Monthly Archives: February 2025

Fastco

Fastco Fasteners & Fixings - News & Information

1. Product: Drywall Screws

   Charlotte Downs -

   What is a Drywall Screw?

   A drywall screw is the perfect fix for securing plasterboard (drywall) to timber or metal frames. Its bugle head design lets it sit flush against the surface without damaging the material.

   Also known as

   Dry lining screws or plasterboard screws

   Why use Drywall Screws?

   Drywall screws are easy to use and essential for all kinds of home improvement, renovation, and construction projects.

   You can use them to:

   • Fix metal framing together
   • Attach plasterboard to walls and ceilings
   • Build new internal walls

   Drywall Screws: How they work

   Use a Phillips 1 or 2 drive bit in a power drill, depending on the screw size. The sharp needle point lets you place the screw where you need it and drive smoothly into your material. Once in place, it holds the board firmly against the frame.

   Features and specifications

   • Sizes: 5mm or 4.2mm diameter, lengths from 13mm to 90mm.
   • Materials: Black phosphate (our bestseller) or zinc-plated steel.
   • The bugle head shape prevents board damage.
   • Designed

   Categories: Product Information Tags: plasterboard screws, drywall screws, dry lining screws Posted On: February 27, 2025

2. Product: Sleeve Anchors

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   What is a Sleeve Anchor?

   A sleeve anchor is a steel fixing for brick, blockwork, and concrete. You can install it quickly on-site, so there’s no need for off-site prep.

   Also known as

   Expansion anchors or wall bolts.

   Why use Sleeve Anchors?

   Sleeve anchors are widely used in construction because they’re quick and easy to install.

   You can use them for:

   • Securely anchoring into brick, block, or concrete
   • Fixing in situ - perfect for on-site jobs
   • Fixing racking and shelving, fencing, brackets, and supports

   Sleeve Anchors: How they work

   A sleeve anchor has a threaded bolt inside a metal sleeve with a cone-shaped end. When you tighten the bolt, the sleeve expands, locking the anchor.

   How to use:

   1. Drill a hole to the correct size.
   2. Clear the hole of dust and debris.
   3. Tap the anchor into the hole with a hammer.
   4. Tighten the bolt; it expands and grips the material.

   Features and specifications

   Sizes: Lengths from 40mm to 150mm, M8 to M20 diameter.

   Material: Zinc-plated yellow steel.

   Includes: Washers in

   Categories: Product Information Tags: sleeve anchor, nut type, hexagon head, fixings, countersunk, construction products Posted On: February 27, 2025

3. Product: Roofing Bolts and Nuts

   Charlotte Downs -

   What are Roofing Bolts and Nuts?

   Roofing bolts and nuts are multi-use fasteners popular in roofing but fantastic for all kinds of jobs. Unlike standard hex bolts, their smooth, rounded design prevents sharp edges.

   Also known as

   Spout bolts, mushroom head bolts, gutter bolts and cross-head bolts.

   Why use Roofing Bolts and Nuts?

   Roofing bolts and nuts are affordable, easy to use, and great for fixing materials together.

   You can use them for:

   • Roofing and guttering – Secure flat roofs, garage roofs, and gutters
   • General building and fencing – Essential for construction and landscaping
   • Electrical and cable management – Ideal for fixing cable trays
   • Racking and shelving – Perfect for safe warehouse storage
   • Landscaping and outdoor structures – Great for timber work and fence posts

   Roofing Bolts and Nuts: How they work

   Designed to hold thin sheet metal and wood together, they’re easy to install: drill a hole, insert the bolt, and tighten with the square nut.

   Features and specifications

   • Sizes: 21

   Categories: Product Information Tags: spout bolts, roofing bolts and nuts, roofing bolts, nuts and bolts, mushroom head bolts, gutter bolts, fixings, fasteners and fixings, cross head bolts Posted On: February 27, 2025

4. Product: Thunderbolts

   Charlotte Downs -

   What is a Thunderbolt™?

