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

Timco No.3 Picture Hooks & Nails Brass Bag Of 4

Timco 25mm Round Cup Hook White Bag of 6

Timco 10G x 45 Screw Eyes BZP Bag of 5

Timco 10.0 x 150 Multi-Fix Bolt Hex Head Pack of 2

25mm x 25mm MF17 Metal Suspension Angle 3600mm

Ancon Staifix HRT4 Housing Tie, Stainless Steel, 200 mm (Pack of 20)

Ulti-Mate Stick-Fit Woodscrews Tub 4.0 x 30mm

Paslode Impulse Mini Fuel Cell Blister Pack Yellow

Paslode Impulse Standard Fuel Cell Blister Pack Pink

Fischer 16G Galvanised 51mm Straight Brad Nails BX 2000 (No Gas)

Fischer 16G Galvanised 63mm Straight Brad Nails BX 2000 (No Gas)

Timco Index Timber Frame & Decking Screws Green 6.7 x 250mm (50 Pack) 250IN

IM65/A A2 Stainless Steel Brad Fuel Pack (Pack of 2000 + 2 Fuel Cells) 38mm

IM350 Hot Dipped Galvanised RG Nail Fuel Pack (Pack of 1100 + 1 Fuel Cell) 90 x 3.1mm

Holding Down Angles 32mm x 32mm x 300mm - Galvanised (Pack of 50)

Truss Clip 38mm

Simpson Strong Tie Square Plate Washer - 50mm x 50mm x M10 - Galvanised

Spax Universal Flat Zinc Yellox Countersink Pozi Screw 3 x 20mm (200 Pack)

Spax Universal Flat Zinc Yellox Countersink Pozi Screw 3.5 x 50mm (200 Pack)

Timco Clout Nails Galvanised (GCN26565B) 65 x 2.65mm 1kg

Forgefix Loft Leg 300mm x 90mm x 90mm (Box of 12)

Simpson Strong Tie Girder Truss Shoe Galvanised - All Sizes

ALM HALL CLIPS BAG (50)

Timco A2 Stainless Steel Pz2 Csk Screws 4.0 X 25mm (Pack 25)

Stainless Steel Fixing Strip for Lead (50mm x 20m Roll) - 0.5mm Thick

CMS Tools Hall Clips - Pack of 50

CMS Tools Large Hall Clips - Pack of 25

SureFast Pressure Plate Insulation Fixing SP 70mm - Pack of 100

Tacwise Staples for Z3 Staple & Nail Tacker 14mm - Box of 2000

SF-RS-5.8 x 115mm Surefast Fastener - Pack of 100

SF-RS-5.8 x 75mm Surefast Fastener - Pack of 100

HeliFix Flat Headed Turbo Fast 8mm x 220mm Fixing - Pack of 100

Klober Permo TR Plus Universal Tape - 60mm x 25m

SuperFOIL Rad-Foam Radiator and Pipe Insulation Set

Lindab Zinc Plated Guttering Fixing Screws

Cast Iron Bracket Screws 1.25Inch Zinc Plated

Lindab 250mm Round Steel Spike for Pipe Holder

Cast Iron Deep Style Side Fixing Rafter Bracket - 100mm Black Finish