For many years, I worked for the Rawlplug Company. In the R & D Department within the factory, a 1 ton block of concrete was positioned in the middle of the floor. A small hole was then drilled in the exact centre of it and a red Rawlplug tapped tightly into the hole. An eye-hook was screwed fully down into the red Rawlplug. A portable crane was then used to lift and suspend the concrete block approximately 20 mm off the floor. Visitors were always shown this feat of strength of the Rawlplug.
Rawlplug released a series of plastic plugs a few years ago called Rawlplug Uno. I have found them brilliant in concrete walls, you do have to make sure the hole and screw size are correct for the plug you are using. They do claim you can use them in plasterboard walls, never tried it but I'm curious if it works
When drilling into a plaster wall the hammer action tends to cause more damage to the plaster so I like to leave the hammer action off while going through the softer plaster and only turn it on when I hit brick hard enough to need it. Sometimes you can go deep enough for the plug without needing it at all. It's also easier to stop the bit from drifting when starting the hole without the hammer action.
No way. You have changed my life! My solution to stop the bit drifting was to use a bullet tipped masonry bit. That really helped but your tip is awesome. Maybe I am thick for not working it out for myself, but hey ho! Thank you.
Started watching without much expectations ... and actually learned a LOT. No wonder you have so many subs. Even on "trivial" subjects you extract gold for people that are no newbies. Very well done !!!!
The old school way I dealt with oversized holes when bigger plugs were not available was to force one or more match sticks into the hole alongside the plug. Worked well enough.
I’ve done that many times, but even better are the sticks that come with the diffusers that you use in bathroom smellies. They always put too many in there and they are long and very useful for said task.
Thank you for making this video. It answers so many queries where I’ve just guessed on past projects without really knowing what sizes for wall plugs, screws, drill bits & correct uses and hoped for the best. Subscribed 👍🏼
If you are just starting out on your DIY journey then watch this video! Great explanation of correct use of both basic wall plugs and drill bits - thank you.
I've been doing building work for almost 3 decades and I've never thought about putting a plug in plug, I would normally put splinters of wood if hitting a mortar line.
I always take the drill off hammer at first, check the hole and if needed, re-drill it back on hammer. Works every time especially for old brick or concrete block.
I love this video. Most people wouldn't think to explain all these different scenarios in which difficulties can arise. I love the level of detail here. So, you can only carry so much stuff around on your jobs, especially when you always carry around the essential framed photo of His Royal Highness (RIP).
Great tips - thanks Andy. I've wrapped insulation tape round a plug on occasion when the hole is too big, but I think your plug in plug solution is better. And your two plugs back to back is brilliant. It's so simple and yet I never thought of it. I'm not going to forget that little gem! Thanks!
Just to echo other people's comments. A great video, wasn't expecting much but learnt a lot. It was presented with clear imagery, good narration and explanations - I've subscribed
Awesome thanks for this! Made a bit of a mess when installing floating shelves and felt not so good but this has been useful! Fingers crossed now, feeling positive
Excellent video, so much useful information and clarification of plug & screw sizes. This has just solved several issues for this beginner DIYer. Thanks!
Here's a tip for people who just have a manual screwdriver, or a cheap electric one. The screw can get so tight that the screwdriver slips and damages the slot, making it very difficult to drive the screw in further. Put a drop of washing up liquid on the screw thread before driving it in, to act as a lubricant, and make the job easier. The liquid will dry up after a while and even make the grip more secure, and it won't rust the screw.
Like you, I pretty much only use red plugs. I only ever buy the 'Rawlplug UNO Universal' plugs now, have used them for years and never had a problem, highly recommended.
Finally someone who understands HOW things work and just doesn't bang it in. So many trades by me just bang it in and then are surprised when it fails.
Nice tip for the plug in plug! Would of never thought of that! Just came accross your channel recently as a reccomended channel, and already binged many of your videos! I also live in Ryton so from your neck of the woods!
I found this very useful, just what I needed at the start of a project where I need to make decisions on size of wall plug and the manner of fixing., strength being important.
Hit a Mortar joint.....hole shot to bits....Filled it with Gripfill adhesive/mastic pushed in the plug....let it set...fixed bracket for item...been there 10 years...solid. Try it on one of your test Tuesdays..... No good if you're in a rush....But, next day fixing no issues. I suppose you could fix in a wooden dowell with good results too.
My mate drilled a hole for a 8mm plug... And it was slack, He panicked. I grabbed an old pencil, snapped end off, and hammered it into the end of the plug.... It's proper solid!
You can tap a small finishing nail (or two) between a plug and the concrete if the plug is loose in the hole. Quick and easy, and there's always a few nails kicking around.