   A thunderbolt is a heavy-duty self-tapping anchor designed for concrete, brick, block, stone, and wood. It creates a strong hold, making it essential for the construction industry.

   Also known as

   Concrete bolts or masonry bolts.

   Why use Thunderbolts?

   Thunderbolts give you a quick way to fix materials together. Unlike through bolts and sleeve anchors, they don’t expand, so you can:

   • Fix close to the edge of your material, such as a wall – No risk of cracking weak sections
   • Avoid stress on the material – Drill and screw in without expansion pressure
   • Remove and reuse – They unscrew cleanly
   • Save time on-site – Just drill, screw, and tighten
   • Get a neat finish – No bulky fixings sticking out

   Thunderbolts: How they work

   Drill a hole into concrete or brick, clear out dust and debris, then simply screw in the Thunderbolt and tighten.

   Features and specifications

   Sizes: Lengths from 30mm to 200mm, M5 to M16 diameter.

   Materials: Zinc-plated yellow steel and galvanised steel (M16.)

   Categories: News Tags: thunderbolts, nuts bolts and washers, masonry bolts, fasteners and fixings, construction products, concrete bolts, anchor bolts Posted On: February 27, 2025

5. Product: Concrete Screws

   Charlotte Downs -

   What is a Concrete Screw?

   A concrete screw is a self-tapping screw designed for securing materials to concrete, bricks and masonry. This popular screw is easy to use and is ideal for fixing door and window frames (including UVPC) and timber battens.

   Quick and easy to use, it’s ideal for trades such as building, electrical, plumbing and joinery.

   Also known as

   Masonry screws, window screws, concrete fixers or brick screws.

   Why use Concrete Screws?

   Concrete screws are a big time-saver because you don’t need to use wall plugs or extra fixings. If you’re a builder or tradesperson, you can install them directly on-site rather than using pre-assembled parts.

   Concrete Screws: How they work

   Concrete screws tap their own thread into hard materials, so you don’t need plugs. They have a round, flat head, which sits flush once installed. Here's how to use them:

   • Drill a 6mm hole (6.5mm for denser materials) into your material.
   • Drive the screw in using a power drill with a Torx 30 bit (the screws are

   Categories: Product Information Tags: window screws, screws, masonry screws, Concrete screws, concrete fixings, concrete fixers, brick screws Posted On: February 06, 2025

6. Product: Tongue Tite Screws

   Charlotte Downs -

   What is a Tongue Tite Screw?

   A Tongue Tite screw is a thin screw with a small head, popular for tongue-and-groove flooring and timber cladding.  Once installed, these screws stay in place - no more squeaky floorboards!

   Also known as

   Secret screws or flooring screws.

   Why use Tongue Tite Screws?

   • No squeaks: These screws stay tight, stopping floorboard creaks.
   • Hidden: The small head makes a tidy finish.
   • Multi-use: Ideal for tongue-and-groove flooring but also great for house building, refurbishments, industrial units and timber cladding.
   • High pull-out retention: With more threads than standard screws, they won’t come loose.
   • Protects your timber: The fine thread prevents splitting, so you can drive them close to the wood's edge without damage - the perfect choice for floor layers.
   • Reusable: Unlike glue or nails, you can remove them without causing damage.

   Tongue Tite Screws: How they work

   Drive in the screws (no pilot hole needed) at a 45-degree angle using a power drill. The small head sits

   Categories: Product Information Tags: tongue tite screws, titefix screws, flooring screws, cladding screws Posted On: February 06, 2025

7. Product: Penny Washers

   Charlotte Downs -

   What is a Penny Washer?

   A penny washer is a large, flat metal disc with a hole in the middle. It has a wider diameter compared to standard washers and helps to spread the load of a bolt, screw or nut across your material, making it ideal for protecting thin or fragile surfaces.

   Also known as

   Repair washers, mudguard washers, fender washers or large flat washers.

   Why use Penny Washers?

   Standard washers might not give enough support for thin materials like metal or plastic. Smaller washers can sink into the material and cause damage under pressure. Penny washers solve this by spreading the load evenly and protecting the surface.

