Wall Plugs, Staples and Nails for Professional Fixing

Wall Plugs, Hammer Fixings, Nails and Fencing Staples

Wall plugs, hammer fixings, nails and fencing staples perform different functions in building, timber, fencing and garden projects. Choosing the correct fixing depends on the substrate, the material being secured, the requirements of the connection and the conditions in which it will be used.

A wall plug used in a suitable masonry substrate works differently from a nail driven directly into timber. When securing wire or mesh to a timber post, a fencing staple may be the appropriate solution. Matching the fixing to the application is therefore an important part of achieving a reliable installation.

Browse our complete range of wall plugs, hammer fixings, nails and staples or discover all our fasteners.

Which Type of Fixing Do I Need?

Start by identifying the substrate and then determine what material or component needs to be secured. Next, consider the diameter, length, material, finish and technical requirements of the fixing.

• Wall plugs: for use with compatible screws in suitable substrates.
• Hammer fixings: for certain quick through-fixing applications in compatible substrates.
• Nails: depending on type, for direct fixing into timber and suitable wood-based materials.
• Fencing staples: for applications including securing wire and mesh to timber.

Wall Plugs for Screw Fixings

A wall plug is used with a compatible screw to create a fixing where the screw alone would not provide suitable grip in the substrate. As the screw is driven into the plug, the fixing engages with the substrate according to the design of the particular system.

Not every wall plug is suitable for every material. Concrete, solid masonry, hollow or perforated masonry and other substrates may require different types of fixing. Always check the substrates for which the individual product is intended.

Browse our range of wall plugs.

Hammer Fixings for Quick Through-Fixing

Hammer fixings are designed for certain quick through-fixing applications. A hole of the diameter and depth specified for the product is drilled first. The fixing is then inserted through the component being secured and into the drilled hole.

Depending on the individual product, hammer fixings can be used for battens, profiles, frames and other components where the selected fixing is suitable for the substrate and application.

Browse our hammer fixings.

Hammer Plugs

A hammer plug combines a plug with a matching fixing element to provide an efficient through-fixing system. The substrates for which it can be used depend on the individual product. Always check the specifications before installation.

View our hammer plugs.

Window Frame Plugs

Frame plugs are longer fixings intended for certain through-fixing applications involving frames and other suitable components. The correct type and dimensions depend on the component being secured, the substrate and the technical requirements of the installation.

View our window frame plugs.

Nails for Timber and General Fixing

Nails are mainly used for quick direct fixing into timber and suitable wood-based materials. Different sizes and types are available for a variety of construction, timber and garden applications.

The appropriate nail depends on factors including the timber, the connection, the required dimensions and the conditions of use. For outdoor applications, the material and finish should also provide suitable corrosion resistance for the environment.

Browse all our nails.

Fencing Staples for Wire, Mesh and Fencing

Fencing staples are commonly used to secure wire and mesh to timber posts and other suitable wooden surfaces. This makes them useful for wire fencing, mesh fencing, animal enclosures and a variety of garden projects.

The correct staple size and type depend on the wire or mesh, the timber substrate and the required fixing. For outdoor applications, the corrosion resistance of the chosen fencing staple should also be appropriate for the conditions.

Browse our fencing staples. For complete fencing projects, you can also explore our wire fencing and wire fence panels.

Which Wall Plug Do I Need?

Choose a wall plug according to the substrate, the requirements of the fixing, the screw and the component being secured. Screw diameter alone is not enough to determine the correct wall plug.

Before installation, check:

• the type and condition of the substrate;
• the appropriate type of wall plug;
• the required drill diameter;
• the required hole depth;
• the diameter and length of the plug;
• the compatible screw;
• the thickness of the component being secured;
• the requirements of the connection;
• the conditions in which the fixing will be used.

What Is the Difference Between a Wall Plug and a Hammer Fixing?

A conventional wall plug is installed and then used with a compatible screw, while a hammer fixing is designed as a quick through-fixing system. Hammer fixings can therefore be particularly practical for certain installations involving multiple similar fixing points.

Both systems require a correctly drilled hole. The required drill diameter and hole depth depend on the individual fixing system.

Which Nails Should I Use for Timber?

The correct nail depends on the timber, the construction, the required dimensions and the conditions of use. There is no universal nail length suitable for every timber connection.

Material and finish are also important. For outdoor or damp environments, choose a nail with corrosion resistance appropriate to the intended application.

Which Fencing Staples Should I Use for Wire Mesh?

Choose fencing staples with dimensions and a design appropriate for the wire or mesh and the timber substrate. The staple should secure the material correctly without unnecessarily damaging the wire.

