Dry Lining Fixings

Plasterboard fixings, also referred to as drylining fixings, are a specific type of fastener designed to securely attach objects to plasterboard walls (also known as drywall). Plasterboard itself is a versatile and popular building material but due to its lightweight, hollow construction, standard screws cannot provide a strong hold. Plasterboard fixings address this issue by using various mechanisms to grip the plasterboard from behind, distributing the weight of the attached object more evenly and across a larger area.

Here's a breakdown of some of the common types of plasterboard fixings available at MGN Builders Merchants:

• Spring Toggles: These fixings expand behind the plasterboard as the screw is tightened, creating a strong anchor.
• Metal Self-Drive Fixings: These fixings drill their own pilot hole and expand as the screw is driven in.
• Drywall Screws: These are standard screws designed for use with plasterboard fixings. They typically have a coarse thread and a sharp point to penetrate the plasterboard easily. MGN Builders Merchants offers drywall screws in various lengths and finishes to suit your needs.

Featured Products:

• Rawlplug Spring Toggle M5 x 50mm (PK 6) R-S1-SPO5050/6: A reliable expanding anchor for supporting heavier objects in plasterboard walls.
• 4.2 x 13mm Wafer Head Self Tapping Screw Bright Zinc Plated Box Of 1000: A popular choice for general plasterboard fixing, featuring a decorative wafer head and a corrosion-resistant zinc finish.
• Rawlplug Metal Self Drive Plasterboard Fixings (PK 25) R-S1-DRA02/25: Self-drilling fixings for a fast and efficient installation process.
• Drywall Screws Black 3.5 x 25mm Box of 1000 Phosphate Fine Thread: Phosphate-coated drywall screws offering a strong grip and a discreet black finish that disappears beneath the plasterboard surface.
• 32mm Collated Coarse Drywall Screws Box of 1000 TT32COLLDRY1000: Collated coarse thread screws ideal for use with screw guns, perfect for fast and repetitive fixing tasks.

Why shouldn't I use standard screws for fixing plasterboard?

Standard screws are not designed for the specific properties of plasterboard. They may not grip the board effectively, and could cause the plasterboard to loosen or pull away from the wall over time, leading to cracks in the finished surface.

What type of drylining screw should I use?

The ideal drylining screw will depend on several factors:

• Weight to be supported: Lighter screws are suitable for electrical fittings or pictures, while heavy-duty fixings are needed for supporting cabinets or shelves.
• Thread type: Coarse threads offer better grip in crumbly plasterboard, while fine threads are suitable for denser boards.

Application: Choose countersunk screws for a discreet finish or wafer heads for a decorative touch.