I need a screw...

Bluefoam

Just moved into a house and need to start fitting curtain rails, shelves, mirrors and a few small projects....

Want to move to Torx head screws throughout (start as you mean to go on) but having difficulty finding a selection box with assorted sizes of multipurpose screws and Rawl plugs.

Do I need to go out and buy individually? What Rawl plugs match? Is there any standard sizes that are 'go to'... Sorry for the amateur questions

https://screwshop.co.uk/product/torx-head-high-performance-multi-purpose-screw/

Calahonda52

don't we all.

go to you local hardware store and buy the small packs until you figure out what is the most common size you need.
are walls solid or plaster board
if pb you may need to look at express nails, plenty on the forum about them/ their use
https://mybuildingsupplies.ie/product/m8x110-express-nail-zyp?gclid=CjwKCAjw0On8BRAgEiwAincsHNNblWjiqNp6QllrY-7Vdb3uJlvmvKgaSo22RimAnQFXMEk3IOH2vBoCt_cQAvD_BwE

for screws
My go to for solid is 8mm, nothing else

listermint

Not sure if you read torx screw here or somewhere else. But top tip.

Don't be wasting your ballix on torx screws for fitting shelf's and curtain poles. Unless your putting in hundreds of screws as on decking or taken the items down regularly torx are a waste of money.

Go by an assorted screw and plug box from aldi or any large hardware store . Even Amazon if you want. It's cheaper you'll get more for your money and a wider size selection than the torx.

You simply do not need them for the job you want. And no one will notice you've used them either.

Bluefoam

The walls are plasterboard, but the shirts behind are shallow... Then into block.

sbsquarepants

Was just going to say the same thing - there's nothing to be gained with torx screws, except a pain in the arse when you can only find 20 different pozi bits for your screwdriver!

I always go scrulox for the likes of that kind of thing.

Bluefoam

I actually think this might do the trick...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0766877VC/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Seems flexible enough for what I need & I'll buy a bigger selection when I figure out what I'm using... If I necessary, I'll pick up wood screws as required.

Lumen

If you're putting rawl plugs into blockwork the most important thing is having the drill bit diameter, rawl plug size and screw size match up.

Ideally keep them all together to make it idiot proof.

the_pen_turner

sbsquarepants wrote: »

Was just going to say the same thing - there's nothing to be gained with torx screws, except a pain in the arse when you can only find 20 different pozi bits for your screwdriver!

I dont agree
The cost increase is well worth it . It's not a lot more but the benefits easily justify it especially for I experienced diyers that struggle with stripping the heads of screws. Torx almost never strip outer cam out.

Not having the bits is a crazy reason for not using torx. It's like saying dont buy a diesel car because you have a few cans of petrol in the shed.

If find the essa boxs fairly good

Lumen

Posi heads are a pain in the arse.

I often find myself shoving various apparently identical looking bits into a PZ head to find one that roughly works.

With Torx it's easy to see whether it fits.

That said, all the Torx screws I own are self-drilling Spax screws for wood, and I don't know whether they're advisable to use with rawlplugs. I don't see any reason why they shouldn't work, but I guess you'd need to carefully match the screw size.

On the cost issue, think of the cost of the screw vs the cost of the thing you're wanting to keep on the wall.

aido79

Bluefoam wrote: »

The walls are plasterboard, but the shirts behind are shallow... Then into block.

I wouldn't recommend using rawl plugs for putting up curtains on plasterboard. They will eventually pull out with the weight of the curtains especially if opening and closing them a lot.

These are much better:

https://www.screwfix.ie/c/screws-nails-fixings/plasterboard-fixings/cat840020

Effects

ReginaldSmythV wrote: »

I always go scrulox for the likes of that kind of thing.

Harder to find screws and bits to drive them here in Ireland. I used to use them years ago, and they were amazing though.

Hurrache

This is the only thing you need
https://www.screwfix.ie/p/setting-tool/12429
along with wall anchors like this
https://www.screwfix.ie/p/rawlplug-hollow-wall-anchors-m6-x-52mm-20-pack/68410

I wouldn't bother with the plastic ones or screw in plugs when hanging heavy stuff.

sbsquarepants

the_pen_turner wrote: »

I dont agree
The cost increase is well worth it . It's not a lot more but the benefits easily justify it especially for I experienced diyers that struggle with stripping the heads of screws. Torx almost never strip outer cam out.

Not having the bits is a crazy reason for not using torx. It's like saying dont buy a diesel car because you have a few cans of petrol in the shed.

If find the essa boxs fairly good

If you're repeatedly stripping the heads off screws, you're doing something wrong, most likely using the wrong bit, either a philips or just the wrong size. Although i do agree you are less likely to do that with torx.


Apart from that - there's no benefit whasoever that i can see?

The Mulk

Hurrache wrote: »

This is the only thing you need
https://www.screwfix.ie/p/setting-tool/12429
along with wall anchors like this
https://www.screwfix.ie/p/rawlplug-hollow-wall-anchors-m6-x-52mm-20-pack/68410

I wouldn't bother with the plastic ones or screw in plugs when hanging heavy stuff.

