Plasterboard Setting Tool

nc6000 · 15-12-2014 7:35pm #1

Do any of you know where in the Dublin area I could pick up one of these Plasterboard Setting Tools?

I've checked online on Woodies\Homebase etc but they don't seem to have them and I'd like to get my hands on one over the next couple of days so I can hang a mirror so ordering from Amazon at this time of year is probably a bad idea.

They look seriously handy and could be an end to my problems with trying to hang stuff on plasterboard.

Cerco · 15-12-2014 8:13pm

Either Lidl or Aldi had them recently complete with various sized anchors.
Not sure which one of them.

FMG · 15-12-2014 8:22pm

Pal of mine got one in Cork Builders , Togher a few weeks back .

iano.p · 15-12-2014 8:25pm

They can be got in b&q there not that expensive either

dodzy · 15-12-2014 9:26pm

If you drill the correct size hole, you wont need it.

Its a handy piece of kit though. Aldi with the Anchor set as previously mentioned from time to time for 12€.

nc6000 · 16-12-2014 2:49pm

Thanks everyone, I'll check in Aldi. I remember seeing plasterboard accessories there recently so hopefully they have some left.

nc6000 · 17-12-2014 12:44pm

dodzy wrote: »

If you drill the correct size hole, you wont need it.

Its a handy piece of kit though. Aldi with the Anchor set as previously mentioned from time to time for 12€.

So you reckon the hole I've been making in the plasterboard has been too big?

My experience with the plasterboard anchors has been pretty hit and miss to date and I'd almost given up on trying to hang anything.

Tokyo · 17-12-2014 8:42pm

nc6000 wrote: »

So you reckon the hole I've been making in the plasterboard has been too big?

My experience with the plasterboard anchors has been pretty hit and miss to date and I'd almost given up on trying to hang anything.

Used these fixings a lot in Australia - the problem with just drilling a hole is that when you use a screwdriver (or in my case, cordless drill with screwdriver bit) to set the fixing in the plasterboard, unless you are pretty careful, the outer flange with the teeth in it spins, and the teeth tear a path in the plasterboard, and you can then never get the fixing as tight as you want it. Using the tool in the video above removes that issue - just pull the trigger until you can't pull it anymore. Definitely worth picking up the tool if you plan on using more than a few of these fixings.

TheLastMohican · 21-12-2014 3:26am

I cannot see a problem with the old fixings - when applied properly. I mean, how many well built houses have you seen with the rads hanging sideways?

ThisRegard · 21-12-2014 1:43pm

Got mine in Homebase, bloody best DIY purchase I ever made.

kellymick39 · 21-12-2014 7:39pm

TheLastMohican wrote: »

I cannot see a problem with the old fixings - when applied properly. I mean, how many well built houses have you seen with the rads hanging sideways?

The house in Cork.ROFL

www .youtube.com/watch?v=auEdi9e4UVo

nc6000 · 23-12-2014 1:18pm

I managed to pick up one of these the other day, it's a great tool. I'll be busy now for the next few weeks hanging stuff up. New towel rails, mirrors, floating shelves etc etc.

ThisRegard · 23-12-2014 2:38pm

They're a godsend, all the years of frustration in hanging on plasterboard solved in minutes.

Supercell · 25-12-2014 12:35pm

Never heard of this before, absolutely a godsend, will be picking on up myself, thanks OP
A quick google - these are called "plasterboard setting tools" , plenty of them on amazon.

dodzy · 26-12-2014 9:44am

Keep a close eye on aldi folks as the complete set pops up now and again. Normally in 2 variants:

A set of various sized fixings (a shedload) along with the setting tool €11.99
A set of just the fixings - €8.99

Just a small point to watch....I've gone through 2 of the setting tools as there is a weakness with one of the axis pins. Not a difficult repair though.

red sean · 26-12-2014 11:07am

The Aldi sets are incredible value when you consider the cost of buying the fixings individually, howwever, I've noticed my setting tool slipping/not extending the fixing last week.
Was this the same problem you had, dodzy?

dodzy · 27-12-2014 12:19am

red sean wrote: »

The Aldi sets are incredible value when you consider the cost of buying the fixings individually, howwever, I've noticed my setting tool slipping/not extending the fixing last week.
Was this the same problem you had, dodzy?

I'll post a snap of the culprit tomorrow. In relation to slipping, just ensure that before you insert the fixing into the plasterboard, the bolt is threaded minimally thus ensuring a good extension for tool insertion*

*sounds weird, I know.

dodzy · 27-12-2014 1:02pm

red sean wrote: »

The Aldi sets are incredible value when you consider the cost of buying the fixings individually, howwever, I've noticed my setting tool slipping/not extending the fixing last week.
Was this the same problem you had, dodzy?

The pic below shows the bar (A) which bends under pressure from part (B). Unavoidable unfortunately. It is caused by the initial trigerring of the fixing. This is where the tool is under most pressure. Once the expansion of the fixing starts, its plain sailing but you will feel this while using the tool and will understand what I mean. If this is your problem, simply remove the circlip at the end of bar A, slide it out, straighten, and re-insert. I'm sure you could purchase a better quality tool but for the price, just buy a few sets and stock up.

Here is a pic of the sets from Aldi.

nc6000 · 29-12-2014 7:16pm

So now that I have the tool and have hung up a few small things I'm wondering what sort of weight can be safely hung on the walls. The fixings box says 25kg but I'm finding that a bit hard to believe.

dodzy · 30-12-2014 9:08am

nc6000 wrote: »

So now that I have the tool and have hung up a few small things I'm wondering what sort of weight can be safely hung on the walls. The fixings box says 25kg but I'm finding that a bit hard to believe.

As with all wall fixtures, it all depends on how far the fixture protrudes out. I've hung flats tvs on these fittings with no issues. That said, none were on extendable arms. Just remember, although they are IMO. The best PB. Fittings out there, you are still talking about a board made of chalk.

Plasterboard Setting Tool

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