Fixings & Hardware

Choosing the Right Fixings & Hardware

At County Building Supplies, our branch teams help builders, carpenters, tradespeople and DIY customers find the right fixings and hardware for a wide range of jobs. Whether you're fixing timber, mounting into masonry, installing plasterboard, hanging a door or completing a landscaping project, choosing the correct fixing for the material and application can help create a secure and long-lasting result.

Which Fixing Do I Need?

One of the most common questions when choosing fixings is which type is suitable for the material you're working with. Different screws, plugs and fixings are designed for different substrates and applications.

• Wood screws are designed for fixing into timber and are available in different lengths, diameters and head styles for a wide range of woodworking and construction jobs.
• Masonry screws and fixings are designed for suitable applications involving materials such as brick, block and concrete.
• Plasterboard and cavity wall fixings are designed for hollow walls where a standard fixing into solid masonry isn't appropriate.
• Coach screws provide a heavy-duty fixing for suitable timber and construction applications.
• Drywall screws are designed for fixing plasterboard to suitable timber or metal framing systems.
• Wall plugs are used with compatible screws to provide a secure fixing into suitable solid wall materials.

Before choosing a fixing, consider what you're fixing into, what you're attaching, the load involved and whether the fixing will be used internally or externally.

Choosing the Right Screw

Screws are available in different diameters, lengths, head styles, materials and finishes. The right choice depends on the materials being joined and the demands of the application.

County Building Supplies stocks a wide range of screws including wood screws, coach screws, drywall screws, masonry screws and collated screws. When selecting a screw, make sure its dimensions and specification are suitable for both the material and the fixing being created.

Which Nail Should I Use?

Different types of nails are designed for different building and carpentry applications. Our range includes round wire nails, galvanised nails, clout nails, masonry nails, roofing nails, panel pins, lost head and oval nails, annular ring shank nails and twist nails.

For example, clout and roofing nails are commonly associated with roofing applications, while lost head nails and panel pins can provide a less visible fixing for suitable joinery and finishing work. Galvanised options provide additional corrosion resistance where required.

Fixings for Plasterboard & Cavity Walls

Fixing into plasterboard requires a different approach from fixing directly into solid brickwork or timber. Specialist plasterboard and cavity wall fixings are designed to provide support within hollow wall constructions.

The appropriate fixing depends on the wall construction, thickness of the board and load being supported. For heavier items, it's particularly important to use a fixing and installation method suitable for the expected load.

Nuts, Bolts & Washers

Bolted connections are widely used throughout construction, landscaping and general maintenance. County Building Supplies stocks products including bolts, threaded bar, nuts and washers for a variety of suitable applications.

The bolt diameter, length, thread, nut and washer should be compatible with each other and appropriate for the materials and loads involved.

Ironmongery & General Hardware

Our Fixings & Hardware range extends beyond screws and nails. We also stock ironmongery and general hardware for doors, gates, timber projects and property maintenance, including brackets and plates, hinges, door furniture, gate furniture, locks, latches, rope and chain.

When choosing hardware for outdoor applications, consider the environment and level of corrosion protection required as well as the size and mechanical requirements of the product.

Need Advice?

If you're not sure which fixing or hardware product you need, visit your local County Building Supplies branch or contact our team. Tell us what you're fixing, what you're fixing into and where the product will be used, and our team can help you find a suitable option from our range.