+1 on the above, saves so much time and better than any other plasterboard fixing i've used.
We used to call them 'Hit' fixings

On the screwlox mentioned above, I think there known as Robertson head screws and should be available in most electrical wholesaler, very handy to use when working on your own.

https://www.thomasnet.com/articles/hardware/robertson-screwdriver-history/

https://www.electricalwholesaler.ie/products/cablemanagementfixings/fixingsscrewsadhesives/screwsstainlesssteelscrews/4x30mmscrewlox

awec

sbsquarepants wrote: »

If you're repeatedly stripping the heads off screws, you're doing something wrong, most likely using the wrong bit, either a philips or just the wrong size. Although i do agree you are less likely to do that with torx.


Apart from that - there's no benefit whasoever that i can see?

Even with the right bit Pozi can cam out. Torx has better torque, so will go in easier, and will not cam out.

If you're using rawl plugs though the required effort to sink the screw should be minimal, so camming out is less of an issue. I wouldn't bother with torx for rawl plugs.

awec

Hurrache wrote: »

This is the only thing you need
https://www.screwfix.ie/p/setting-tool/12429
along with wall anchors like this
https://www.screwfix.ie/p/rawlplug-hollow-wall-anchors-m6-x-52mm-20-pack/68410

I wouldn't bother with the plastic ones or screw in plugs when hanging heavy stuff.

I wouldn't use them for heavy stuff like curtains. The snap or spring toggles would be better.

Hurrache

You can get different plug sizes which are more than capable for hanging really heavy stuff. I've been using them for years with not so much a crack in plaster, and we've plenty of heavy curtains around the place .

You can get a variety of sizes depending on what you're using, they expand when fixed properly like a toggle.
I'm evangelical about these yokes as I had an passionate hate for the regular rawl plug style things, and even these anchors before I discovered the existence of a fixing tool for them.

the_pen_turner

sbsquarepants wrote: »

If you're repeatedly stripping the heads off screws, you're doing something wrong, most likely using the wrong bit, either a philips or just the wrong size. Although i do agree you are less likely to do that with torx.


Apart from that - there's no benefit whasoever that i can see?

Someone used to driving screws wont cam out or strip screws that much. Diyers often do it regularly I see it loads of times taking down stuff that was diyed

That alone is enough reason to go torx

The bits last ages without breaking

Calahonda52

Hurrache wrote: »

This is the only thing you need
https://www.screwfix.ie/p/setting-tool/12429
along with wall anchors like this
https://www.screwfix.ie/p/rawlplug-hollow-wall-anchors-m6-x-52mm-20-pack/68410

I wouldn't bother with the plastic ones or screw in plugs when hanging heavy stuff.

The OP mentioned curtain rails, we now know he has plasterboard so the above solution is not just good enough: just heartache.
The only solution I have found works for this is a 10 mm or 12mm express nail, maybe 110 mm long driven flush with the pb
insert either a rawlplug and screw or use a self tapping screw.
As for torx vs the rest, forex all the way as its just easier, especially if you wear bi focals

the_pen_turner

Calahonda52 wrote: »

The OP mentioned curtain rails, we now know he has plasterboard so the above solution is not just good enough: just heartache.
The only solution I have found works for this is a 10 mm or 12mm express nail, maybe 110 mm long driven flush with the pb
insert either a rawlplug and screw or use a self tapping screw.
As for torx vs the rest, forex all the way as its just easier, especially if you wear bi focals

Corefix are great for dot and dab plasterboard

Where are you getting 10mm pr 12mm express nails. I only ever used 6mm or 8mm

Hurrache

Calahonda52 wrote: »

The OP mentioned curtain rails, we now know he has plasterboard so the above solution is not just good enough: just heartache.

Maybe, but like I said, with my experience over the years there's been no issues using these on plasterboard to hang curtains.

The Mulk

Calahonda52 wrote: »

The OP mentioned curtain rails, we now know he has plasterboard so the above solution is not just good enough: just heartache.
The only solution I have found works for this is a 10 mm or 12mm express nail, maybe 110 mm long driven flush with the pb
insert either a rawlplug and screw or use a self tapping screw.
As for torx vs the rest, forex all the way as its just easier, especially if you wear bi focals

Express Nails for a bracket for a curtain pole???

I'd say that's a bit overkill, maybe frame fixings if you need to reach the plaster board behind.

Best method I've found is long sds drill bit, drill the block behind for a rawl plug and use a long screw. Do this in the top hole of the bracket.
Use the plaster board fixings in the bottom hole to hold the bracket level.
Can be tricky for the rawl plug and screw.
This method was for very heavy living room curtains, all other rooms I used the plasterboard fixings only, the bigger 5mm screw size, still up 15 years later

the_pen_turner

The Mulk wrote: »

Express Nails for a bracket for a curtain pole???

I'd say that's a bit overkill, maybe frame fixings if you need to reach the plaster board behind.