   Penny Washers: How they work

   Penny washers are easy to use:

   1. Cover the hole or slot in your material with a penny washer.
   2. Drive in your fastener to secure it.

   They’re perfect for a range of projects:

   • Outdoor work: Add stability to fencing with wide mesh.
   • Electrical engineering: Pair them with wood screws.
   • Timber construction: Use penny washers with coach bolts for

   Categories: Product Information Tags: repair washers, penny washers, Nuts, mudguard washers, large flat washers, fender washers, Bolts and Washers Posted On: February 06, 2025

8. Product: Coach Bolts

   Charlotte Downs -

   What is a Coach Bolt?

   Coach bolts are strong fasteners used for joining large pieces of timber. Unlike coach screws, which screw into wood, coach bolts need a nut to hold them in place. They are easily recognisable by the square section under the domed head, which locks into the timber to prevent spinning.

   Also known as

   Carriage bolts, cup-square hex, mushroom-head bolts and wood bolts.

   Why use Coach Bolts?

   Coach bolts are ideal for heavy-duty timber projects because they’re secure, tamper-proof, and leave a flat finish with no sharp corners. The square section locks in the wood, so you can tighten the nut with one hand without holding the bolt head. Their long threads make them suited for various applications.

   Perfect for:

   • Landscaping projects like fencing and decking.
   • Roof trusses in construction and house-building.
   • Outdoor furniture, playground equipment and shelters.
   • Wooden packaging like strong crates and boxes.

   Coach Bolts: How they work

   Drill a pilot hole the same diameter as the

   Categories: Product Information Tags: wood bolts, mushroom head bolts, cup square hex, coachbolts, Coach bolts, carriage bolts Posted On: February 06, 2025

9. Product: Cable Ties

   Charlotte Downs -

   What is a Cable Tie?

   A cable tie is a strong, nylon hand-fastening tool that’s ideal for a multitude of jobs. Every home, business or workplace should have them!

   Also known as

   Zip ties or tie wraps.

   Why use Cable Ties?

   Cable ties are a versatile and inexpensive way to secure practically any item, and they’re lightweight and easy to store. You can use them to:

   • Tidy electrical cables and wire.
   • Fasten items to walls or racks.
   • Temporarily repair fences, gates or tree branches.
   • Seal packages for transport.
   • Support plants or trees by tying to posts (ideal for landscape gardening).
   • Secure scaffolding in the construction industry.
   • Fix electrical components or model parts in place.

   Cable Ties: How they work

   Cable ties are designed for one-time use, ribbed along their entire length and have a locking head at one end. They work like a ratchet; you use them by hand, pulling the length so the head locks in place.

   Features and specifications

   • Sizes: Available in 5 different diameters from 2.5mm to 9mm.

   Categories: Product Information Tags: zip ties, tie wraps, cable ties Posted On: February 06, 2025

10. Product: Coach Screws

    Charlotte Downs -

    What is a Coach Screw?

    A coach screw is a strong, heavy-duty wood screw with a hexagon head, perfect for heavy timber projects.  They differ from standard multi-purpose wood screws, which are smaller and suited for lighter wood applications.

    Also known as

    Lag screws.

    Why use Coach Screws?

    When you’re working with heavy timber, particularly in landscaping, engineering or construction, coach screws are essential. You can use them to:

    • Join two pieces of heavy wood.
    • Secure metal to wood.
    • Fix timber to masonry, like concrete and brick.
    • Build outdoor furniture and structures, such as benches, tables, swings, decking, playground equipment, timber frames and animal shelters.

    When working with woods like oak or cedar that contain high sap levels, stainless steel screws are the best option. Zinc-plated screws, although widely used, may corrode in sap-rich woods.

    Coach Screws: How they work

    Choose the correct screw length for your project, drill a pilot hole, place a washer (a penny washer works

    Categories: Product Information Tags: timber fixings, lag screws, Coach screws Posted On: February 06, 2025