Plasterboard Fixings & Screws
(40 Products)Plasterboard fixings and screws are essential components used in construction to securely attach objects to plasterboard walls, which are typically less robust than solid walls. Plasterboard, also known as drywall or gypsum board, is widely used for interior walls and ceilings due to its ease of installation and smooth finish. However, its relatively soft and brittle composition makes it necessary to use specialised plasterboard fixing components that distribute weight effectively and prevent damage to the board.
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What Are Plasterboard Fixings & Screws?
Plasterboard fixings and screws are specialised components used in construction to securely attach materials to plasterboard. Given plasterboard’s relatively fragile nature, standard screws can easily cause damage by pulling through or cracking the surface.
To prevent this, plasterboard fixings are designed with unique structures, such as toggles, anchors, or expanding mechanisms, that distribute weight more evenly and enhance holding power.
Why Do You Need Plasterboard Fixings?
The reason for plasterboard fixings' necessity lies in their ability to provide a strong and stable connection, acting as a long lasting fixing solution for your installations.
Unlike standard screws or nails, plasterboard fixings are engineered to grip into the material without causing damage, often incorporating a sharp point to make installation into dry walling easier, preventing the plasterboard from crumbling or sagging over time.
Moreover, the correct plasterboard fixings ensure that fixtures like shelves, cabinets, or artwork can be safely and securely mounted to the wall without the risk of detachment or failure. They play a vital role in maintaining the integrity and aesthetics of plasterboard installations, providing both strength and discretion in their application.
Available Plasterboard Screws & Fixings
- Coarse Thread Drywall Screws
- Self Drilling Plasterboard Fixings
- Collated Drywall Screws
- Spring Toggles
- Black Phosphate Drywall Screws
- Zinc Drywall Screws
Types of Screw Heads
Screw heads are the part of a screw that is designed to be turned or tightened with a tool such as a screwdriver or wrench. There are several different types of screw heads, each with its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the application.
Some common types of screw heads include:
- Flathead: This type of screw head has a single slot or groove that is designed to be turned with a flathead screwdriver. Flathead screws are commonly used in woodworking and other applications where the screw head needs to sit flush with the surface of the material.
- Phillips head: This type of screw head has a cross-shaped slot that is designed to be turned with a Phillips screwdriver. Phillips head screws are commonly used in automotive and electronics applications.
- Torx head: This type of screw head has a star-shaped pattern that is designed to be turned with a Torx screwdriver. Torx screws are commonly used in applications where high torque is required, such as in machinery and appliances.
- Hex head: This type of screw head has a six-sided shape that is designed to be turned with a hex key or wrench. Hex head screws are commonly used in construction and automotive applications.
There are many other types of screw heads, each with its own unique features and benefits. Choosing the right type of screw head for a given application is an important part of ensuring a secure and reliable fastening.
Types of Threads
A screw thread is a helical ridge or groove that is wrapped around the outer or inner surface of a cylindrical or conical object, such as a bolt, screw, or nut.
The thread is designed to match with a corresponding thread on another object so that when the two objects are turned or screwed together, they will become securely fastened.
Coarse Thread Drywall Screws
Coarse Thread Drywall Screws are designed to apply plasterboard to light steel or timber studding.
Fine Thread Drywall Screws
Fine-thread drywall screws are self-threading and specifically purposed to fix plasterboard sheets to metal studs.
Frequently Asked Plasterboard Fixings Questions
How Much Weight Can Plasterboard Anchors Hold?
Weight capacity varies depending on the anchor type and quality, as well as the plasterboard thickness. It’s best to check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure the anchor can handle the load safely.
Which Fixing Method Should I Use When Installing Insulated Plasterboard Panels?
When it comes to insulating external walls, especially brick walls which offer little thermal protection, fixing plasterboard insulation panels is often your best option. While insulated drywall boards can be used on internal walls, there are generally more cost-effective alternatives that you should consider.
Fixing foam insulated plasterboard is a simple process with the right tools and know-how. Insulated plasterboard fixings can be easily secured with a rubber mallet or an SDS adaptor in combination with a lightweight SDS drill set. Make sure to turn off the rotary action and go at a slow speed for maximum efficiency.
To securely mount insulated plasterboard sheets on your ceiling, you'll need the right fasteners to drive through both the boards and timber ceiling joists.
There is an abundance of fixings on the market suitable for securing plasterboard faced thermal insulation, Insofast insulated plasterboard fixings for example.
For alternative insulated plasterboard installation (with drywall adhesive), check out our super handy dot and dab adhesive guide.
Self-Threading vs Self-Tapping Screws: What's the Difference?
- Self-tapping screw: These screws feature a sharp point that can cut its own threads as it's driven into the material. They're designed to be used in materials that are already softer than the screw material, such as wood, plastic, or sheet metal.
- Self-drilling screw: These screws have a drill bit-like end that can drill its own hole as it's driven into the material. They're designed to be used in harder materials like metals, as they can cut through the material without the need for a pre-drilled hole.
How To Differentiate Between Fine Threads & Coarse Threads?
The threading must be deep set and broad in order to be deemed 'Coarse'. Fine threaded fasteners, on the other hand, will have narrower, shallower ridges and a greater number of threads per axial distance.
What Is A Bugle Head?
Screws with conical heads are known as bugle screws. Their countersunk head assists the screw in securing itself without tearing through the outer paper layer.
What Is The Black Coating Often Seen on Drywall Screws?
The black coating that can be seen on a common drywall screw is not just a cosmetic feature, it actually serves a functional purpose. Drywall screws owe their black colour to their phosphate coating which protects the metal from rusting.
This corrosion resistance is most common in coarse threads as they're typically used to apply plasterboard to timber, an application which presents a higher risk of damp and rust.
How Do You Refer To The Ridges On A Screw?
The standard industry term for these ridges is threads.
What Is The Difference Between A Fastener & A Fixing?
A fastener joins two formerly separate components together while fixing is more a method of securing an object in place. It refers to the process as opposed to the actual component.
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