A Complete Guide to Construction Fixings
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
Construction fixings are one of the most important elements in any building project. Whether you’re installing timber frames, securing structural steel, fixing plasterboard, or mounting heavy equipment, choosing the correct fixing is critical for safety, durability, and long-term performance.
For UK tradespeople, builders, contractors, and installers, understanding the different types of construction fixings can help improve efficiency on site, reduce costly failures, and ensure compliance with modern building standards.
At Merlin Accessories, we supply high-quality construction fixings, fasteners, sealants, and power tools trusted by trade professionals across the UK.
Screws
Screws are one of the most widely used fixings in construction due to their versatility and ease of installation.
Common Types:
Wood screws
>>> For Timber construction.
Masonry screws
>>> For use on materials such as brick, mortar, or concrete without needing a wall plug.
Self-tapping screws
>>> For stitching metal or attaching to metal. A pre-drilled hole is required.
Drywall screws
>>> For Plasterboard installation
Decking screws
>>> For building or repairing outdoor decking, designed with heavy-duty anti-corrosion coatings to withstand harsh weather and pressure-treated wood.
Key Benefits:
Strong holding power
Easy removal and adjustment
Wide range of coatings and materials
Nuts & Bolts
Bolts are heavy-duty fixings used where high strength and load-bearing capability are required.
Common Types:
Hex bolts
>>> Versatile, partially threaded fasteners used in general engineering and heavy machinery to clamp pieces of wood, metal, or plastic together using a nut.
Hex set
>>> Similar to hex bolts, but fully threaded from the base to the head, making them ideal for adjusting and fastening within tight or tapped space.
Coach/Carriage bolts
>>> Used primarily in woodworking, they have a smooth, domed head and a square neck that bites into the timber to prevent spinning when a nut is tightened.
Roofing bolts
>>> Designed with a wide, flat mushroom head that distributes clamping pressure safely without crushing or damaging thin materials like sheet metal or soft wood.
Anchor bolts
>>> Heavy-duty fasteners used specifically to permanently attach structural or non-structural elements directly to solid concrete or masonry
Key Benefits:
Extremely strong connections
Suitable for structural applications
Reliable under heavy loads
Wall Plugs & Anchors
Wall plugs and anchors provide secure fixing in masonry, plasterboard, and hollow walls.
Common Types:
Plastic wall plugs
>>> Designed for light-duty tasks, these expand with a screw to securely hold lightweight items like picture frames or towel hooks in plasterboard and brick.
Shield anchors
>>> Heavy-duty, torque-controlled anchors that expand inside solid masonry, concrete, or stone, providing maximum grip for structural applications, machinery, and security shutters.
Sleeve anchors
>>> Pre-assembled, versatile fasteners that wedge a split metal sleeve against a drilled hole in concrete or brick to reliably hold medium to heavy items like handrails and equipment frames.
Hollow wall anchors
>>> Designed specifically for cavity walls such as plasterboard or drywall, these expand behind the wall to evenly distribute the weight of medium loads like shelves and curtain rods.
Through bolts
>>> Extremely secure, robust bolts function by expanding a tapered wedge within a pre-drilled concrete hole, typically used to attach items directly through the object into solid concrete or brickwork.
Key Benefits:
Improved grip in masonry
Increased load capacity
Reduced fixing movement
Chemical Fixings
Chemical fixings use resin compounds to bond threaded rods or anchors into masonry and concrete.
Common Types:
Polyester Resin Fixings
>>> Polyester resin is one of the most commonly used chemical anchoring systems for light to medium-duty applications such as Handrails, Shelving, Signage, General-purpose anchoring & Non-structural applications
Vinylester Resin Fixings
>>> Vinylester resin offers improved performance and higher strength than polyester systems. They are best used for Structural steel connections, Heavy-duty anchoring, Concrete installations and other Outdoor construction projects.
Epoxy Resin Fixings
>>> Epoxy resin anchors are designed for the highest-performance applications where maximum strength is required. For example in Structural engineering, Rebar connections, Bridge construction, Heavy machinery installation and in Safety-critical fixings.
Injection Resin Systems
>>> Injection resin systems involve dispensing resin into a drilled hole before inserting threaded rod or anchor studs. Used in Concrete, Hollow brick, Blockwork and High-strength anchoring.
Spin in Glass Capsules
>>> Capsule anchors use pre-measured glass capsules filled with resin and hardener. The capsule is inserted into the drilled hole before the threaded stud is driven into place, mixing the chemicals automatically.
Trade Supply & Advice
At Merlin Accessories Ltd, we supply a wide range of fasteners & fixings. If you’re unsure which product is right for the job, our team can point you in the right direction—quickly and practically, without the guesswork.
📍 Visit our trade counter at Winnall Trading Estate, Winchester📞 Call: 01962 842002
