu. The diagrams show that the plug should be in the frame, and it would be a rather narrow fix if this was otherwise.

Reece_

There's obviously a discrepancy with the diameter of the plugs or drill bit ( or both ), whether a 9mm will be too big is down to how far off your hole diameter is, it should be too big, but then again 8mm should of been right so who knows.
You can re-use frame fixings as standard plugs and screws, there's not a lot of difference except for the lug on the plug that enables it to go through both materials without going all the way through, but if the plugs don't fit in the wall anyway it's irrelevant.
You either need to bore bigger holes or get new fixings, I'd be dubious of going to a 9mm straight away though.
For future reference, I'd suggest thunderbolts, much prefer them over frame fixings. your 8mm holes would be too big for them now though , although you could always re drill new holes.