Question 1

1. What is ‘builders’ metalwork’?

Accepted Answer

Builders’ metalwork refers to pre-formed metal parts used to reinforce, join, or support timber and masonry in construction. Common examples include joist hangers, angle brackets, restraint straps, and timber connector plates. These components are typically made from galvanised or stainless steel and are used in structural timber framing, roofing, and masonry builds to meet load bearing and safety requirements.

Question 2

2. What are the most common types of fixings used in timber construction?

Accepted Answer

Timber work typically uses wood screws, collated nails, and metal brackets with nails or bolts. Nail guns are used for speed on larger jobs, with related consumables.

Question 3

3. How do I choose between nails, screws, and bolts?

Accepted Answer

This always depends on the situation at hand, but as a rule: use screws for precision and holding strength, nails for speed (especially with a nail gun), and nuts & bolts for heavy loads or structural applications.

Question 4

4. Can I use the same fixings for masonry and timber?

Accepted Answer

No. Masonry work needs plugs, anchors, or bolts, while timber fixings are designed to grip wood fibres. It's best to base the type of fixing you choose on substrate type, or it won’t work effectively or meet appropriate quality standards.

Screws and fixings

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M10x130mm

Square Plate Washer BZP M12 50x50mm

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M10x200mm

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M12x150mm

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M12x180mm

TIMCO Hexagonal Head In-Dex Timber Screws 150 x 6.7mm Olive Green

Hex Nut & Washer BZP M10 (Bag of 10)

Ulti-Mate® Stick-Fit Woodscrews - 5.0 x 80mm Tub 350

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M10x180mm

Timco Velocity Multi-Use Screws, PZ, Yellow, 4.5mm x 80mm, 200 Box

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M10x220mm

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M10x75mm

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M10x150mm

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M12x100mm

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M12x130mm

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M12x200mm

GTEC Screws Drywall Self Tapping 25mm 1000pk

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M10x110mm

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M10x240mm

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M12x75mm

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M12x110mm

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M12x220mm

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M12x240mm

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M6x100mm

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M8x50mm

Staifix RT2 Wall Tie 225mm 20pk

OJ Cup Square Hex Bolt & Nut Bzp M6X40MM 10 Pack

Carriage Bolt & Nut M8 X 75mm Bright Zinc Plated

Gutter Bolt & Nut BZP M6x25mm

Roofing Bolt And Nut M6 X 30mm Dia Zinc Plated

Spax Wirox Construction Screws 6 x 120mm Pack of 24

Spax Wirox Construction Screws 6 x 120mm Pack of 100

Unifix Cup Square Hex Bolt & Nut M10 x 100mm

Unifix Roofing Bolt & Nut M6 x 50mm Pack of 25

Timco 3.5 x 50 Fine Drywall Screws Black PH2 Box of 1000

Threaded Rod 1000mm x M12 BZP Studding

Timco Carriage Bolts & Hex Nuts Zinc DIN603 M10 x 100 (24 Pack) 10100CBB

Timco Carriage Bolts & Hex Nuts Zinc DIN603 M10 x 150 (14 Pack) 10150CBB

Timco Carriage Bolts & Hex Nuts Zinc DIN603 M10 x 180 (12 Pack) 10180CBB

Timco Carriage Bolts & Hex Nuts Zinc DIN603 M12 x 130 (12 Pack) 12130CBB