Fixings & Fasteners Complete Guide: Screws, Bolts, Nails & Anchors for Every Material

Fixings and fasteners represent the hidden foundation of virtually every construction, installation, and assembly project. Choose the wrong fastener and you compromise strength, durability, and safety. Select the correct fixing and your work stands firm for decades. At Rock Bottom Northampton, we stock over 2,850 different fixings and fasteners from specialist manufacturers including ForgeFix, who alone provide over 1,580 products in our range. Located in Northampton NN4 7BF, we supply trade professionals and DIY customers with the comprehensive fastening solutions needed for modern construction and renovation work.

This guide examines the various fixing types available, explains when to use each fastener category, and helps you understand the specifications that matter. From basic wood screws to specialized masonry anchors, chemical fixings, and structural connections, understanding your options ensures proper specification and reliable installations.

Understanding Fixing and Fastener Basics

Fasteners must match three critical factors: the base material being fixed into, the load being supported, and the environmental conditions. A screw that works perfectly in solid timber may pull straight out of chipboard. An anchor rated for static loads might fail under vibration. Outdoor fixings need corrosion resistance that indoor applications can ignore.

Material compatibility prevents galvanic corrosion where dissimilar metals contact each other in damp conditions. Stainless steel screws into treated timber, zinc-plated fixings for indoor steelwork, and appropriate washers and spacers where necessary all contribute to long-term performance.

Load calculations matter for structural and safety-critical applications. Manufacturers provide load ratings for their fixings, but these assume proper installation in suitable base materials. Undermining these assumptions through incorrect fixing selection or poor installation technique compromises safety.

Wood Screws and Timber Fixings

Wood screws remain the most common fixing type, and we stock over 300 varieties covering applications from delicate cabinetry to heavy structural timber connections. Traditional wood screws with tapered shanks and single-threaded designs have largely been superseded by twin-threaded modern screws that drive faster and grip harder.

Countersunk screws sit flush with or below the timber surface, essential for finished surfaces and where protruding heads would interfere with adjacent components. Round head and pan head screws remain proud, useful for temporary fixings or where screws need removal. Raised countersunk heads combine a flush base with a domed top, traditional for hinge installation.

Screw head types determine what drives them. Pozidriv heads remain common in the UK, offering better cam-out resistance than Phillips heads. TORX heads provide even better grip and reduce driver wear, increasingly popular for professional applications. Hex heads allow high torque application with impact drivers or spanners, used for structural connections and deck screws.

Length and diameter selection depends on the timber thickness and loading. As a general rule, screws should penetrate at least half the thickness of the base timber for adequate grip. For hanging applications or high loads, longer penetration provides additional security. Pilot holes prevent timber splitting, particularly near edges or in hardwoods.

Masonry Fixings and Anchors

Fixing into masonry requires specialized anchors that either expand against the hole walls or use chemical bonding for load transfer. We stock hundreds of masonry fixing solutions for applications ranging from lightweight picture hanging to structural steelwork connections.

Expansion Anchors

Sleeve anchors, wedge anchors, and drop-in anchors all use mechanical expansion to grip within masonry. They require precise hole sizing—too large and they won't expand properly, too small and installation becomes difficult or impossible. Quality drill bits designed specifically for masonry ensure clean, accurate holes.

Shield anchors and rawlplugs provide the familiar plastic expanding sleeves for light to medium duty applications. Modern designs use multiple expansion zones for improved grip in various masonry types. Brands like Rawlplug have refined these designs over decades, providing reliable fixings for everyday installation work.

Chemical Anchors and Resin Systems

Chemical fixings use resin to bond threaded rods or bolts within drilled holes, providing exceptional load capacity and versatility. They work in solid masonry, hollow materials, and even cracked concrete where mechanical anchors fail. Installation requires clean holes free from dust and debris, plus proper resin injection and setting time.

These fixings excel for high-load applications—steel frame connections, safety barriers, lifting points—where failure could cause serious consequences. They also serve in situations where vibration would loosen mechanical fixings over time.

Cavity Wall Fixings

Hollow walls—plasterboard on studs, cavity brick walls—require specialized fixings that either spread load against the back surface or clamp through the cavity. Plasterboard fixings include self-drilling anchors, spring toggles, and gravity toggles, each suited to different load ranges and installation scenarios.

Spring toggles provide the highest load capacity in hollow walls, with wings that open behind the board to distribute load over a wide area. They require larger holes and cannot be removed without losing the toggle behind the wall. Snap toggles offer similar performance with easier installation. For lighter loads, self-drilling plasterboard fixings speed installation and require only a screwdriver.

Nails and Nail Fixings

Nails provide fast fixing for timber construction, particularly first-fix carpentry where speed matters more than adjustability. Modern framing nailers and finishing nailers have transformed nailing from manual hammering to rapid pneumatic or gas-powered driving, dramatically increasing productivity on site.

Our nail range includes traditional round wire nails for general carpentry, oval nails for hidden fixing in joinery, lost head nails for second-fix work where minimal head visibility matters, and cut floor brads for tongue-and-groove flooring. Specialized nails include clout nails for roofing felt, annular ring shank nails for additional grip, and twisted shank nails for difficult timbers.

