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

Spax Flooring Screws 4.5 x 60mm Pack of 300

Stanley 1-TRA706T 10mm Heavy Duty Staples - Pack of 1000

Ancon Staifix HRT4 Type 4 Wall Tie 275mm (Pack of 250)

Ancon Staifix RT2 Type 2 General Purpose Wall Tie 225mm (Pack of 20)

Fischer 7mm Brown Plastic Wall Plugs (Pack Of 100)

Rawlplug UNO Universal Plastic Wall Plug Yellow 5x24mm 96pk

Ring Gate Catch 150mm Black

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M12x150mm

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M12x180mm

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M12x200mm

Square Plate Washer BZP M12 50x50mm

Ancon Staifix HRT4 Type 4 Wall Tie 225mm (Pack of 20)

Metpost Flush Fit Bolt Down System 2 73-78mm

Joist Hanger Galvanised 47x150mm

Rawlplug M6 Loose Bolts 25mm Pack Of 5

Stanley Heavy Duty Staples 12mm

Ancon Staifix RT2 Type 2 General Purpose Wall Tie 250mm (Pack of 250)

Aluminium Clout Nail 30 x 2.65mm - 1kg Bag

Paslode 921588 Brad Fuel Pack F16 x 32mm Galvanised

Broadfix Polypropylene (PP) Shims, 150 pieces

Stanley 8mm Heavy Duty Staples Pack Of 1000 STA1TRA705T

Paslode 921587 Galvanised Brad Fuel Pack F16 x 25mm

Copper Fixing Strip for Lead (50mm x 20m Roll) - 0.6mm Thickness

Ancon Staifix RT2 Type 2 General Purpose Wall Tie 225mm (Pack of 250)

Broadfix U Frame Packers Mixed Bag 200pk

Coach Screws Hex Head BZP M10x100mm

Coach Screws Hex Head BZP M10x150mm

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M10x75mm

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M10x130mm

GTEC Screws Drywall Self Tapping 32mm 1000pk

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M10x180mm

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M10x200mm

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M12x100mm

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M12x130mm

GTEC Screws Drywall Self Tapping 25mm 1000pk

Metric Studding Threaded Rod BZP M12x1mtr Green

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M10x110mm

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M12x75mm

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M12x110mm

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M12x220mm