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

1000mm Speed Pro Heavy Duty Restraint Strap Bent At 150mm Galvanised 1000mm 4mm X 27.5mm

1400mm Speed Pro Heavy Duty Flat Restraint Strap Galvanised 4mm X 27.5mm

20mm Speed Pro Multi Purpose Fixing Band 10m

Speed Pro 50mm X 2.65mm Stainless Steel Annular Ring Nails 1kg Bag

Speed Pro S4 5.0 X 50mm High Performance Wood Screws Tub Of 450

Arris Rail Bracket 12

Drylining Metal Frame & Ceiling ELS6 Joist Hanger 180mm 100pk

Drywall Screws Black Phosphate 3.5x32mm 200pk

Fish Tail Frame Tie Galvanised 50x200mm

Clout Nails Galvanised 75x3.75mm 2.5kg

Panel Pins Bright 40x1.6mm 500g

Reisser Cutter Countersink Pozi Woodscrew Yellow 5x120mm 200pk

Cut Floor Brads Bright 50mm 2.5kg

Lost Head Nails Bright 3.35x65mm 500g

TIMCO Drywall Screws Zinc Fine Thread 3.2x25mm 1000pk

Carpenters Mate Pro 8mm Hex Head Screws 6.3x90mm 250pk

TIMCO Drywall Screws Zinc Fine Thread 3.5x32mm 1000pk

TIMCO Drywall Screws Zinc Fine Thread 3.5x50mm 1000pk

TIMCO Drywall Screws Zinc Fine Thread 4.2x75mm 500pk

Annular Ring Shank 40x2.65mm 2.5kg

Fascia Nails Plastic Head Black 50mm 100pk

TIMCO Classic Multi Purpose Screw Yellow 6x130mm 100pk

Wafer Head Self Drilling Drywall Screws BZP 14mm 200pk

47mm X 150mm Speed Pro Multi Functional Face Fix Joist Hanger Galvanised Pack Of 30

Speed Pro M12 X 1m Zinc Plated Threaded Bar

Stainless Steel Tying Wire 18 Gauge TW18SS

Rawlplug WHO Frame Countersunk Screws 30 Pieces 92 X 7.5mm Zinc Plated

Rawlplug WHO Frame Countersunk Screws 112 X 7.5mm Zinc Plated Pk Of 30

Masonry Nails 2.5mm X 40mm Box Of 100 R-mnl-25040

Simpson H6T10 5mm Twist Restraint Strap 30 X 600mm

Simpson Strong-tie Girder Truss Clip 47 Mm Wide TCP47

Uno Yellow Plug 5mm Card 96 68-500

Rawlplug 3.0mm X 50mm Masonry Nails Qty 100

Rawlplug Loose Anchor Bolt Size M6 6.50 X 55mm Chrome

Rawlplug M6 Loose Bolts 25mm Pack Of 5

Simpson Strong-tie Mini Joist Hanger 47mm

Simpson Strong-tie Heavy Duty Faced Fixed U Joist Hanger 145 X 91 X 2mm

Rawlplug FF1 Frame Fixing Countersunk Screw 200mm L Chrome

Speed Pro S2 4.0 X 25mm Multi-purpose Wood Screws Box Of 200

Speed Pro S2 4.0 X 40mm Multi-purpose Wood Screws Box Of 200