What are Fixing & Fasteners?

Fixings and fasteners are essential components used to securely join or attach materials together in construction, woodworking, and various DIY projects. They include items such as screws, nails, bolts, nuts, washers, anchors, and rivets, each designed for specific applications and materials. These products ensure stability, safety, and durability in structures and assemblies.

Construction Anchors

Discover the essential range of construction anchors at Skeels Direct, your trusted source for reliable and durable fastening solutions. Our selection of construction anchors is designed to meet the diverse needs of both professional contractors and DIY enthusiasts, ensuring secure and stable installations in any project. Whether you're working with concrete, brick, or drywall, our anchors provide the strength and support you need to get the job done right.

Explore our extensive collection, featuring a variety of types including wedge anchors, sleeve anchors, and toggle bolts, each engineered for specific applications and materials. Our wedge anchors are perfect for heavy-duty tasks, offering exceptional holding power in solid concrete. For versatile use in hollow or solid materials, our sleeve anchors provide reliable performance and ease of installation. When working with drywall or hollow walls, our toggle bolts deliver superior load-bearing capacity, ensuring your fixtures remain securely in place.

At Skeels Direct, we prioritise quality and performance, sourcing our construction anchors from leading manufacturers known for their innovation and reliability. Our products undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet industry standards, providing you with peace of mind and confidence in your projects.

Browse our user-friendly online store to find detailed product descriptions, specifications, and installation guides, helping you select the right anchor for your specific needs. With competitive pricing and fast shipping, Skeels Direct makes it easy to get the construction anchors you need, when you need them. Trust us to be your partner in building strong, lasting structures.

Industrial Fasteners

Explore our extensive range of industrial fasteners at Skeels Direct. We provide high-quality solutions for all your fastening needs, ensuring durability and reliability in every application. Whether you're in construction, manufacturing, or any other industry, our fasteners are designed to meet the highest standards. Choose from a variety of materials, sizes, and types to find the perfect fit for your project. Trust Skeels Direct for fasteners that deliver performance and strength.

DIY Fixing Supplies

At Skeels Direct, we provide a comprehensive range of DIY Fixing Supplies to meet all your project needs. Our DIY Fixing Supplies are designed to help you tackle any task with confidence and ease. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a weekend warrior, our DIY Fixing Supplies offer the quality and reliability you require. From screws and nails to adhesives and fasteners, our DIY Fixing Supplies ensure you have everything necessary for successful completion. If you have any questions about our DIY Fixing Supplies, please feel free to contact us. Our team is ready to assist you with any enquiries related to our DIY Fixing Supplies. Trust Skeels Direct for all your DIY Fixing Supplies and experience the difference in quality and service.

Benefits of Fixing & Fasteners

• Increased Durability: Fixings and fasteners ensure that structures and products are securely held together, enhancing their longevity.
• Improved Safety: Properly installed fixings and fasteners reduce the risk of accidents by preventing components from coming loose.
• Versatility: A wide range of fixings and fasteners allows for use in various applications, accommodating different materials and requirements.
• Cost-Effectiveness: High-quality fixings and fasteners can prevent costly repairs and replacements by maintaining structural integrity.
• Ease of Installation: Many fixings and fasteners are designed for quick and easy installation, saving time and labour costs.
• Enhanced Aesthetics: Concealed or decorative fasteners can improve the visual appeal of a project.
• Customisation: Availability in different sizes, materials, and finishes allows for tailored solutions to specific project needs.

What are the different types of screws and their uses?

Screws are essential fasteners used in various applications, and they come in different types, each designed for specific purposes. Here are some common types of screws and their uses:

1. Wood Screws: Designed for wood applications, these screws have a sharp point and coarse threads to grip wood securely. They are used in carpentry, furniture assembly, and general woodworking.

2. Machine Screws: These screws are used with nuts or tapped holes and are ideal for metal-to-metal fastening. They are commonly used in machinery, electronics, and appliances.

3. Sheet Metal Screws: With sharp threads, these screws are used to fasten metal sheets together or to other materials like wood or plastic. They are often used in HVAC systems and automotive applications.

4. Drywall Screws: Specifically designed for attaching drywall to wood or metal studs, these screws have a bugle-shaped head to prevent tearing the drywall paper.

5. Deck Screws: Made for outdoor use, these screws are corrosion-resistant and used for building decks and other outdoor structures.

6. Concrete Screws: These screws are used for fastening materials to concrete or masonry. They have a special thread design to cut into the concrete.

7. Self-Tapping Screws: These screws can tap their own hole as they are driven into materials, making them useful for metal and plastic applications.

Each type of screw is designed to provide optimal performance in its intended application, ensuring secure and reliable fastening.

How do I choose the right size and type of anchor for my project?

Choosing the right size and type of anchor for your project depends on several factors, including the material you're anchoring into, the weight and type of the load, and environmental conditions. First, identify the base material: drywall, concrete, brick, or wood. For drywall, use plastic or toggle anchors for light to medium loads. For concrete or brick, opt for sleeve or wedge anchors for heavier loads. In wood, screw anchors or lag bolts are suitable.

Next, consider the load weight. Light loads (up to 20 lbs) can use plastic anchors, while medium loads (20-50 lbs) may require metal anchors. Heavy loads (over 50 lbs) need more robust options like toggle bolts or expansion anchors. Also, account for environmental conditions. If the anchor will be exposed to moisture or outdoor elements, choose corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or galvanised anchors.

Finally, ensure the anchor size matches the screw or bolt size and the thickness of the material. The anchor should be long enough to penetrate the base material adequately for a secure hold. Always follow manufacturer guidelines for specific load ratings and installation instructions to ensure safety and effectiveness.

What is the difference between a bolt and a screw?

Bolts and screws are both types of fasteners used to hold materials together, but they have distinct differences in design and application. A bolt is typically used with a nut and is designed to be inserted through pre-drilled holes in the materials being joined. It has a flat, unthreaded shank and a threaded end, allowing it to be secured with a nut. Bolts are often used in applications where high strength and stability are required, such as in construction and machinery.

On the other hand, a screw is designed to be inserted directly into the material, creating its own threads as it is driven in. Screws have a fully threaded shaft and are often used in applications where the fastener needs to be removed and reinserted multiple times, such as in woodworking or assembling furniture. Screws can be used without a nut and are ideal for materials that can hold threads, like wood or plastic.

In summary, the main difference lies in their application: bolts require a nut and are used for high-strength connections, while screws are self-threading and used for direct fastening into materials.

How do I properly install a wall anchor for heavy items?

To properly install a wall anchor for heavy items, follow these steps:

1. Choose the Right Anchor: Select an anchor suitable for the wall type (drywall, plaster, or concrete) and the weight of the item. Toggle bolts or molly bolts are ideal for heavy items.

2. Mark the Spot: Use a pencil to mark the exact spot where you want to install the anchor. Ensure it's level and aligned with any other anchors if using multiple.

3. Drill a Pilot Hole: Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the anchor's diameter to drill a pilot hole at the marked spot. This helps guide the anchor and prevents wall damage.

4. Insert the Anchor: For toggle bolts, fold the wings and insert them into the hole. For molly bolts, insert the anchor and tap it gently with a hammer until flush with the wall.

5. Secure the Anchor: Tighten the screw or bolt to expand the anchor behind the wall, ensuring a secure fit. For toggle bolts, pull back slightly on the bolt while tightening to engage the wings.

6. Attach the Item: Align the item with the installed anchor and secure it using the appropriate screws or bolts.

Always double-check the weight capacity of the anchor and ensure it's suitable for the item being hung.