I always use a smaller bit for the plugs like for my red plugs I use a 5.5 and for my brown 7mm plugs I use a 6.5 but very rarely use wall plugs now I love tork fixings
I hate using these fixings but this video has given me confidence to recognise where I’m going wrong and do it right in the future. Thanks! Also love the excellent tips in the comments. 🙏 😊
Surprised to find this worthwhile viewing! The inner cores of 1.5 mm cable, and .... bamboo barbecue skewers are useful space fillers, as of course small wooden wedges. Thanks.
Nicely done once again 👍. The "Well done Andrew" statement should be reserved only for the following..... a yellow in a red inside a brown with two additional cocktail sticks...😂🤣😂. Keep up the awesome vids 👍.
Howay Andy Another great informative vid. Quick question, what happens if you put a long screw through a single short plug? Presume the holding strength is diminished? Nice tip for doubling up the plugs by the way, shall try that :)
Always good to see tips that someone else has picked up. I’ve taken to putting copper wire into plugs that aren’t getting a fixing. Also, if the situation allows I sometimes bang a timber wedge into soft mortar joints and that will often be the best fixing in the whole piece
What I like to do is drill a pilot hole, put a short length of bare copper wire (12 or 14 ga) in the hole and then drive the screw in. The copper will smash around the steel threads of the screw, acting like a makeshift helical insert. Holds really well. Not sure where I learned this but i like it in concrete walls.
Hi, Grate video. I need to install kitchen unit on wall and the screw which i'm using are 5mmx75mm and the wall plug are 8mmx40mm. Do I need to use two wall plug or i can just use 1 wall plug
Great video. Any tips for preventing drill bit tip slipping from engineered bricks? They're a nightmare to drill into, and I had to buy a mains SDS hammer drill, on top of an 18v Combi hammer drill (which couldn't do the job!)
oy, how I wish I could use these. being in a 1920 plaster and lathe building here in the US doesn't give me a lot of options. Would love to see you cover that, but it seems as there aren't as many plaster and lathe construction left in the UK, almost seems like you have more wattle and daub
You would be supprised to find out just how many are still left but not touched due to them exploding when trying to put something on a wall, well it seems that way when it goes wrong!
Love the videos, just discovered the channel. I enjoy watching back to basics style videos as you can often pick up excellent little tips. By the way, I know over time on sites it's drifted away from this, but technically they're actually rawlplugs
The walls in my house are made from Leca, so the hammer action isn't needed at all. It creates other challenges though, so I usually use a large pick to make a hole that will keep the bit centered. The reason why I use my rotary hammer anyway (Bosch GBH 18V-20), is because I have a GDE 16 Plus dust guard for it, that I simply hook up to my GAS 18V-10L vacuum. That way all the dust is removed while drilling, and I don't even have to clear the floor under the spot. :) Looks like I will have to get me a set of 0.5mm undersized bits though...
Some good tips in this video, I have some special old Thermalite plugs which have a wings on the sides and you have to hammer them in, probably not made anymore 😂
i have fitted a bath screen to a plasterboard ceramic tiled wall, i chose 6mm Fischer duopower plugs, my question is... if i need to remove my bath screen when decorating will the plugs still be ok for screwing the screen back onto the wall again?
I bought ceiling-point anchors... or pad eye plates. The kit came with orange plugs. These anchors are going in studs, are the plugs still necessary? The point-anchors will suspend at least 2-300lbs. I thought plugs were more for when you cant find a stud... or are they still needed in a stud if you are using them for heavy duty purposes? thanks!
People don't tell you this stuff. Thanks. Bought a trailer tent today. Got my handy man tape out to measure up the trailer. The salesman was impressed, so I told him where he could get one.
Help! My wall plug is a tad too long For the whole I drilled. I darn’t drill deeper. Is it possible to cut a piece off the wall plug and if so which side.
Great set of tips here Andy and particularly liked the plug in plug tips. Have you ever used the Fischer "Wet N Fix" stuff? I bought some years ago but have never been brave enough to try it. BTW, at 14:05 you forgot to mention the age old adage "always cut towards your mate" 😈Keep these videos coming - I always learn something
As you mentioned sleeve anchors, perhaps you have a tip on how to remove them. I have an obsolete TV aerial bracket on the side of my house that I want to remove and have been wondering how I might get the anchors out of the holes.
For many years, I worked for the Rawlplug Company.
In the R & D Department within the factory, a 1 ton block of concrete was positioned in the middle of the floor.
A small hole was then drilled in the exact centre of it and a red Rawlplug tapped tightly into the hole.
An eye-hook was screwed fully down into the red Rawlplug.