Best method I've found is long sds drill bit, drill the block behind for a rawl plug and use a long screw. Do this in the top hole of the bracket.
Use the plaster board fixings in the bottom hole to hold the bracket level.
Can be tricky for the rawl plug and screw.
This method was for very heavy living room curtains, all other rooms I used the plasterboard fixings only, the bigger 5mm screw size, still up 15 years later

Nothing wrong with that. Problem is that as you tighten the screw you can pull the slab in. The express nail stops that. The plasterboard is independent of the fixings. A pipe does the same but it requires being cut to length perfectly

The Mulk

The Mulk wrote: »

Express Nails for a bracket for a curtain pole???

Read it again,
you knock in the express nail flush to the plasterboard then put the plug into the express nail!

The Mulk

the_pen_turner wrote: »

Nothing wrong with that. Problem is that as you tighten the screw you can pull the slab in. The express nail stops that. The plasterboard is independent of the fixings. A pipe does the same but it requires being cut to length perfectly

I have done this alright(overtighten the screw),
So are you using the express nail as a sleeve, similar to the length of pipe and inserting a screw and rawlplug into the express nail?

Just seen above, never tried this, I've only used express nails for fixing roof battens and wall plates before

Calahonda52

Hurrache wrote: »

Maybe, but like I said, with my experience over the years there's been no issues using these on plasterboard to hang curtains.

Have you ever had kids, grandkids swing out of curtains, especially those ones on the long wooden poles, or babies trying to climb up them?

Whatecvver works for you is grand, I just wont reply on pb fixings for anything, if it fell, could do harm

Bluefoam

Who would've thought getting a screw would be so complicated?

Hurrache

Calahonda52 wrote: »

Have you ever had kids, grandkids swing out of curtains, especially those ones on the long wooden poles, or babies trying to climb up them?

Whatecvver works for you is grand, I just wont reply on pb fixings for anything, if it fell, could do harm

Kids yes, they're still kids so too young for kids of their own so no grandkids.

CoBo55

Bluefoam wrote: »

Who would've thought getting a screw would be so complicated?

It’s boards everything gets complicated :rolleyes:

aido79

Bluefoam wrote: »

Who would've thought getting a screw would be so complicated?

The main thing you need to take from this thread is not to use rawl plugs in plasterboard. There might be a few different solutions mentioned but rawl plugs aren't one of them.

cheif kaiser

I always just buy a trade pack https://www.screwfix.ie/p/goldscrew-pz-double-countersunk-woodscrews-trade-pack-1400-pcs/69034

A box of red wall plugs and a box of brown wall plugs and you good to go for the vast majority of projects.

awec

aido79 wrote: »

The main thing you need to take from this thread is not to use rawl plugs in plasterboard. There might be a few different solutions mentioned but rawl plugs aren't one of them.

Rawl plugs work absolutely fine in plasterboard, so long as you use the ones for plasterboard and you use them for what they are intended (i.e. not really heavy things).

aido79

awec wrote: »

Rawl plugs work absolutely fine in plasterboard, so long as you use the ones for plasterboard and you use them for what they are intended (i.e. not really heavy things).

It depends what they're being used for. The OP mentioned using them to hang curtains which would be a bad idea.

cloneslad

Hurrache wrote: »

This is the only thing you need
https://www.screwfix.ie/p/setting-tool/12429
along with wall anchors like this
https://www.screwfix.ie/p/rawlplug-hollow-wall-anchors-m6-x-52mm-20-pack/68410

I wouldn't bother with the plastic ones or screw in plugs when hanging heavy stuff.

Agree 100% of these for any heavy items. I've used them on some pretty heavy mirrors and some shelving I knew would be taking a decent bit of weight and they are great. Straight forward to use too.

We only have curtains in 2 spare bedrooms and I just used rawl plugs and screws for them. Once you use the right size rawl plug and screw for the job they should hold up fine, unless someone is hanging out of them.

Turbulent Bill

cloneslad wrote: »

Agree 100% of these for any heavy items. I've used them on some pretty heavy mirrors and some shelving I knew would be taking a decent bit of weight and they are great. Straight forward to use too.

We only have curtains in 2 spare bedrooms and I just used rawl plugs and screws for them. Once you use the right size rawl plug and screw for the job they should hold up fine, unless someone is hanging out of them.

Agreed too, the only caveat is to get fittings designed for your plasterboard thickness, so the 'wings' fold out properly. The installation tool makes them a doddle to put in, and I've found them bombproof once installed (including for curtains).

I've never had success with Rawlplugs in plasterboard, and can't see how the design would work consistently given the board will crush once the screw is put in. It's just a matter of time before they loosen.

dodzy

aido79 wrote: »

These are much better:

https://www.screwfix.ie/c/screws-nails-fixings/plasterboard-fixings/cat840020

Terrible, terrible fittings.

Bluefoam

I ended up getting a multibox of these Rawl plugs... Have used them for dozens of projects since and have bought various sizes to have at hand. Can't fault them, they've been super strong and nothing that I've put up has budged. They are a bit pricey, but if you're putting something on your wall, it's a permanent feature, so deserves to be done right.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B016AD76FW?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title