Hollow wall fixings

[Jupiter01]

Noticed that this bracket was pulling away from the wall at the top. The screws and plugs were pulling away. Bottom fixings on the bracket are solid.



The top section is hollow for around 120mm and there is block behind that. As you can see the holes at the top are quite loose and wide too now.

Can I please have some suggestions on how to secure this. Thanks in advance.

 

[foxhole]

What fixings did you use, is it plasterboard? Then these are required.

Easyfix Hollow Wall Anchors 8-16mm M5 x 52mm 10 Pack - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Provides permanent threaded anchor in cavity walls. For use with setting tool. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

 

[Jupiter01]

What fixings did you use, is it plasterboard? Then these are required.

Easyfix Hollow Wall Anchors 8-16mm M5 x 52mm 10 Pack - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Provides permanent threaded anchor in cavity walls. For use with setting tool. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

Can they be used without the setting tool?
I don’t have one of them.

Also, will they work in the oversized holes that I have?

 

[Burnerman]

These fixings can be used without the setting tool, but it is much better to have one......
Basically you have to stop the main body of the fixing from turning as the body collapses - that's what those barbs are for.
With the setting tool, the fixing is compressed without the need to prevent rotation.
Choose a fixing that is suitable for the thickness of the plasterboard - if it's too long then it will be unsecure. The plain collar towards the screw determines this.
John

 

[matlob]

Get some of these spring toggles

Easyfix Spring Toggles 3 x 50mm 20 Pack - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Heavy gauge material for superior loads. Nut prevents stripping under load. Ideal for double thickness plasterboard. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

Push through the hole, rotate and then tighten up. May need a washer.

Work really well, used them for a radiator bracket after the original plugs had come out.

 

[Jupiter01]

Choose a fixing that is suitable for the thickness of the plasterboard - if it's too long then it will be unsecure. The plain collar towards the screw determines this.

I have a void which is around 120mm. That’s ample for this fixing?
Is that what you are referring to?

 

[Burnerman]

The 120mm void is more than enough for either of these fixings.
I was referring to the thickness of the plasterboard itself, rather than the gap behind.
John

 

[If in doubt...]

I find these to work well. Takes a bit of a knack in doing them but I drill a pilot hole first and then you need to push slightly harder as you turn so that they don’t just house the PB out, but they are now my goto PB fixing after 30 years of intense DIYing. They can work in existing larger holes but if there is other specs in that bracket to put new ones then put quite a few in - 6 or even 8 or more. Spread the load over many to make it stronger and less likely to pull out.

Easyfix Self-Drill Plasterboard Fixings Metal 32mm 100 Pack - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Quick and easy to install. Can be used in single or double thickness plasterboard. Ideal for electrical sockets, light switches, pictures, lightweight bathroom accessories and timber or metal battens. Supplied with screws. No drill required. FREE next day delivery...

www.screwfix.com

 

[Jupiter01]

The 120mm void is more than enough for either of these fixings.
I was referring to the thickness of the plasterboard itself, rather than the gap behind.
John

When using without the setting tool and adding a washer (as hole is larger), how do I restrain the bottom part whilst screwing tight? Presumably it will just keep rotating on the smooth surface of a metal washer.

Thanks for your support guys

 

[Burnerman]

The barbs that you see are meant to hold firm in the plasterboard....using a washer shouldn't make much difference unless you intend to use the washer on the wall side of the barbs - in which case a setting tool is necessary.
Setting tools are cheap, and a good investment!
John

 

[foxhole]

Have used two methods without setting tool one is to hold the outer firm with needle nose pliers while screwing tight ( helps to have over long bolt)Two, screw in loose then use claw hammer with timber to protect plasterboard and lever head as if to remove.

 

[Jupiter01]

UPDATE - your advice was spot on guys. Those anchors were brilliant. The bracket is solid.
They were very easy to use without the setting tool.

I was planning to use some washers but didn’t have any in the bag!

 

[denso13]

Not quite right but never mind.

 

[Jupiter01]

Not quite right but never mind.

Oh, I guess I needed to take the bracket off and have the plug sitting on the plasterboard. The collar acted as a washer and it seems solid…

 

[bourbon]

until the collar bends and the whole lot falls off the wall. They are not designed to be used like that.