How to choose the right fixings for different walls
Hanging something on a wall sounds simple – until it all comes crashing down.
A shelf that sits solidly on a brick wall might tear straight out of a plasterboard wall.
And a screw that glides into timber won’t even bite into concrete.
Every type of wall has its own quirks. And choosing wall fixings that suit the material lets you avoid sagging brackets, cracked plaster and a gradual tick down to total collapse.
In this guide, we look at the best fixings for walls made of brick, concrete and plasterboard to give you safe, secure fixtures.
And at Confast you can buy fixings online at competitive prices with fast delivery throughout the UK and Ireland.
Fixings for brick walls
Brick walls are made of hard, brittle masonry blocks joined by softer mortar lines.
The bricks themselves can take a good load. But the mortar is far weaker.
Hit it with the wrong drill bit or install the wrong fixing, and you risk crumbling the joint or ending up with a wobbly fitting that won’t hold.
Knowing which fasteners to use with brick ensures your installation stays secure even under weight and vibration.
Fixings for brick walls should be designed to grip securely into dense masonry without cracking it, offering strong pull-out resistance for medium to heavy loads.
Throughbolts
Throughbolts are heavy-duty expansion wall anchors. Once inserted into a pre-drilled hole, tightening the nut expands the bolt inside the brick, locking it firmly in place.
This makes them ideal for high loads like gates, structural brackets and shelving.
Thunderbolts
These masonry fixings cut their own thread directly into the brick with no plug needed. So they’re much quicker and easier to install than expansion fixings.
Thunderbolts are great for medium to heavy loads like wall-mounted TV brackets, radiators and handrails.
Self-tapping screws
Unlike regular screws, self-tapping screws cut their own mating thread. Used with masonry wall plugs, the plug expands as the screw is driven in, gripping securely into the brick.
They’re perfect for lighter fixtures such as curtain rails, light fittings and small shelves.
Fixings for concrete walls
Dense, heavy and exceptionally strong, concrete walls grip fixings powerfully when they’re installed correctly.
But if you choose an undersized or unsuitable bolt, it may never bite properly. This could leave it spinning in the hole. And it could shear under a heavy load.
Worse still, trying to force the wrong type of concrete anchors can cause cracking around the hole, weakening the structure and compromising the hold.
Fixings for concrete walls need to be made from high-strength materials with threads or expansion designs that bite into solid, cured concrete for maximum durability.
Concrete bolts
Designed specifically to cut their own thread into pre-drilled holes, concrete bolts create a secure holding without the need for plugs.
They’re quick to install and offer excellent load capacity. This makes them ideal for structural fittings like heavy-duty racking, machinery mounts and steel frameworks.
Grade 8.8 setscrews
These are high-tensile bolts with a bolt grade of 8.8 strength. This makes them perfect for securing components that need to withstand high shear and tensile forces.
When paired with the right expansion anchor or inert, Grade 8.8 setscrews can fix steel plates, machinery bases or heavy brackets securely into concrete.
Spring bolts
Spring bolts are specialised fixings with a spring mechanism that provides a firm, vibration-resistant hold. They’re well suited to applications where movement or vibration could work a standard bolt loose.
This makes them a great fit for securing gates, industrial equipment or outdoor fixtures in exposed locations.
Fixings for plasterboard walls
Plasterboard walls are lightweight and relatively soft, designed for speed of installation rather than high load capacity.
They rely on a thin gypsum core and paper facing for strength.
This means the fixing’s grip is far weaker than in brick or concrete.
Use the wrong types of wall fixings and they could tear straight through the board, spin loosely or cause the surface paper to rip.
Fixings for plasterboard walls should be lightweight and either spread the load across the board’s surface or fix into studs to prevent tearing or collapse.
Drywall screws
Drywall screws have a sharp point and coarse thread that bites into studs without splitting the board. Their bulge head also sinks neatly without tearing the paper surface.
They’re specifically made for securing plasterboard to timber or metal studs and frames.
Self-drilling Tek screws
The hardened drill point of self-drilling Tek screws pierces into thin steel studs. And the threaded shank pulls the board tight for a secure fit.
These plasterboard fixings are suitable for attaching medium-duty fixtures to metal studs, such as metal framing for partition walls, HVAC duct brackets or lightweight racking or support rails.
