For brick, block, or concrete walls, plastic wall plugs are the most common solution. Drill a hole to match the plug diameter, insert the plug, then drive in the screw. The plug expands inside the hole and grips the masonry firmly. For heavier loads, such as kitchen cabinets or structural brackets, mechanical anchors offer a stronger hold. Always match the wall plug colour and size to the screw gauge being used.
Wall Plugs, Anchors and Fixings for Every Surface
Getting the right fixing for the job matters more than most people realise. The wrong choice and things come loose, surfaces crack, or worse. MacBlair stocks a broad range of fixings across more than a dozen sub-categories, covering everything from lightweight wall plugs to heavy-duty anchors, so the right product is always available regardless of the substrate or application.
The range covers a wide variety of fixing types and scenarios:
- Wall plugs and anchors for masonry, brick, and block
- Plasterboard fixings and spring toggles for hollow and stud walls
- Frame and hammer fixings for door and window frames
- Insulation fixings for securing insulation boards securely in place
- Worktop fixings, corner braces and connectors, and modesty blocks for joinery and furniture
- Jubilee clips, cable ties, staples, and packers for general building and installation work
Choosing the correct fixing comes down to the surface material, the load it needs to bear, and whether the wall is solid or hollow. Masonry walls take wall plugs and mechanical anchors. Plasterboard and stud walls need purpose-made cavity fixings, spring toggles, or self-drilling options. Match the fixing to the job. If screws are also needed, the screws range at MacBlair carries wood, drywall, concrete, and self-tapping options alongside much more.
For larger fastening requirements, the nuts and bolts range includes carriage bolts, coach screws, threaded bar and washers. All fixings are available to order online with delivery across Northern Ireland, or collect in store at any MacBlair branch.
Expansion Joint FAQ's
It depends on the weight of the item. Lightweight fixings like self-drilling plasterboard fixings or universal wall plugs work well for pictures, mirrors, and hooks. For heavier items such as shelves or TV brackets, cavity wall anchors or spring toggles are more reliable, as they expand or grip behind the board. Always check the manufacturer's rated load capacity before hanging heavy objects on plasterboard.
Spring toggles are used to fix items to hollow walls and plasterboard where there is no stud behind the fixing point. They work by feeding spring-loaded wings through a drilled hole; once through, the wings open out against the back of the board, locking the fixing in place. They are suitable for curtain poles, towel rails, and other medium-weight fittings. Note that if the screw is removed, the toggle drops into the wall cavity, so they are generally a one-time fixing.
Wall plugs are colour coded to indicate size. Red plugs suit a 5mm to 6mm drill bit and work for medium-weight fittings like curtain poles or small shelves. Brown plugs take a larger screw and are better for heavier loads. The plug you need depends on the screw gauge you are using and the weight of the item being fixed. Always drill the hole to match the plug diameter exactly — too large and the plug will not grip; too small and it may split the material.
Insulation fixings are purpose-made plastic fixings with a wide, flat head designed to hold insulation boards firmly to walls or ceilings without tearing through the material. Standard screws or plugs do not grip insulation boards effectively and can pull through under load. Insulation fixings are commonly used when fitting rigid foam or mineral wool boards as part of an external or internal wall insulation system. They are also used when fixing insulation to roof rafters or between studs.