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

OJ Vortex Power Screw 6x200mm Pk=15

Buildbase Galvanized ELH Clout Nails 13x3.0mm 500g

OJ Unifix 1kg Galv Round Wire Nail 50x2.65 Pouch

OJ 1KG Pouchbag Galvanised Round Wire Nail 125X5.60

OJ Unifix 1kg Galv Square Twist Nail 40x3.75 Pouch

Simpson Adjustable Joist Hanger JHA450 75

OJ Copper Clout Nail 38x2.65mm Bag 1kg

Simpson Strong-tie Heavy Engineered Restraint Strap 600 Mm

Simpson Strong-tie Light Engineered Restraint Strap 600 Mm

OJ Copper Clout Nails 38x3.35mm 5kg Tub

Simpson Joist Hanger Masonry JHM200 190x47mm JHM200/47

Cup Square Carriage Bolt & Nut BZP M10x50mm

Spax Frame Anchor Screw - Full Thread - Wirox Coated 7.5 X 80mm

OJ Unifix Concrete Bolt Hex Head 10[12]x100mm (4)

Fischer Heavy Duty Plasterboard Fixings Nylon Pack Of 25

Fischer Self-drive Metal Plasterboard Fixings Pack Of 50

OJ Cup Sq Hex Carriage Bolt 4.8 DIN 603/555 BZP - M8x40

SPAX® YELLOX Wood Screw Flat Countersunk Head Yellow Tub 4.0x50mm 650pk

SPAX® YELLOX Wood Screw Flat Countersunk Head Yellow Tub 5.0x50mm 430pk

SPAX® YELLOX Wood Screw Flat Countersunk Head Yellow Tub 5.0x70mm 250pk

SPAX® YELLOX Wood Screw Flat Countersunk Head Yellow Tub 5.0x90mm 150pk

SPAX® YELLOX Wood Screw Flat Countersunk Head Yellow Tub 5.0x100mm 135pk

OJ Hex Nut And Washer BZP M16 (4)

Ancon ST1 Heavy Duty Wall Tie 225mm

Fischer Frame Fixing SXR 10 X 100 Z (pack 12)

Ancon ST1 Heavy Duty Wall Tie 250mm

Metpost Bolt Down Wedge Grip 99-103mm

Ancon SPB 125mm Frame Cramp 45-69mm

GTEC Self Tapping Drywall Screw 65mm (box Of 500)

GTEC Self Tapping Drywall Screw 50mm (box Of 1000)

OJ JCP AMNH075 Masonry Nails - Heavy Shank - 75x3.5mm 100pk

OJ JCP AMNL030 Masonry Nails - Light Shank - 30x2.5mm 100pk

OJ Cup Square Hex Bolt & Nut Bzp M6X75MM 10 Pack

OJ JCP Plasterboard Plug 7MM Pack 20

Simpson Adjustable Joist Hanger JHA450 150

OJ Timberdrive Screw 7x100mm Green Hex Head Pk25

Owlett Jaton Round Wire Nail 2.5kg 50x2.65mm Tub Ce

Thunderbolt 12 x 100mm Hexagon Head Zinc/yellow.

OJ Thunderbolt Thunderbolt 12x150mm Hexagon Head Zinc/yellow.

OJ Thunderbolt Thunderbolt 8x100mm Hexagon Head Zinc/yellow.