A portable crane was then used to lift and suspend the concrete block approximately 20 mm off the floor.
Visitors were always shown this feat of strength of the Rawlplug.
Rawlplug released a series of plastic plugs a few years ago called Rawlplug Uno.
I have found them brilliant in concrete walls, you do have to make sure the hole and screw size are correct for the plug you are using.
They do claim you can use them in plasterboard walls, never tried it but I'm curious if it works
When drilling into a plaster wall the hammer action tends to cause more damage to the plaster so I like to leave the hammer action off while going through the softer plaster and only turn it on when I hit brick hard enough to need it. Sometimes you can go deep enough for the plug without needing it at all. It's also easier to stop the bit from drifting when starting the hole without the hammer action.
Handy tip , thanks
No way. You have changed my life! My solution to stop the bit drifting was to use a bullet tipped masonry bit. That really helped but your tip is awesome. Maybe I am thick for not working it out for myself, but hey ho! Thank you.
Started watching without much expectations ... and actually learned a LOT. No wonder you have so many subs. Even on "trivial" subjects you extract gold for people that are no newbies. Very well done !!!!
Never cease to amaze me; been using this sort of stuff for YEARS and yet Andy can still show stuff in a different light. Brilliantly done!
Every day's a school day, I'm in my 60's, never thought of yellow in red or two in line. Thanks
.
Likewise - I'm 65 and never thought of doing that !
The old school way I dealt with oversized holes when bigger plugs were not available was to force one or more match sticks into the hole alongside the plug. Worked well enough.
My dad didn that!
I’ve done that many times, but even better are the sticks that come with the diffusers that you use in bathroom smellies. They always put too many in there and they are long and very useful for said task.
Thank you for making this video. It answers so many queries where I’ve just guessed on past projects without really knowing what sizes for wall plugs, screws, drill bits & correct uses and hoped for the best. Subscribed 👍🏼
This video was very helpful considering my house is all concrete. In fact, all your videos are very good. Much appreciated 👍🏼
If you are just starting out on your DIY journey then watch this video! Great explanation of correct use of both basic wall plugs and drill bits - thank you.
I've been doing building work for almost 3 decades and I've never thought about putting a plug in plug, I would normally put splinters of wood if hitting a mortar line.
One of the best bids you have done hands down
Totally useful...for a novice..a great watch on Sunday evening.
I always take the drill off hammer at first, check the hole and if needed, re-drill it back on hammer. Works every time especially for old brick or concrete block.
Excellent that you take the time to explain and display the basics. Very useful to learn for the beginners like me.
I love this video. Most people wouldn't think to explain all these different scenarios in which difficulties can arise. I love the level of detail here. So, you can only carry so much stuff around on your jobs, especially when you always carry around the essential framed photo of His Royal Highness (RIP).
Great tips - thanks Andy. I've wrapped insulation tape round a plug on occasion when the hole is too big, but I think your plug in plug solution is better. And your two plugs back to back is brilliant. It's so simple and yet I never thought of it. I'm not going to forget that little gem! Thanks!
Just to echo other people's comments. A great video, wasn't expecting much but learnt a lot. It was presented with clear imagery, good narration and explanations - I've subscribed
Which is stronger: A wood screw in a wall plug OR a concrete screw straight into the masonry? How do you select between the two methods? Thanks
One of the best vids you have done hands down
Awesome thanks for this! Made a bit of a mess when installing floating shelves and felt not so good but this has been useful! Fingers crossed now, feeling positive
Excellent video, so much useful information and clarification of plug & screw sizes. This has just solved several issues for this beginner DIYer. Thanks!
Been doing this stuff for many years, but learnt a lot ty 👍👍
Here's a tip for people who just have a manual screwdriver, or a cheap electric one. The screw can get so tight that the screwdriver slips and damages the slot, making it very difficult to drive the screw in further. Put a drop of washing up liquid on the screw thread before driving it in, to act as a lubricant, and make the job easier. The liquid will dry up after a while and even make the grip more secure, and it won't rust the screw.
Mate so thrilled to see the Indian tri-colour in the company of the commonwealth! Good on you. Thumbs up just for that.
Like you, I pretty much only use red plugs. I only ever buy the 'Rawlplug UNO Universal' plugs now, have used them for years and never had a problem, highly recommended.
Finally someone who understands HOW things work and just doesn't bang it in. So many trades by me just bang it in and then are surprised when it fails.
Nice tip for the plug in plug! Would of never thought of that! Just came accross your channel recently as a reccomended channel, and already binged many of your videos! I also live in Ryton so from your neck of the woods!
