We’ve consulted Mounting Taskers to share their knowledge on all things wall plugs!
Wall plugs (or Rawlplugs) are fasteners that help ensure items are safely attached to a wall. Essentially, they are sleeves for a screw that bite into a wall—creating an anchoring point that supports a mounted item. Some are self-drilling while others require a pre-drilled hole before securing. Wall plugs are used:
- When mounting to a stud isn’t possible;
- When the surface you are mounting on is hollow (doors, plasterboard, ceilings) or very thick (concrete, brick);
- If the item you are mounting is light enough to be supported by a wall plug alone.
There are many different types of wall plugs, so the type you choose for your task depends on load weight, wall type and how it can be installed or removed. Learn from Taskers all about the different types of wall plugs and when to use each type.
Concrete wall plug
- Ideal for attaching dense materials together, like bathtub attachments, countertops, and cement.
- If being used for appliances, be sure to look for corrosion-resistant fasteners.
Expansion wall plug
- Also known as a wedge anchor.
- Can be used for masonry, concrete, brick, and other hard surface materials.
- Provide a strong holding power by expanding once they are installed.
Cavity wall plug
- Able to take on a fair amount of weight (roughly 22.5 kg).
- Can be used across various wall and load types.
Plasterboard wall plug
- Can hold a medium amount of weight and are relatively simple to install.
- Come in both plastic or metal form – metal can be reused for other jobs, plastic cannot.
- These types of wall plugs have threads that help them hold securely into the surface they are gripping.
Heavy duty wall plug
- Ideal for any wall type with cavity behind it—for example, plasterboard over studs or lath and plaster.
- Able to hold a fair amount of weight—making them ideal for heavier-duty mounting tasks.
We’ve only just grazed the surface of the wall plug world. There are so many more to choose from, all specified for different types of use. Be sure to consult other helpful guides for a deeper dive into the world of wall plugs and their different uses.
