Wall plugs - what type of screws

[mouk]

Generally when drilling into brick/block I just buy packs of plugs/screws.

I assumed the screws were specific for brick/block.

Today I had to buy some buy the retaielr appeared only to sell wall plugs seperate from screws and I couldn't find brick/block screws apart from the mroe expensive ones that don't require plugs at all.

Turns out that you cvan use any 'wood; screw with a wall plug.

Is this the case? If so is there any type you wouldn't use for brick/block inside and out?

I have quite a few 'wood screwsd in my tool box - silver ones and gold colour ones. Are the silver ones better for outside or places like inside sof sheds where it might get wet/cold.

 

[footprints]

You can put any screw into a wall plug but as a rule those with coarser thread grip better.
Not set in stone but as a rule the silver screws tend to be imperial sizes length in inches and dia by number, while the others tend to be metric length in mm and dia in mm.
EG;

http://www.screwfix.com/search.do?fh_search=quicksilver&fh_view_size=20

http://www.screwfix.com/c/screws-nails-fixings/goldscrew-screws/cat840624

Imperial screws tend to grip a little better in wallplugs because of the thicker core and corse thread.

Most screws have a rustproof coating but for outdoors the green coated ones like decking screws or stainless steel are best.

http://www.wickes.co.uk/Products/Building-Materials/Screws/Exterior+Decking-Screws/c/1000291

 

[mouk]

thanks

I ntoe that the brown plugs vary a little in length but given that you can use quitel ong scrwws I suppose it does not matter how long the screw is as it will be held by the same amount of wall plug - or should you use special brown plugs when using screws past a certain length? Most plus are only around 4-5cm I woudl estimate.

 

[footprints]

Well you want the screw to reach the full length of the plug for maximum hold it can pass through and be longer if you want as long as the hole is deep enough. The best fixing is in the brick not plaster so for max effect you can push the plug underflush of the plaster if it is a very heavy item.
The same applies to fixing in tiles, push the plug through the tile so it does not expand in the tile and crack it.