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

Easydrive Slotted Nickel-plated Brass Electrical Screw (Dia)3.5mm (L)25mm, Pack of 50

DeWalt Finishing Stainless steel 20° angled Collated Nail (L)50mm, Pack of 2500

Timco Round Wire Nails Galvanised (GRW50T) 50 x 2.65mm 2.5kg

TIMCO Drywall Screw 38 x 3.5mm Box of 1000

TIMco Self Drilling Drywall Screw 32 x 3.5mm Box of 1000

TIMCO Multi Fix Concrete Screw 150 x 7.5mm Box of 100

Carpenters Mate Flat Head Long Screws 200mm (Pack of 10)

Carpenters Mate Flat Head Long Screws 175mm (Pack of 10)

Round Wire Nails 50 x 2.65mm (500g pack)

Timco Bright Round Wire Nails 75 x 3.75mm (1kg pack)

Timco Round Wire Nail Galvanised 75 x 3.75mm (1kg pack)

TIMco Self Drill Drywall Screws 3.5 Gauge 42mm Bright Zinc Plated Box of 1000

Cut Flooring Brad Nails Bright 50mm 500g

Wood Screws Recessed Stainless Steel 5x50mm 200pk

Spax Yellox Countersunk Universal Woodscrews POZI 5.0 x 60mm (Box of 100)

GTEC Screws Drywall Self Drilling 75mm 500pk

Fischer Metal Cavity Fixing HM 6 X 37 S With Metric Screw (each)

Fischer S10 10mm Nylon Plug (Pack of 50)

Spax Yellox Countersunk Universal Woodscrews POZI 4.0 x 70mm (Box of 100)

TIMCO Classic Multi Purpose Screw Yellow 6x150mm 100pk

Stainless Steel Tying Wire 18 Gauge TW18SS

Ancon Staifix Screw-in Frame Tie 130mm L Silver

Flat Connector Plate 60 x 180mm

Diall UPVC Nails 2.65 x 50mm (125g pack)

Spax Yellox Countersunk Universal Woodscrews POZI 3.0 x 20mm (Box of 200)

Spax Yellox Countersunk Universal Woodscrews POZI 3.5 x 50mm (Box of 200)

Galvanised Clout Nails 65 x 2.65mm (1kg pack)