When it comes to hanging anything on your wall – whether it’s a mirror, floating shelves, a picture frame, or even a wall-mounted cupboard, choosing the right wall fixing is crucial. Use the wrong type, and you risk pulling the wall apart or damaging your items.
In this guide, we’ll talk about how to:
- Identify your wall type (brick, plasterboard, dot & dab, stud wall)
- Choose the correct fixing for your surface
- Match your drill bit to the material
- Select the right fixing based on item weight
What Type of Wall Are You Drilling Into?
Before you grab your drill, figure out your wall type. This determines which fixing is safe to use:
| Wall Type | Description |
| Solid Walls | Brick, concrete, or breeze block – heavy and load-bearing. |
| Plasterboard Walls | Hollow, internal walls made of gypsum board – common in modern homes. |
| Dot and Dab | Plasterboard stuck to a solid wall with adhesive blobs – has voids behind. |
| Stud Walls | Timber-framed with plasterboard on top – includes vertical wooden studs. |
Fixings for Solid Brick or Concrete Walls
Recommended Fixings:
- Wall plugs: e.g. brown plugs (10 – 14 gauge screw ), red plugs (6 – 10 gauge screw) or yellow wall plugs (4 – 6 gauge screw).
- Masonry screws (concrete screws)
- Shield anchors for very heavy loads
- Frame fixings (ideal for battening or wall plates)
Drilling Tips:
- Use a hammer drill with a masonry bit
- Match drill bit size to wall plug (e.g. 6mm bit for red plug)
- Drill 5mm deeper than the fixing length to allow for dust
Best for: shelves, mirrors, cupboards, brackets
| Colour | Drill Diameter (mm) | Plug Length (mm) | Woodscrew Gauge No (mm) | Metric Screw Size (mm) | Min Hole Depth (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Plug | 6 | 37 | 6 – 10 | 3.5 – 5.0 | 40 |
| Brown Plug | 7 | 37 | 10 – 14 | 5.0 – 6.0 | 45 |
Fixings for Plasterboard (Drywall)
Recommended Fixings:
- Self-drill plasterboard fixings (metal or nylon)
- Spring toggles or hollow wall anchors
- Stell Multi-fix fixings (very strong for heavy items)
- Plastic anchors for light loads
Drilling Tips:
- Use a regular drill and drywall bit
- For spring toggles, check the required hole diameter (e.g. 12mm)
Best for: light to medium-weight items on internal walls
Fixings for Stud Walls
Option 1: Fix directly into the timber stud using:
- Wood screws (usually 5–6mm diameter)
- Coach screws for heavy loads
Option 2: If no stud is available, use:
- Spring toggles
- Hollow wall anchors
- Stella Multi-fix fixings
Tip: Use a stud finder to locate timber framing behind the wall.
Best for: floating shelves, wall-mounted cupboards, TVs
Fixings for Dot & Dab Walls
These walls have gaps behind the plasterboard, making standard plugs less reliable.
Recommended Fixings:
- Stella Multi-fix fixings
- Resin anchors for high load-bearing strength
- Frame fixings with long screws
Tip: Use a long masonry drill to go through plasterboard and into brick/block behind.
Best for: wall cabinets, radiators, pull-up bars
Choosing the Right Drill Bit Size
Always check the packaging of your fixings, but here’s a general guide:
Final Tips for Success
- Mark out with a pencil and spirit level before drilling
- Test drill in a hidden area if unsure of wall type
- Use the correct plug/screw combo — don’t just rely on guesswork
- Always consider weight + wall material before picking a fixing
Shop the Right Fixing for Your Project
At CBL Fastenings, we stock a full range of wall fixings, including:
- Wall plugs
- Heavy-duty cavity fixings
- Plasterboard anchors
- Frame fixings and resin anchors
Whatever you’re hanging, we have the right solution to make sure it stays up — safely and securely.
