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

Galvanised Round Wire Roofing Batten Nail 2.65 x 65mm - 1kg

Stainless Steel Annular Ringshank Nails 3.35 x 25mm - 1kg

Spax Universal Use Screw - Full Thread - Yellox Coated 3.5 X 20mm

SPAX YELLOX Universal Countersunk Pozi Screws 25 x 4mm Yellow Pack of 200

Siniat Drywall Screws High Thread 3.5x42mm 1000pk

M10 Square Plate Washers 50 x 50mm Zinc Plated

TIMCO Square Plate Washer Zinc M12 3x50x50mm 30pk

Aluminium Clout Nail 50 x 3.35mm 1kg

Galvanised Round Wire Nails - 75 x 3.75mm - 500g

Diall Nickel-plated Upholstery nail (L)12mm, Pack of 50

IM350 RG Bright Nail Fuel Pack (Pack of 2200 + 2 Fuel Cells) 90 x 3.1mm

Reisser Drywall Screws Black Phosphate Coarse Thread 3.5x50mm 1000pk

100mm Galvanised Side Fixing Rafter Bracket for Cast Iron Deep Gutter

Cast Iron Deep Style Side Fixing Rafter Bracket - 100mm Galvanised

Siniat High Thread Drywall Screw 38mm (Box 1000)

Siniat Drywall Screws High Thread 3.5x38mm 1000pk

Unifix Cup Square Hex Bolt & Nut M10 x 130mm Bright Zinc Plated Bag of 5

Siniat Self Drilling Drywall Screw 25mm (Box 1000)

Siniat Drywall Self Drilling Screws 3.5x32mm 1000pk

Siniat Drywall Self Drilling Screws 3.5x25mm 1000pk

Gutter Bolts & Nuts M6 x 50:mm L Bright Zinc Plated

Roofing Bolt & Nut M6 x 25mm Dia Zinc Plated