With some types of fencing, the wire may need a degree of movement at certain fixing points. The installation method should therefore be matched to the type of fence and wire being installed.

For complete fencing projects, Intergard also supplies wire fence panels, wire fence panel posts and wire fence accessories.

Galvanised or Stainless Steel Fasteners for Outdoor Use?

For outdoor applications, the material and surface finish of the fastener should be suitable for the expected moisture, weather exposure and environment. Galvanised steel has a zinc coating that helps delay corrosion of the underlying steel, but galvanised steel should not be considered completely rust-proof.

Stainless steel offers a high level of corrosion resistance, although suitability still depends on the stainless steel grade and environmental conditions. Always check the product specifications for the intended application.

How to Install a Wall Plug

A wall plug should be installed according to the specifications of the fixing system and the substrate. Correct drilling is an important part of achieving a reliable fixing.

1. Identify the substrate.
2. Select a wall plug suitable for the substrate and application.
3. Check the specified drill diameter and hole depth.
4. Drill the hole according to the product specifications.
5. Remove drilling dust where required by the fixing system.
6. Insert the wall plug as specified.
7. Use a compatible screw or the fixing supplied with the system.
8. Check the completed fixing after installation.

For heavily loaded, structural or safety-critical fixings, always follow the technical product specifications and the structural requirements of the project.

Fasteners for Fencing and Garden Projects

Choosing the correct fastener is also important when installing fencing and other garden structures. Wire and mesh can, for example, be secured to suitable timber posts with fencing staples, while other components may require screws, wall plugs or different fixing systems.

For fencing projects, explore our metal fencing, wire fencing and fence posts.

Buy Wall Plugs, Nails and Fencing Staples from Intergard

Intergard supplies wall plugs, hammer fixings, nails and fencing staples for a wide range of building, timber, fencing and garden projects. Choose the product group that best suits your application:

• Wall Plugs
• Hammer Fixings
• Nails
• Fencing Staples

For other fixing solutions, browse our complete fasteners range, including chipboard screws, bolts and DIN fasteners and threaded rods, nuts and washers.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wall Plugs, Hammer Fixings, Nails and Fencing Staples

What is the difference between a wall plug and a hammer fixing?

A conventional wall plug is used with a compatible screw, whereas a hammer fixing is designed as a quick through-fixing system. Both require a correctly sized drilled hole according to the product specifications.

What are hammer fixings used for?

Hammer fixings are used for certain quick through-fixing applications in suitable substrates. Depending on the product, they can be used for battens, profiles, frames and other compatible components.

Do hammer fixings require drilling?

Yes, a suitable hole must be drilled before installing a hammer fixing. Use the drill diameter and hole depth specified for the individual product.

Which wall plug should I use for concrete or masonry?

The correct wall plug depends on the exact substrate and the requirements of the fixing. Not every plug is suitable for concrete, solid masonry, hollow masonry or other mineral substrates.

Can wall plugs be used outdoors?

This depends on the complete fixing system and the environmental conditions. The screw and any other metal components must also be suitable for the intended outdoor application.

What are fencing staples used for?

Fencing staples are commonly used to secure wire and mesh to timber posts and other suitable wooden surfaces. Typical applications include wire fencing, mesh fencing and animal enclosures.

Are fencing staples the same as ordinary staples?

No, fencing staples are robust U-shaped fasteners designed for applications such as securing fencing wire and mesh to timber. The word staple can also refer to much smaller fasteners used with hand or powered staplers.

Can fencing staples be used in concrete or masonry?

The fencing staples in this category are primarily intended for suitable timber substrates. Concrete and masonry require a fixing system specifically designed for those materials.

Which nails should I use for timber?

The correct nail depends on the timber, construction, dimensions, requirements and conditions of use. For outdoor applications, the material and finish should also be appropriate for the environment.

How do I choose the correct wall plug length?

The required plug length depends on the fixing system, substrate and thickness of the component being secured. A general rule based simply on multiplying the material thickness is not reliable for selecting wall plugs.

How long should a nail be?

The required nail length depends on the materials being joined and the design of the connection. There is no single length formula suitable for every timber fixing.

Can hammer fixings be reused?

Hammer fixings are generally intended for a single installation. After removal, assess whether a new fixing and, where necessary, a new fixing point are required.

Are galvanised nails and fencing staples rust-proof?

No, galvanised steel is not the same as stainless steel. The zinc coating helps delay corrosion, but the level of protection depends on the coating, application and environmental conditions.