Collated nails for pneumatic nailers come in various angles and connection types to suit different nail guns. Paper-collated, plastic-collated, and wire-weld strips each offer advantages in specific applications. We stock compatible nail strips for DeWALT, Makita, and other major nailer brands.

Bolts, Nuts and Washers

Threaded fasteners provide the ultimate in clamping force and adjustability. Coach bolts fix timber to timber or steel, with square necks that prevent rotation. Hex head bolts serve general-purpose applications with spanners or sockets. Eye bolts and hook bolts provide attachment points for cables, chains, and lifting equipment.

Bolt grades indicate tensile strength—grade 8.8 and 10.9 designations show progressively higher strength steels. For structural work, using properly graded bolts ensures connections meet design loads. Certification often accompanies high-grade fixings for projects requiring load verification.

Washers distribute bolt loads and prevent embedment into softer materials. Flat washers serve general-purpose use, while spring washers provide locking action against vibration loosening. Penny washers offer large bearing surfaces for thin materials or oversized holes. Selecting appropriate washers prevents localized crushing and maintains joint integrity.

Specialist Fixings and Applications

Self-Drilling and Self-Tapping Screws

Self-drilling screws incorporate drill points that eliminate pilot holes, particularly useful in sheet metal work and steel frame construction. Self-tapping screws cut their own threads in materials like plastic, thin steel, and soft metals. Tek screws combine self-drilling and self-tapping characteristics for rapid installation in steel-to-steel or steel-to-timber connections.

Concrete Screws

Specialized hardened screws designed to thread directly into concrete and masonry provide an alternative to traditional anchors. Brands like TORX screws into concrete allow rapid fixing without plastic plugs or resin systems, ideal for multiple fixings like furring strips or metal tracks.

Roofing and Cladding Fixings

Roofing screws and cladding fixings include integral sealing washers to prevent water ingress. Available in various lengths and colors to match roofing materials, they resist corrosion in exposed conditions. Proper specification ensures weathertight installations that won't leak or corrode prematurely.

Corrosion Protection and Coating Selection

Fixing lifespan depends heavily on corrosion protection, particularly in exterior, damp, or chemically aggressive environments. Zinc plating provides basic indoor protection but corrodes rapidly outdoors. Hot-dip galvanizing offers superior protection for external use, while stainless steel fixings resist even marine and chemical exposures.

Yellow zinc, often called yellow passivated, provides moderate corrosion resistance with a distinctive appearance. Sherardised coatings offer excellent protection for nails and staples. For timber treatment chemicals, particularly chromated copper arsenate (CCA), use stainless steel or hot-dip galvanized fixings to prevent rapid corrosion.

Consider total system cost rather than just fixing price. Using cheap zinc-plated screws on exterior decking means replacement in a few years, while stainless steel fixings cost more initially but last indefinitely. For critical or inaccessible fixings, investing in proper corrosion protection prevents expensive future remediation.

Building Regulations and Fixing Specifications

Structural applications often require specific fixing types, grades, and spacing to meet building regulations. Joist hangers must use appropriate hangers nails or screws—normal nails may not provide adequate shear strength. Wind bracing and lateral restraints demand proper fixings to transfer design loads safely.

Fire-rated applications need approved fixings that maintain their properties under fire conditions. Intumescent fixings expand under heat to maintain fire-resistant barriers. Using non-approved fixings in fire-rated assemblies compromises the entire fire protection system.

Always follow manufacturer specifications for proprietary systems—suspended ceiling fixings, security installations, and mechanical equipment mounting. Substituting cheaper alternatives may void warranties and create liability issues if failures occur.

Why Buy Fixings from Rock Bottom Northampton

We stock over 2,850 different fixings and fasteners from specialist manufacturers including ForgeFix (1,580+ products), METALMATE (440+ products), MASONMATE (230+ products), and Rawlplug (75+ products). This comprehensive range means you'll find the right fixing for virtually any application without needing to source from multiple suppliers.

Our trade-focused pricing and bulk quantity options make us competitive with online suppliers while providing immediate availability. No waiting for delivery, no minimum order quantities, and no excessive shipping costs on heavy items like bulk screws or large anchor bolts.

Expert advice helps you select appropriate fixings for your specific application. Our staff understand load requirements, material compatibility, and proper installation techniques. We can recommend alternatives when your initial choice proves unsuitable or suggest more cost-effective options that still meet your performance needs.

Shop Fixings & Fasteners at Rock Bottom Northampton

Browse our fixings and fasteners collection at www.rockbottomnorthampton.co.uk/collections/fixings-fasteners to explore our comprehensive range. Filter by fixing type, material, size, or brand to find exactly what you need.

Visit our Queensbridge showroom in Northampton NN4 7BF to see products in person and discuss your fixing requirements with experienced staff. Bring samples of your materials if you're unsure what fixing type suits your application—we can help you identify the correct solution.

Contact Rock Bottom Northampton

Rock Bottom Northampton Ltd
Artisans' House
7 Queensbridge
Northampton
NN4 7BF

Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Sunday & Bank Holidays: Closed

Phone: 01604 720272
Email: sales@rockbottomnorthampton.co.uk
Web: www.rockbottomnorthampton.co.uk

From basic wood screws to specialized structural fixings, Rock Bottom Northampton provides the comprehensive fastening solutions needed for professional installation work and serious DIY projects. Quality fixings at competitive prices, with the expertise to ensure you specify correctly for your application.