Types of Wall Fixings — Every Fixing Explained

There are dozens of wall fixing types available, each designed for specific wall materials, load requirements, and installation scenarios. This guide covers every common fixing type you’ll encounter in the UK, from basic plastic wall plugs to heavy-duty chemical anchors, so you can choose the right one for any job.

Masonry Fixings

Standard Expansion Wall Plugs

The most common fixing in the UK. A ribbed plastic sleeve is inserted into a pre-drilled hole, and a screw driven in expands the plug against the masonry. Colour-coded by size (yellow 5mm, red 6mm, brown 7mm, blue 10mm). Works in solid brick, block, concrete, and stone.

Load capacity: 20–100kg+ depending on size and masonry type. Wall types: All solid masonry. Removable: Yes.

Universal Wall Plugs (e.g., Fischer DuoPower)

Designed to work in any wall material — solid masonry, hollow block, and plasterboard. In solid walls they expand like standard plugs. In hollow walls they fold and knot behind the material. More expensive but very versatile when you’re unsure of the wall construction.

Load capacity: Up to 60kg in masonry, 16kg in plasterboard. Wall types: All. Removable: Yes.

Frame Fixings (Hammer Fixings)

Long, slim fixings (typically 8–10mm x 80–160mm) designed to fix through timber frames directly into masonry. Commonly used for window and door frames, battens, and timber wall plates. You drill through both the frame and masonry in one go, insert the fixing, and tighten.

Load capacity: Moderate to high. Wall types: Solid masonry (through timber). Removable: Difficult.

Resin Anchors (Chemical Fixings)

Two-part chemical adhesive injected into a drilled hole, then a threaded rod inserted. The resin sets hard and bonds the rod permanently to the masonry. Essential for hollow masonry (perforated brick, aerated block) and crumbly or poor-quality substrates where expansion fixings can’t grip.

Load capacity: Very high (structural-grade). Wall types: All masonry, especially hollow/soft. Removable: No (permanent).

Sleeve Anchors / Wedge Anchors

Heavy-duty metal anchors for concrete and hard masonry. A bolt is tightened which expands a metal sleeve or wedge against the hole walls. Used commercially for fixing steel brackets, handrails, machinery, and structural connections to concrete.

Load capacity: Very high. Wall types: Concrete, hard masonry. Removable: Difficult.

Masonry Screws (e.g., Tapcon, Thunderbolt)

Self-tapping screws that cut their own thread directly into masonry — no wall plug needed. Drill a pilot hole slightly smaller than the screw, then drive it in. Quick and convenient for medium loads. The thread grips the masonry directly.

Load capacity: Moderate. Wall types: Concrete, hard brick. Removable: Yes (but hole may be weakened for reuse).

Plasterboard / Hollow Wall Fixings

Self-Drill Metal Fixings

Zinc alloy fixings with a coarse, sharp thread that drills directly into plasterboard with no pre-drilling. The most popular quick-fix option for light to medium loads. Drive them in with a screwdriver or drill, then insert the screw.

Load capacity: 15–20kg. Wall types: Plasterboard. Removable: Leaves a larger hole.

Spring Toggles (Butterfly Fixings)

A spring-loaded metal bar passes through a pre-drilled hole and opens behind the plasterboard, creating a wide bearing surface. Good holding power and widely available. The toggle drops into the cavity if the bolt is removed.

Load capacity: 25–40kg. Wall types: Plasterboard, hollow doors. Removable: Toggle lost if bolt removed.

GripIt Fixings

A UK-designed plasterboard fixing with rotating wings that grip behind the board. Available in sizes from 15mm (yellow, up to 71kg) to 25mm (red, up to 183kg). The wings stay in place even if the screw is removed, making them reusable. Among the strongest plasterboard fixings available.

Load capacity: 71–183kg depending on size. Wall types: Plasterboard (12.5mm+). Removable: Yes (anchor stays, screw removes).

Gravity / Snap Toggles

A metal channel drops behind the plasterboard and is pulled tight against it by tightening the bolt. Very strong and the channel stays permanently in place. More expensive than spring toggles but better for fixtures that may need periodic removal (like towel rails).

Load capacity: 40–60kg. Wall types: Plasterboard. Removable: Bolt removes, channel stays.

Plastic Plasterboard Plugs

Budget option — a plastic plug with barbs or threads designed for plasterboard. Very limited holding power (5–10kg). Fine for smoke alarms, small pictures, and cable clips. Not suitable for anything with meaningful weight.

Load capacity: 5–10kg. Wall types: Plasterboard. Removable: Yes.

Comparison Chart

Recommended Fixing Kits

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Where to Buy Wall Fixings

Wall Fixing Kits on Amazon

Heavy Duty Wall Anchors on Amazon