Screwing tiny screws into plaster

Stripey_Tiger

I bought an LED light strip to go up on my wall, and it comes with plastic clips to mount it with and screws to fix them to the wall (in case you're curious: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CXPPYQQ5?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title).

The screws are tiny - 2mm diameter and 12mm long - and the instructions say nothing about how to fix the screws to the wall. Normally I would use rawl plugs but I'm not even sure such tiny rawl plugs exist (I'm struggling to find anything smaller than 5mm). I can't nails instead because the head needs to go inside the plastic clip such that it would be impossible to hit it with a hammer.

I'm unsure if I just screw these directly into the plaster if they will be secure (I suspect not?). Any ideas?

People in the reviews who used command strips instead don't seem to have had too much luck as the strip is a little to heavy for them (though honestly it's not that heavy). I'm wonder if some kind of glue would work?

ThisIsWeird

Hi StripeyT.
Could you confirm that the plastic clip is actually a continuous backing for the LED strip, and not a series of separate wee clips?
If so, if it's continuous, then I'd be inclined to use a strong double-sided tape, like that used for carpets.
The mating surface is only around 6mm wide, it seems, but this should still be strong and secure as it's continuous. Make sure both surfaces are clean and flat.
Alternatively, or ideally in addition, you can try gently screwing the screws straight into the plasterboard, pushing 'firmly' so the thread cuts its way through without 'stripping'. Stop when it's 'home' and tightens up - again, don't strip. Then unscrew, dip the screw thread in PVA - and ideally force some into the formed hole - and replace the screws. That should be enough to hold it, but I'd still also want the double-sided.

bjorn_toby_wilde

There are yellow rawlplugs - I think they’re the smallest

I don’t use them often but they should be good for what you describe. I’ve used them in the past for the tiny screws on curtain tie back hooks for example.

Rodders53

https://www.amazon.co.uk/fischer-568004-Plus-Expansion-Wall/dp/B0C43Y49JC

Allegedly accepts 2mm screws.  Other retailers and makers of small plugs exist.  Google / Bing / other search engines are available to discover such wall plugs.

EssexExile

How about drill a hole in the wall and glue in a piece of dowel, then screw into that.

daveyjp

Old joiners trick.  Drill hole and fill with a matchstick, screw into the matchstick.

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

Could try a different screw, can't seem to find many 2mm screws, 3mm x 30mm here:

https://www.toolstation.com/single-thread-countersunk-pozi-screw/p11112

Bigphil1474

For 2mm screws, I'd be tempted to fit a batten to the wall, and screw the screws into that. Can't see them staying in plaster. If it's really lightweight, glue or tape would be a good alternative.

Stripey_Tiger

ThisIsWeird said:

Hi StripeyT.
Could you confirm that the plastic clip is actually a continuous backing for the LED strip, and not a series of separate wee clips?

Sorry for the slow reply - made this post and then forgot I'd made it. They are a series of separate clips.

Stripey_Tiger

Bigphil1474 said:

For 2mm screws, I'd be tempted to fit a batten to the wall, and screw the screws into that. Can't see them staying in plaster. If it's really lightweight, glue or tape would be a good alternative.

I have been considering a batten but it would be a pain to make and put up as the room has 3 different alcoves. I am thinking about just cutting a small individual piece of wood for each clip instead, gluing those to the wall and screwing into those.

Stripey_Tiger

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head said:

Could try a different screw, can't seem to find many 2mm screws, 3mm x 30mm here:

https://www.toolstation.com/single-thread-countersunk-pozi-screw/p11112

Thanks - unfortunately the screws are snug fit in the plastic clips and a 3mm screw won't fit through them.