Setting Tool for hollow wall fixings

[aveatry]

I have read a few reviews about the rawlplug ones in screwfix and the not branded ones in screwfix / tool station but they all seem rubbish with people saying they break after low use. Any recommendations for a better quality one under £20. On googling I found a ficher one that looked good but then realised it was £40

 

[footprints]

Agree they are mostly ****e! Might well be worth shelling out on the expensive one and making a point of keeping the receipt and asking for a refund if it gives up.

 

[aveatry]

Thanks. I know I can use the fixings without but have had problems with them turning in the whole. I have read on here a trick to use a nut and a couple of washers on the screw and hold the screw in place and tighten the nut to pull it up.

 

[Deleted member 174758]

I have read on here a trick to use a nut and a couple of washers on the screw and hold the screw in place and tighten the nut to pull it up.

That trick gets you by for one or two fastenings but is a right faff if you are doing any more than that (e.g. for Spur shelving uprights). The last Rawlplug one I had wasn't that bad, but it was bought 4 or 5 years ago. Its' predecessor, a different design but also from Rawl, has lasted the best part of 25 years and is still OK apart from the loss of a circlip (which means it periodically falls apart! This appears to be a common failing). By its' nature this sort of tool is always going to be a cheap and cheerful bit of kit - nobody is going to pay £40 for a setting tool, are they? Just what sort of failures are people reporting? Asking as I've yet to break one - all I do is lose circlips

On the flip side I have a newer tool, a Spit Zentech setting tool, which we were given free by the distributor. I've used it a few times and it seems to be slightly better than the newer Rawl (and a lot better than some of the no-name Chinese carp I've come across). Maybe that would suit you. Can't say how good it will be, though, as I haven't yet done dozens of anchors with it

 

[aveatry]

Thanks for the info. I have not tried the nut trick myself but as you a bit of a faf but luckily for me I dont think I will be using them much - hence the desire to not spen too much on a tool. Reading the screwfix reviews they seem to fall apart. And I need one that will do M6 I have thought I could grind down one of the m6 ones to fit to use as just the setting screw puller and keep it with the tool.

 

[Deleted member 174758]

If they fall apart it'll be the circlips which have gone. other than the odd drop of oil on the steel pins and keeping an eye on them I can't see there's much else can be done

 

[foxhole]

Don’t use them very often so just hold on position with pliers and spin then down with extra long screw , ( cordless drill )then remove screw and use correct length, or use claw hammer under screw to set them will piece of ply under Hammer to spread load.

 

[SammyInnit]

I bought the Rawlplug branded one some years back and it's had pretty heavy use but still going. A friend of mine bought the cheaper one and I think it went back in the same week and he swapped for the Rawlplug one too. I think hilti make one if you want to spend a bit more.

https://www.hilti.co.uk/c/CLS_FASTE...ES_TESTERS_7135/CLS_SETTING_TOOLS_7135/332076

 

[aveatry]

Update. Thanks for all the input. I went for the Rawlplug one from screwfix at £13.95. I can see the circlips that people say fall off and so will keep an eye on them and if they fall off out of warranty then I will just pop a new clip on.

 

[aveatry]

Finally got around to posting some pictures, may be helpful for others.

Dont seem a lot that can break on it apart from the issue with the circlips which I will keep an eye on and replace if they fall off.
I did find that I was over squeezing and heard some part of the fixing give way behind the plasterboard but it still held ok