10 Essential Types of Fixings Every DIYer and Professional Should Know

When it comes to construction, maintenance, or even basic home improvement, fixings are the unsung heroes that hold everything together, literally. Whether you're a seasoned tradesperson or a hands-on DIYer, understanding the wide variety of fixings available is crucial for safety, performance, and long-term durability.

From heavy-duty anchors to plasterboard screws, the right fixing can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common types of fixings, what they’re used for, and how to choose the right one for the job.

What Are Different Types of Fixings?

Fixings are devices used to fasten or secure objects to surfaces. These range from simple wood screws to advanced chemical anchors used in construction. The key factors in choosing the correct fixing include:

• Substrate material (e.g. wood, brick, concrete, plasterboard)

• Weight/load-bearing requirements

• Environmental conditions (e.g. indoor vs outdoor, corrosion risk)

• Installation method (manual vs powered tools)

  
  

At D2D Fixings, we stock an extensive range of high-performance fixings for all materials and applications, whether you're mounting a shelf or securing a steel beam.

Types of Wall Fixings

Walls are one of the most common surfaces you'll need to fix into—yet they come in all forms: brick, block, stud, or insulated. Wall fixings must be chosen to match the wall type.

Popular wall fixings include:

• Nylon wall plugs – Versatile and used with screws for light to medium loads in masonry.

• Frame fixings – Perfect for securing door and window frames into masonry.

• Hammer fixings – Quick installation for battening and conduit clips.

• Cavity fixings – For hollow walls or plasterboard, such as spring toggles and metal anchors.

  
  

Pro tip: Always check the wall construction before drilling—plasterboard walls may need special cavity fixings.

Types of Plasterboard Fixings

Plasterboard, common in UK homes, is lightweight but brittle. Standard wall plugs won’t suffice—you’ll need specialist plasterboard fixings that spread the load and prevent tear-out.

Top choices:

• Self-drill drywall anchors – No pre-drilling required, ideal for light shelves and hooks.

• Spring toggles – Provide strong hold behind hollow walls by expanding once inserted.

• Gripit fixings – A reusable and high-load capacity option, particularly popular for TV brackets.

  
  

Explore plasterboard fixings at D2D for solutions that ensure strength and reliability.

Types of Masonry Fixings

Brick, block, and stone require robust fixings that can anchor securely into hard materials. Drilling into masonry also demands the correct tools—usually SDS drills and masonry bits.

Recommended fixings for masonry:

• Through bolts – Used for fixing into solid concrete or brick, offering a high load-bearing capacity.

• Sleeve anchors – Ideal for heavy-duty tasks such as securing structural supports.

• Chemical anchors (resin fixings) – Perfect for friable or hollow substrates, distributing load through bonding.

Whether you're installing steel brackets or railings, browse our masonry fixings range for trade-grade options.

Types of Heavy-Duty Fixings

When structural integrity and high load-bearing capacity are essential, heavy-duty fixings are the go-to choice. These are often used in commercial construction or large domestic installations.

Popular heavy-duty fixings:

• Rawl bolts (shield anchors) – Expand within masonry to provide a powerful grip.

• Concrete screws – Also known as masonry screws or Thunderbolts, ideal for fast, clean installation.

• Frame fixings – When larger items like doors and windows need a secure fix into masonry or concrete.

  
  

See our heavy-duty fixings selection, perfect for trade and industrial jobs.

Types of Fixings for Wood

Wood is one of the easiest materials to work with, but that doesn’t mean all wood fixings are created equal. Different applications—from decking to cabinetry—require tailored fixings.

Common wood fixings include:

• Wood screws – A staple of any toolkit, available in a variety of head types and finishes.

• Coach screws – Heavy-duty screws used in timber framing, ideal for outdoor use with treated timber.

• Decking screws – Designed to resist corrosion and blend with the wood finish.

D2D stocks a variety of timber fixings designed to handle everything from furniture assembly to outdoor carpentry.

Types of Fixings for Metal

Fixing into metal—or securing metal components—requires fasteners that cut or thread into the material effectively.

Best fixings for metal:

• Self-tapping screws – Drill into sheet metal without the need for a pilot hole.

• Self-drilling screws (Tek screws) – Include a drill bit tip for fast insertion into steel.

• Bolts and nuts – Ideal for structural joints and mechanical assemblies.

  
  

Explore our metal fixings for everything from roofing sheets to industrial brackets.

Types of Fixings for Concrete

Concrete is dense and strong, requiring fixings with excellent grip and strength.

Effective concrete fixings:

• Concrete bolts – Direct fix without plugs, easy to remove and reposition.

• Resin anchors – For cracked or old concrete where expansion anchors may not hold.

• Wedge anchors – Often used in foundation plates or machine fixing.

  
  

Proper preparation—including using a hammer drill and clearing dust from the hole—is essential for long-term performance. See our concrete fixings for trade-trusted options.

Types of Fixings for Drywall

Drywall is similar to plasterboard but may have different internal structures, especially in commercial buildings. Use fixings that distribute load effectively to prevent pull-through.

Top drywall fixings:

• Plastic anchors – Simple and cost-effective for lightweight installations.

• Metal toggles and anchors – For moderate to heavy loads like curtain poles and mirrors.

• Spiral fixings – For faster installation with increased grip in softer wallboards.

  
  

Always confirm the type of board you're working with—some may be foil-backed or water-resistant, affecting the fixing choice.

Types of Fixings for Insulation

Fixing into insulation—whether internal boards or external wall insulation (EWI)—requires non-penetrative or specialist fixings that don’t compromise the insulation's performance.

Best fixings for insulation:

• Insulation anchors with washers – Secure boards without compressing them.

• Plastic hammer fixings – For ETICS and render systems, resistant to thermal bridging.

• Adhesive fixings – Avoid mechanical damage and maintain insulation integrity.

  
  

We offer a reliable range of insulation fixings suited for modern building regulations and energy efficiency standards.

Choose the Right Fixing for the Right Job

Using the correct fixing not only ensures a secure hold—it prevents damage, enhances safety, and maintains the structural integrity of your project. Whether you’re hanging a picture or building a loft conversion, matching the fixing to the material and load is non-negotiable.

At D2D Fixings, we stock a comprehensive range of professional-grade fixings for every job. All our products are sourced from trusted UK manufacturers, ensuring reliability, durability, and trade-ready performance.

Need advice on which fixing is right for your project? Get in touch with our team or explore the full range of fixings and fasteners online today.