Are this the standard S-series of Fischer? Like S5, S6 and S8? In the Netherlands I only find those in grey.
I found this very useful, just what I needed at the start of a project where I need to make decisions on size of wall plug and the manner of fixing., strength being important.
Paired down wedges of timber was the way once, so quite convenient these wall plugs are really
Simple, but brilliant.....well done
Fantastic Andy Thank you. More tips for my library. Never thought of running them back to back. Will now. 👍👍👍👍
No worries! 👍👊
As always. Excellent tips and useful info. Nice one.
Hit a Mortar joint.....hole shot to bits....Filled it with Gripfill adhesive/mastic pushed in the plug....let it set...fixed bracket for item...been there 10 years...solid. Try it on one of your test Tuesdays..... No good if you're in a rush....But, next day fixing no issues.
I suppose you could fix in a wooden dowell with good results too.
Excellent video. These tips are something a lot of us discovered over years of experience. Extremely helpful.
Cheers Sir! 👍👊
Thanks! I loved this video instruction. It was clear, simple, and covered the topic thoroughly. I just subscribed to your channel.
My mate drilled a hole for a 8mm plug... And it was slack,
He panicked.
I grabbed an old pencil, snapped end off, and hammered it into the end of the plug....
It's proper solid!
You can tap a small finishing nail (or two) between a plug and the concrete if the plug is loose in the hole. Quick and easy, and there's always a few nails kicking around.
I always use a smaller bit for the plugs like for my red plugs I use a 5.5 and for my brown 7mm plugs I use a 6.5 but very rarely use wall plugs now I love tork fixings
I hate using these fixings but this video has given me confidence to recognise where I’m going wrong and do it right in the future. Thanks!
Also love the excellent tips in the comments. 🙏 😊
Top tippage Agent Gosforth 👍
Surprised to find this worthwhile viewing! The inner cores of 1.5 mm cable, and .... bamboo barbecue skewers are useful space fillers, as of course small wooden wedges. Thanks.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Interesting video and it was worth watching for the yellow inside a red let alone anything else.
Stay safe.
Really useful video, well explained and presented, good info.
I have a brick wall decoration of 1cm depth for the brick part. Can I drill with a 10mm on the brick? I want to hang a 65" TV
I fit Kitchens and always use 7 mm brown plugs in a 6,5 mm hole with 2 inch 10s on wall units and it gives a solid fixing
Mate, you just saved me a huge amount of hassle. thank So Much! cheers
Nicely done once again 👍. The "Well done Andrew" statement should be reserved only for the following..... a yellow in a red inside a brown with two additional cocktail sticks...😂🤣😂. Keep up the awesome vids 👍.
Excellent video did not expect to learn as much i did to be honest, subscribed.
Keep up the good work 🤙🏽
great tips as usual. Love the two plug and the plug in plug
Great tips as ever Mr Gosforth! 👍 Keep them coming.
Inner cores of 1.5 mm cable pushed into oversized hole will provide a good emergency screw fixing.
Excellent video tanx for the upload looking forward to dot and dab wall video can't usually get a good fixing on them walls👍
LOLZZZZZZ! "I know in America you call them anchors or something WEIRD like that" 🤣😆👌🏻👍🏻! Great video. Learned a lot as a beginner.
Great tips in this video. No more plug problems for me🇬🇧
awesome video! just wondering why you are using wood screws over concrete screws?
Brilliant Andy! If you are ever in Hertfordshire I need some carpentry work done please!
Great tips Andy.
Cheers Khurram! 👍👊
The concrete screws used for windows with the t30 heads are great they are like a double thread
Howay Andy
Another great informative vid.
Quick question, what happens if you put a long screw through a single short plug? Presume the holding strength is diminished? Nice tip for doubling up the plugs by the way, shall try that :)
Always good to see tips that someone else has picked up. I’ve taken to putting copper wire into plugs that aren’t getting a fixing. Also, if the situation allows I sometimes bang a timber wedge into soft mortar joints and that will often be the best fixing in the whole piece
Yup - defo, timber wedge is proper old school and still one of the best fixings in mortar lines. Totally agree. 👍👊
fantastic vid great advice.
Great tip for SDS. I wish I'd watched this video before I drilled everything 6mm!
Cheers Andy good video again
I always use Wicks Wet and Fix plaster pads for those powdery wall situations
Those are some great tips. I learned a lot from this video. Thanks man!
No worries! 👍👊
Very good massage thank you sr
Love your vids! I learn so much and save so much $ DIY. Thanks, keep 'em coming!
What I like to do is drill a pilot hole, put a short length of bare copper wire (12 or 14 ga) in the hole and then drive the screw in. The copper will smash around the steel threads of the screw, acting like a makeshift helical insert. Holds really well. Not sure where I learned this but i like it in concrete walls.