Wafer head screws
Wafer head screws feature a large, flat head for maximum surface contact. This spreads the load, reducing the risk of pull-through.
They’re ideal for fixing light fixtures, brackets or electrical boxes to studs behind plasterboard.
Tips for deciding which fixing to use
Assess the wall type
If you’re not sure what your wall is made of, simply tap it and listen.
A hollow sound suggests plasterboard. But a solid thud points to brick or concrete.
You can also drill a small pilot hole to check the material and thickness.
Knowing the material helps you figure out which fixing to use for a safe, secure mount.
Determine load-bearing capacity
Consider the wall type, weight of the fixture and how the load is distributed.
After all, a floating shelf loaded with books puts more strain on the wall than a picture frame.
When in doubt, use wall studs, anchor bolts or heavy-duty wall fixings.
Remember that you can always use a stronger fixing than you need, but never a weaker one.
Selecting the right size fixings
Your fixing should be long enough to penetrate deep into the wall without damaging the other side.
Thicker fixings offer more holding power.
But oversized screws can split timber or weaken grip in softer materials like plasterboard.
Always check the manufacturer’s load rating before you get started.
Buy fixings online at Confast
We supply high-quality construction fasteners and fixings for any project across the UK and Ireland. And you get free UK shipping for orders over £200!
Buy fixings online at Confast today.
Which fixing to use FAQs
Which fixings should I use for brick walls?
For brick walls, use heavy-duty fixings like throughbolts, thunderbolts or self-tapping screws. These grip securely into the dense material and resist vibration or movement.
Always drill into the brick rather than the mortar for maximum strength. And choose fixings with corrosion-resistant finishes for outdoor use.
Which fixings should I use for concrete walls?
Concrete walls benefit from concrete bolts, high-tensile grade 8.8 setscrews or spring bolts. These are designed to grip into the solid, dense structure of cured concrete without cracking it.
Select anchors rated for your load and ensure the drill bit size matches the fixing manufacturer’s recommendations for a secure hold.
Which fixings should I use for plasterboard walls?
For plasterboard walls, use drywall screws, self-drilling Tek screws or wafer head screws. These secure into studs and spread their load across the board’s surface.
Avoid heavy loads unless anchored into a stud, as plasterboard alone has limited load-bearing capacity and can tear under weight.
Can I use brick fixings on a concrete wall?
Often yes, but with caution.
Many brick fixings work in concrete if sized correctly. But the density of concrete can demand tougher materials or different thread heads.
Always check the fixing’s product description to confirm compatibility with concrete before using it to avoid underperformance or damage.
Can I use brick fixings on a plasterboard wall?
No. Brick fixings are designed for dense materials and won’t grip into plasterboard.
Trying to use brick fixings on a plasterboard wall can cause them to spin or pull straight through.
Instead, choose plasterboard-specific screws or anchors that spread load across a larger surface or grip securely into studs.
Can I use concrete fixings on a brick wall?
Generally yes, since both materials are dense masonry.
Many concrete fixings will also hold in brick. But performance can vary depending on the brick’s hardness.
Avoid overly aggressive expansion anchors in softer or older brick, as they can crack it. Choose masonry or bolts instead.
Can I use concrete fixings on a plasterboard wall?
No. Concrete fixings need to grip into solid material and so won’t hold in plasterboard. Instead, they’re likely to spin loose or just tear through.
For plasterboard, use fixings designed to anchor into hollow walls or secure directly into studs for maximum strength.
Can I use plasterboard fixings on a brick wall?
Not effectively, no. Plasterboard fixings are designed for hollow, lightweight walls. They lack the strength of thread design to bite into brick.
Instead, use masonry fixings like thunderbolts or throughbolts that can drill and grip securely into dense material for lasting performance.
Can I use plasterboard fixings on a concrete wall?
No. Plasterboard fixings won’t grip into dense concrete. And they might even break during installation.
For concrete, always use purpose-made fixings like concrete bolts of high-grade setscrews. These can withstand the material’s hardness and provide a secure hold under heavy loads.
How do I choose wall anchors?
Start by identifying your wall type. Then match it with an anchor designed for that material.
Consider the weight, size and use of the fixture, as well as environmental factors like moisture.
Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on load ratings, drill sizes and installation methods for a secure result.