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

Round Wire Nails Galvanised 150x6mm 2.5kg

Round Wire Nails Galvanised 40mm 500g

TIMCO Drywall Screws Black Phosphate Collated 3.5x38mm 1000pk

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M12x260mm

Angle Bracket Heavy Duty 150x90x63mm

Carpenters Mate Exterior Wood Screws 63mm 500pk

Joist Hanger Galvanised 47x150mm

Speed Pro M8 X 1m Zinc Plated Threaded Bar

British Gypsum Casoline MF Ceiling Nut & Bolt 12mm X 6mm MF11 Box Of 200

Ring Gate Catch 150mm Black

Simpson Strong-tie Nail Plate Angle Bracket 60 X 40 X 60

Clout Nails Galvanised 2.65x65mm 2.5kg

Twinqwik Metric Studding M16 Threaded Rod 1m Silver

Penny Washer Stainless Steel M8 x 25mm Dia Grey

Clout Nails 38 x 3.35mm 1kg Copper

Spax CSK T-Star Stainless Steel Screws 3.5 x 30mm Pack of 25

DeWalt Galvanised Angled Finish Nails 16ga x 63mm 2500 Pack

Timber to Timber Joist Hanger 50 x 270mm

Rawlplug R-RBL Rawlbolt Shield Anchor Eye Bolt M6

Ulti-Mate II Stick-Fit Zinc & Yellow Plated Screw 4.0 x 70mm

Ulti-Mate II Stick-Fit Zinc & Yellow Plated Screw 4.0 x 40mm

32mm Drywall Screws Collated Black Box of 1000

Timco 3.5 x 50 Fine Drywall Screws Black PH2 Box of 1000

Timco 3.5 x 25 Fine Drywall Screws Black PH2 Box of 1000

Timco 3.5 x 38 Fine Drywall Screws Black PH2 Box of 1000

Timco 3.5 x 32 Fine Drywall Screws Black PH2 Box of 1000

Timco 3.5 x 42 Fine Drywall Screws Black PH2 Box of 1000

Timco 40 x 3.75 Square Twist Nail Galvanised 2.5kg

Timco 75 x 3.75 Round Wire Nail Bright 2.5kg

Timco 65 x 3.35 Round Wire Nail Galvanised 2.5kg

Threaded Rod 1000mm x M16 BZP Studding

Threaded Rod 1000mm x M6 BZP Studding

Black Drywall Screws 50mm Fine Box 1000

Black Drywall Screws 100mm Fine Box 500

PZ Pan head Chrome Effect Mirror screw, Pack of 1

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

Diall Yellow-passivated Carbon steel Screw (Dia)3mm (L)40mm, Pack of 100

Diall Steel Hollow wall anchor M5 (L)37mm, Pack of 4

Timco Nylon Nuts Type P Zinc DIN982 M16 x (2 Pack) 16NPP

Timco Square Plate Washers Zinc M12 x 50 x 50 x 3mm (30 Pack) 1250WHSPZB