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

Stainless Steel Frame Cramp 200mm Projection

Ulti-Mate II Stick-Fit Zinc & Yellow Plated Screw 5.0 x 40mm

Timco Polymer Headed Nails White (PN40W) 40mm (100 Pack)

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

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)

Broadfix Assorted Glazing Flat Packers - Pack of 120

Timco No.2 Picture Hooks & Nails Brass Sngle Bag Of 12

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

Ancon Staifix RT2 General Purpose Wall Tie 250mm (20 Pack)

25mm x 25mm MF17 Metal Suspension Angle 3600mm

Ancon PPS200 Straight Movement Debonding Tie, 200 mm, With Sleeve

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

Stanley Heavy Duty Staple 12mm 1000 Pack

Fischer 16G Galvanised 32mm Angled Brad Nails BX 2000 (No Gas)

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

Fischer 16G Galvanised 63mm Angled Brad Nail BX 2000 (No Gas)

Fischer 16G Galvanised 38mm Angled Brad Nail BX 2000 (No Gas)

Fischer 16G Galvanised 45mm Angled Brad Nail 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

Forgefix Black Cable Ties (Bag of 100) 4.8mm x 200mm

Forgefix Black Cable Ties (Bag of 100) 4.8mm x 300mm

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

FirmaHold Framing Nailer Fuel Cells - 80ml

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

SuperFOIL Rad-Foam Radiator and Pipe Insulation Set

Cast Iron Bracket Screws 1.25Inch Zinc Plated

Sabrefix 75mm x 150mm Hand Nail Plate - Pack of 125

Sabrefix 75mm x 100mm Hand Nail Plate - Pack of 250

Sabrefix 50mm x 100mm Hand Nail Plate - Pack of 250