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.

Wall Fixings by Load Weight

Use this quick-reference table to choose the right fixing based on the weight of what you’re hanging:

Weight Range Best Fixing Type Wall Type Example Uses
Up to 5kg Plastic wall plug + screw  Solid or stud wall  Small pictures, lightweight decor
5–10kg Self-drill plasterboard anchor / metal cavity fixing  Plasterboard  Medium shelves, mirrors, towel rails
10–20kg Spring toggle / Stella Multi-fix / heavy-duty wall plug  Plasterboard or dot & dab  Large mirrors, small cupboards
20–50kg Stella Multi-fix fixings / frame fixings / shield anchors  Solid or dot & dab walls  Kitchen cabinets, radiators
50kg+ Resin anchor, structural bolts into studs or masonry  Brick, concrete, timber studs  Wall-mounted TVs, heavy kitchen units

Fixings for Solid Brick or Concrete Walls

Recommended Fixings:

  • Wall plugs (e.g. red, brown, or blue rawl plugs)
  • 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

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
  • Corefix kits
  • 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.