Wall Fixings

[mravant]

Hi,
I was looking to buy some hollow wall anchors (for the first time), to hang a quite heavy (12kg) mirror cabinet, on a plaster board stud wall.
The plasterboard is standard 12.5mm + about 4mm skim (if i recollect correctly).

I would be grateful if you could tell me which is the right size anchor I need as there are so many different sizes.

Thanks!!

 

[Monkeh]

Find the studs and use them if at all possible.

Otherwise, use these, as many as you can: http://www.screwfix.com/p/hollow-wall-anchors-8-16mm-m5-x-52mm-pack-of-10/12229

 

[mravant]

Thank you.

I was not sure what length to use as there are different ones, 43mm, 52mm, 72mm etc....

I know that if you have the wrong length, the anchor will be useless...

So you think 52mm length will be ok?

And sorry to be a pain but would you recommend the anchors over the self drive plasterboard plugs?

 

[Deleted member 174758]

A word of advice on that type of fixing - they work far better if installed with the right tool to set them (better than a Readi-Driva or "curly whirly" type). The wings spread out and grip really firmly with no risk of it spinning round in the hole. Also make your holes in the wall a snug fit. 52mm should be OK

 

[Monkeh]

52mm is the right size for a single sheet of 12.5mm plasterboard, unless you have an insane amount of plaster over it! You may have to buy longer screws separately depending on how they go through the item you're fixing.

I'd definitely use them over the self-driving sort, those rely on threads cut into a very crumbly piece of board. Very easy to make a mess of.

The setting tool's not a bad idea but not strictly necessary. It does save you from a sore wrist though.

 

[mravant]

Thanks folks!!!!

Now I will have to actually do some work...