Knowing how to fit wall plugs is essential for any person that is keen on DIY.  Wall plugs allow you to attach things to brick, concrete or plasterboard walls via screws or bolts.  Although most people know the principles of wall plugs, they can still have trouble using them.  This is because there are many different types of wall plugs available, each having their own installation requirements.  Sometimes you may even drill the correct hole size, only to find that your wall plug is loose, or does not fit.  This guide tells you everything you need to know about fitting wall plugs, and how to install wall plugs perfectly each time.

How do Masonry Wall Plugs Work?

A normal screw cannot be fixed to solid masonry walls without a special fixing such as a wall plug or anchor.

The most common masonry wall plugs are made of plastic, and come in 3 different sizes.  Each size is of a different colour being yellow, red or brown.  Brown plugs are typically used for most DIY applications around the home such as hanging radiators, TV’s, cupboards, ect.  Yellow plugs are the smallest and designed for lighter loads, whereas brown plugs are for heavier loads.  However, sometimes you may encounter a project which requires an extremally strong fixing as the load is very heavy.  Such projects will require wall plug anchors made from steel (also known as wall bolts, rawlbolts or sleeve anchors).  Such applications may include securing an incredibly heavy radiator or TV to a wall.    

All of these wall plugs work on the same principle.  Each are pushed tightly into a drilled hole within your solid brick wall.  The wall plug then expands inside the hole as the fastener is screwed in, thus creating a secure fixing.

Selecting and Installing Masonry Wall Fixings

The infographic below is a general guide that will help you select the most appropriate fixing for your application. Please be aware that the weight loads below are a general guide. It is important to spread the load by using a few wall fixings. For example, a 65-inch LCD TV would probably require 8 brown plugs to be on the safe side.  Always use more than you think, rather than less. If possible, drill holes using an SDS drill, such as this one from the Amazon store.  SDS drills create much more accurate sized holes, therefore making your plugs fit perfect every time. They are also a must for harder materials such as concrete.  Below is an inforgraphic on how to fit wall plugs, and how to go about selecting the correct fixing for your application.

How do Plasterboard Wall Fixings Work?

Plasterboard wall fixings work differently to masonry wall plugs.  This is because plasterboard is usually between 9mm and 15mm thick, and not as strong as brick.  Plasterboard fixings are pushed through a hole within the plasterboard.  They are designed to expand and grip the back of the plasterboard, securing and stopping the plug from being removed. 

Selecting and Installing Plasterboard Wall Fixings

Plasterboard can support a lot of weight, BUT ONLY if you spread the load.  In general, this means you need to install more wall fixings on plasterboard then you would with a masonry wall.  The more distance there is between the plasterboard fixings, the more the load will be spread.  We only recommend plasterboard fixings manufactured by Grip-It.  They have an excellent design which securely grips the plasterboard.  Grip-It also provide a rough guide on their max loads per fixing.  Below is an infographic we made to show the Grip-It product range, plus the installation requirements for each fixing.