Hi, Grate video. I need to install kitchen unit on wall and the screw which i'm using are 5mmx75mm and the wall plug are 8mmx40mm. Do I need to use two wall plug or i can just use 1 wall plug
Very good content, my only complain is that you could try to compact the video in less time, you could have cover all this in no more than 5 min.
Great video. Any tips for preventing drill bit tip slipping from engineered bricks? They're a nightmare to drill into, and I had to buy a mains SDS hammer drill, on top of an 18v Combi hammer drill (which couldn't do the job!)
2:15.... You just stopped me from moaning about drill bit sizes. Lol. I always use a 5.5mm for the red wall plug.
Yea me too. In fact the red plugs I have state 5.5mm bit. But I suppose it can vary depending on manufacturers.
Very good video!
Thank you :)
Wood is good for plugging, and pieces of cable into oversized hole works also
Great tips, thanks
Great tips Andy, nicely presented! Good job mate ! 👍👍
Cheers bud! 👍👊
What do you do if you can only get 3/4 inch into your exterior wall? So something for a good holding material but very shallow?
oy, how I wish I could use these. being in a 1920 plaster and lathe building here in the US doesn't give me a lot of options. Would love to see you cover that, but it seems as there aren't as many plaster and lathe construction left in the UK, almost seems like you have more wattle and daub
You would be supprised to find out just how many are still left but not touched due to them exploding when trying to put something on a wall, well it seems that way when it goes wrong!
Yeah - still plenty lath & plaster left over here! We're frightened to breathe on it. 😂👍👊
Gosforth Handyman I know the feeling! :D
Love the videos, just discovered the channel. I enjoy watching back to basics style videos as you can often pick up excellent little tips.
By the way, I know over time on sites it's drifted away from this, but technically they're actually rawlplugs
The walls in my house are made from Leca, so the hammer action isn't needed at all. It creates other challenges though, so I usually use a large pick to make a hole that will keep the bit centered.
The reason why I use my rotary hammer anyway (Bosch GBH 18V-20), is because I have a GDE 16 Plus dust guard for it, that I simply hook up to my GAS 18V-10L vacuum. That way all the dust is removed while drilling, and I don't even have to clear the floor under the spot. :)
Looks like I will have to get me a set of 0.5mm undersized bits though...
The rawl plugs which come with item purchased are usually substandard
Does anyone know what material it is when you drill into the wall and the dust is black? Thanks
Thank yo u so much for your time, really usefule stuff.
Some good tips in this video, I have some special old Thermalite plugs which have a wings on the sides and you have to hammer them in, probably not made anymore 😂
I have 5mm screws 60mm in length, do I need the red plugs or the brown ones? Thanks
i have fitted a bath screen to a plasterboard ceramic tiled wall, i chose 6mm Fischer duopower plugs, my question is... if i need to remove my bath screen when decorating will the plugs still be ok for screwing the screen back onto the wall again?
Great tips - thanks for sharing.
thanks for the tips it really helped me
As always very informative thank's.
What do you recommend for thermalight blocks?
I bought ceiling-point anchors... or pad eye plates. The kit came with orange plugs. These anchors are going in studs, are the plugs still necessary? The point-anchors will suspend at least 2-300lbs. I thought plugs were more for when you cant find a stud... or are they still needed in a stud if you are using them for heavy duty purposes? thanks!
Have you done the clothes peg trick m8t
People don't tell you this stuff. Thanks. Bought a trailer tent today. Got my handy man tape out to measure up the trailer. The salesman was impressed, so I told him where he could get one.
YES….. TWO PLUGS !!
Awesome !
Always learn a lot from your videos, even simple stuff like how to get your drill bit back on track when you hit a little stone in concrete.
Cheers! 👍👊
Help! My wall plug is a tad too long For the whole I drilled. I darn’t drill deeper. Is it possible to cut a piece off the wall plug and if so which side.
What type of plug is best for airated blocks (thermalite)?
Great set of tips here Andy and particularly liked the plug in plug tips. Have you ever used the Fischer "Wet N Fix" stuff? I bought some years ago but have never been brave enough to try it.
BTW, at 14:05 you forgot to mention the age old adage "always cut towards your mate" 😈Keep these videos coming - I always learn something
I have and it was solid when set
As you mentioned sleeve anchors, perhaps you have a tip on how to remove them. I have an obsolete TV aerial bracket on the side of my house that I want to remove and have been wondering how I might get the anchors out of the holes.
See my vid on wall bolts - link in desc, covered in that one. 👍