Posted on by Andy Mac

Tips for using Wall Plugs & Anchors in Solid Walls

The humble yellow, red or brown wall plug can take huge loads when used properly. A little while ago we showed that a single red plug can take over quarter of a tonne in concrete. In today’s tips video we’re looking at a few simple tips and techniques to get you of of trouble when you’re attaching things to walls.

There are loads of really clever, advanced fixings on the market these days to cater for every conceivable thing you might want to hang on any type of wall. By far the most common anchors used are the humble yellow, red or brown wall plugs. Used correctly these can take staggering loads.

Watch the full video here and you can use the below article for future reference:

Some Simple Tips for Wall Plugs / Anchors! GHTL#32 [219]

Watch this video on YouTube.

Fixings discussed on the above video

Here’s a quick run-down of the fixings mentioned in this video. Purchase links will be added shortly:

Common yellow, red & brown wall plug drill sizes

Obviously these can vary by manufacturer, but common drill sizes for yellow, red and brown plugs are as follows:

  • Yellow: 5mm
  • Red: 6mm
  • Brown: 7 or 8mm *

In the above video I’m using Fischer wall plugs. Fischer’s brown plugs are 8mm in diameter.

Screw sizes for yellow, red or brown wall plugs

Based on Fischer fixings the recommended screw sizes for yellow, red and brown wall plugs are as follows:

  • Yellow: 3 to 4mm screw
  • Red: 4 to 5mm screw
  • Brown: 4.5 to 6mm screw

As a general rule of thumb I use a 5mm screw or 10 gauge (10ga) if I’m using imperial sizes. Thanks to the UK’s crazy mismatch of metric and imperial measurements, we do still commonly see screw sizes measured in imperial or metric measurements. Not the end of the world but just something to bear in mind.

Andy Mac

Andy Mac

Andy runs a busy bespoke woodworking business,making everything from custom furniture through to commercial display systems. He's been self employed most of his life, runs various YouTube channels and is co-host of the UK's first commercial joinery podcast.
Andy Mac

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