Wall Plugs (15)

Wall Plugs: How and When to Use Them

Wall plugs are designed to be fixed into materials that are brittle and cannot support large weight, the plugs provide friction and grip to the screw which is holding the weight. Some common uses are hanging heavy items such as shelves, mirrors, curtains and picture frames onto solid walls.

Table of Contents

1. How Wall Plugs Work
2. Factors to Consider with Wall Plugs
3. Surfaces Wall Plugs Are Used With
4. How to Use Wall Plugs

1. How Wall Plugs Work

Wall plugs are vital in many domestic DIY projects, due to the long term results they provide. They are used to hold screws tightly in place, in materials such as masonry and plasterboard. Wall plugs make sure that the screw is tightly fixed and they provide a strong grip in solid materials, as well as providing an anchor in hollow walls. Without the use of wall plugs, screws start to become loose over time.

They work by gripping onto the sides of the drilled hole and expand when a screw is driven into it, providing further friction. The standard wall plug is manufactured from medium-duty plastic, delivering excellent grip and strength.

2. Factors to Consider When Using Wall Plugs

• Substrate Material - One of the most important factors to consider is the material of the substrate. Harder substrates include materials like concrete, stone and brick. Softer materials include plasterboard, plastics and softwood
• Length and Depth - Typically, the longer the wall plug, the more secure it will be. It is important to know the depth of the material into which the wall plug is inserted. A detector should be used to ensure there are no cables or pipes behind the part of the wall where the wall plug is being inserted
• Diameter - The diameter of a wall plug is the factor that determines the maximum weight it can support. For objects up to 20kg, a wall plug with a diameter of 3 – 5.5mm is ideal. For moderate objects with a maximum load of 20 – 50kg, a wall plug should be 6 – 8mm in diameter.
• Plug Material - Metal wall plugs are suited for heavy-duty applications, plastic and nylon plugs can also be used for heavy loads, depending on their structure and specific features. Nylon can withstand more heat generated when a screw is driven into plastic, making it an ideal low-cost choice for moderate-to-heavy load
• Weight of the Object - Wall plugs with a larger diameter will generally be able to hold more weight, but the wall plug still needs to be balanced when secured into the wall. This is why it is essential to read the maximum load for each wall plug bought

3. Which Surfaces Wall Plugs Are Used With?

Wall plugs can be used with a wide range of substrate materials, such as brick, concrete, plasterboard, drywall and more. It is important to understand the material and choose a wall plug based on this.

Plasterboard - When a wall plug is tightened into a plasterboard wall, the section of the wall plug behind the plasterboard flattens to the side, which in turn tightens the plug to the wall, creating more friction, which is necessary to keep the fixing secure.

Brick and Concrete - Wall plugs can be used in solid surfaces like brick and concrete, especially nylon wall plugs. The nylon design guarantees high resistance to external conditions, making them perfect for hard, solid surfaces.

Drywall - Drywall is one of the most common materials wall plugs are used with, and there are many variations that will provide excellent service. The main attributes needed for a wall plug in plasterboard are the ‘anchors’, that spread through the interior side of the wall.

4. How to Use Wall Plugs

1. Mark the Wall - Use a detector to check there are no cables or pipes behind the area and make a clear marking on the spot you wish to drill
2. Choose a Wall Plug - Once marked, the next step is to choose the correct plug for the application, material, length and diameter are all factors
3. Tape the Drill Bit - An easy way of drilling a hole at the correct length is to tape the drill bit at the length of the plug, ensuring the hole is the correct length
4. Drill into the Wall - Using the appropriate drill bit, drill a hole up to the tape on the drill bit. Make sure to hold the drill square to avoid any wonky holes

Once the hole has been drilled, the wall plug should be inserted and can be lightly hammered for a flush finish. Finally, with the wall plug inserted, the screw can be drilled into the wall plug. If the wall plug is for items like a clock or picture frame, then remember not to drive the screw all the way.

For further technical information relating to our range of wall plugs, please telephone our main sales line on 01772 431 216 or email [email protected].