Masonry Fixings

Masonry fixings are one of the most important aspects of masonry construction. They hold together bricks, blocks, and stone. Masonry is very heavy so it needs to be fixed firmly in place before you can build on top of it.

There are several different types of fixing that work in different ways. In this article, we will go into more detail about some of these below to give you a better idea about their slightly varying heavy-duty uses.

Types of Heavy Duty Masonry Fixings

Heavy-duty masonry fixings are designed to hold heavy. Although they come in different shapes and sizes, they all have one thing in common – they are very strong.

In this section, we are going to discuss the various heavy-duty fixings that are often used in masonry, and occasionally, metalwork.

Our most popular type of heavy-duty fixing is the standard heavy-duty anchor used in general applications where strength is a requirement. These are not to be confused with the also-popular sleeve anchors and ankerbolts which both serve unique purposes. We will discuss these more in the following sections.

Heavy-Duty Anchors

Heavy-duty anchors have become increasingly popular. They are a type of fixing which is used to permanently fix items in the ground or into the wall without penetrating it.

Once properly installed, anchor bolts provide a base for heavy-duty fixtures like deck railings and welded wire grating panels. They are designed specifically for heavy loads and job site conditions. On light duty surfaces, screw anchors such as ankerbolts should be used to avoid overloading the material being fastened. We will discuss these later.

To install heavy-duty anchors, you need to drill a hole with an appropriate diameter and depth using power tools such as drills, hammer drills, and rotary hammers.

Shield Anchors

Shield anchors are often referred to as “rag bolts” and are probably the strongest masonry fixing on the market. They are used to give bolts extra stability and strength, encapsulating them to increase overall surface area and thickness.

Forged eye bolts can typically be used for connecting cables and ropes to different surfaces. The shields give them extra strength, and we stock these in zinc-plated steel.

Forged hook bolts are a similar fixing that is often used with shield anchors. These are similar to eye bolts, with the difference being that the end is not a rounded hole, but a hook shape. Good for hooking things that perhaps can’t pass through the eye of a forged eye bolt, surprisingly!

Sleeve Anchors

Sleeve anchors are masonry fixings that are lighter weight than a shield anchor. The sleeve is made of plated steel, zinc-alloyed, or stainless steel.

We stock stainless steel and zinc & yellow varieties for their superior corrosion resistance in outdoor settings where strength is necessary.

Sleeve anchors typically have two parts; the sleeve anchor itself which has threads on one end, and a nut to fasten it to the masonry material you are trying to fix it into.

They are suitable for a wide range of masonry fixings including dry lining, bricklaying, stonework.

Take a look at our 'what are sleeve anchors' and how do they work article which take a closer look at sleeve anchors.

Expansion Plugs

Another popular type of heavy-duty fixing is the expansion plug. This is a plastic or rubber plug that expands when you insert it into a hole in the masonry. It grips the sides of the hole tightly and holds firmly in place.

Expansion plugs are used throughout the construction business. They are used to attach metal fixtures to surfaces.

Another expansion plug that is commonly used is expansion anchors. These expansion anchors, which take the form of screws, fasten different kinds of materials together like wood and concrete.

Besides their use in metal building fixtures, expansion plugs can also be found in many other parts of buildings. People who work with construction may see expansion plugs made out of plastic, steel, brass, or another similar material near brick walls where they will be filled with cinder blocks. Once these hollows have been filled by workers, they act as an extra layer of protection for the bricks and the mortar that holds them together.

Throughbolts

Fixings called throughbolts are used to attach timber fixed element (such as a wall plate) through another fixed element (such as a floor joist). They are mainly used in the construction industry.

On a throughbolt, the studs are threaded at one end to attach to a nut and bolt, while the other end passes through a washer before being screwed into the wall plate.

The throughbolt cover plate does not require a nut and bolt as it has its own internal fixing which attaches to another plate on the back or underside of it. This plate screws through into the wall to hold everything in place.

Self Tapping Masonry Fixings

These screws are designed to screw directly into masonry without the need for a pilot hole. They have a special thread that grips the masonry and holds it tightly in place.

Ankerbolts/Thunderbolts

Ankerbolts (Anchor Bolts) are a metal fixing with a hex head and screw thread that is self-tapping. It is inserted into a hole drilled in the masonry, and the screw thread is then used to tighten it against the back of the hole.

An Ankerbolt/thunderbolt is a special screw-type anchor that can be used to quickly and easily secure an object to brick, masonry, or concrete

There are several different types of ankerbolts available for use, with different heads available including hex head, hex flange, countersunk Torx, and pan head.

The Ankerbolt screws into place through an appropriately sized hole with the use of power tools such as drills and impact drivers.

The result makes it possible to fix objects like brick walls or granite surfaces without using nails or other self-tapping screws. The Ankerbolt is an alternative to the traditional screw bolt, which can cause cracking if applied incorrectly.

They have additional tightening ridges which allow them to create more friction with the surface they are being inserted into.

A washer face can be placed under the head, permitting greater bearing area under load, counteracting distortion that would otherwise occur during installation or subsequent movement.

Concrete Screws

Concrete screws are self-tapping as they have a sharper thread towards the point of the screw. This makes them more effective when tapping their hole, but as they have a more traditionally threaded shaft towards the head that is not as sharp, they do not provide as much gripping strength as Ankerbolts, which have a sharper thread the whole way down, with a greater surface area.

Why choose Fusion Fixings for your Heavy-Duty Masonry Fixings

Fusion Fixings is a family run business with over 40 years of experience in the fixings and construction industry.

The aim is to supply a comprehensive range of fixings and fasteners at competitive prices with bulk prices discounts across the ranges. 

Our aim is to hold as much stock in house ready to go for our customers and we have a wide range of heavy-duty fixings for various purposes, whether that be for fixing masonry or metalwork.

Tale a look at our growing range of masonry fixings available at competitive prices.