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

MF20 Wafer Head Self Drill Screw For MF 12mm (1000)

Forgefix Builders Fixing Banding 20mm x 1m x 10m - (Pack of 10)

Forgefix Concrete Frame Screw - Zinc Yellow - 7.5mm x 92mm (Box of 100)

Forgefix Self Drilling Roofing/Cladding Screw 6.3mm x 22mm (Bag of 100)

Probond RG Tape - 15mm x 22.5m Roll

IKO Hyload DPC Fixing Strip PK20 x 2m

Forgefix Cavity Wall Anchor Tool

Forgefix Copper Disc Rivets 20mm x 20mm x 1.5mm (10 x 100/Bag)

Forgefix Heavy Duty Cladding Nails (Box of 100) - Full Range

GL2 Metal stud fixing bracket (100 per box)

Brickfix Crack Stitching Kit

Wall Starter Kit 2236mm

Rawlplug UNO Universal Contract Wall Plug Brown 7mm

SPAX PZ Flat Countersunk Screw Yellox Coated 4.5 x 60mm Qty 100

SPAX PZ Flat Countersunk Screw Yellox Coated 4 x 60mm Qty 100

SPAX PZ Flat Countersunk Screw Yellox Coated - 4.5 x 40mm Qty 200

SPAX PZ Flat Countersunk Screw Yellox Coated 4.5 x 50mm Qty 200

SPAX PZ Flat Countersunk Screw Yellox Coated 5 x 30mm Qty 200

SPAX PZ Flat Countersunk Screw Yellox Coated 5 x 40mm Qty 200

SPAX PZ Flat Countersunk Screw Yellox Coated 5 x 60mm Qty 100

Rawlplug M8 x 1000mm Threaded Rod Zinc Plated

Broadfix Assorted Glazing Flat Packers - Pack of 120

Spax Pz Countersunk Yellox Screws - 3.5x20mm Pack Of 200

Spax Pz Countersunk Yellox Screws - 3.5x25mm Pack Of 200

Spax Pz Countersunk Yellox Screws - 3.5x30mm Pack Of 200

Spax Pz Countersunk Yellox Screws - 3.5x35mm Pack Of 200

Spax Pz Countersunk Yellox Screws - 4x20mm - Pack Of 200

Spax Pz Countersunk Yellox Screws - 4x25mm Pack Of 200

Spax Pz Countersunk Yellox Screws - 4x30mm Pack Of 200

Spax Pz Countersunk Yellox Screws - 4x35mm Pack Of 200

Spax Pz Countersunk Yellox Screws - 4x40mm Pack Of 200

Spax Pz Countersunk Yellox Screws - 4x45mm Pack Of 200

Spax Pz Countersunk Yellox Screws - 4x50mm Pack Of 200

Spax Pz Countersunk Yellox Screws - 5x50mm Pack Of 200

Spax Pz Countersunk Yellox Screws - 5x70mm Pack Of 100

Spax Pz Countersunk Yellox Screws - 5x80mm Pack Of 100

Spax Pz Countersunk Yellox Screws - 5x90mm Pack Of 100

Spax Pz Countersunk Yellox Screws - 5x100mm Pack Of 100

Rawlplug R-LX Zinc Plated Concrete Screw Anchor 7.5 x 75mm

35mm British Gypsum Collated Drywall Screws Box of 1000