There’s nothing more frustrating than being mid-way through a job and finding that you purchased the wrong fixings.
Your timber has been cut, your tools are at the ready and everything is set.
However, you can find that your screws aren’t long enough, don’t have the right screw head or are just not the right fixings for the job you are doing.
This can be a small mistake but can cause expensive delays.
As tradesmen and DIY enthusiasts, we should take more notice when choosing the right fixings for our jobs.
Not all screws are designed for the same job
When visiting a builders merchant there are lots of different options for screws, anchors, bolts and more.
They can look very similar at a glance.
However, there are many different products for different materials, weights and installation.
You won’t be able to use the same fixing in a timber application as you would in a masonry, metal or plasterboard scenario.
Within timber there are also many different options to consider such as length, diameter, thread design and screw head.
If you choose your fixings based on how they look or the price you could end up with a poor result.
Understand the material you’re fixing into
A solid brick wall will behave very differently to a hollow block or plasterboard partition.
Whilst this seems obvious, it can be one of the main reasons why the incorrect fixing is chosen.
Lightweight picture frames will require a fairly basic fixing that will work with the construction of the wall.
However, heavy cabinets, hanging items or structural pieces will have very different requirements.
Where safety is concerned, you should follow the design requirements, manufacturers information and installation guidelines.
It is important to know the type of material you are fixing into.
Even if you choose the right anchor, if the material is damaged, weak or not the right type it may not perform well.
Where possible seek advice from a competent source.
Outdoor projects need extra consideration
Fixings used outdoors will be exposed to conditions that those indoors won’t be.
Over time rain, damp, temperature changes and exposure to the atmosphere can cause issues with unsuitable materials.
Corrosion is an important factor to consider.
Depending on the grade of stainless steel, coating or type of fixing you will get different levels of suitability.
Areas near the coast or specific industrial areas can cause issues.
Treated timbers and other materials may need consideration.
Sometimes using the cheapest screw for an outdoor structure can cause issues with corrosion and can be a poor value option.
Buying everything together can save time
Running out of screws halfway through a project isn’t unusual, especially on larger jobs.
But repeated journeys to suppliers cost time, fuel and potentially working hours.
When ordering trade fixings online, it’s worth reviewing the complete job rather than purchasing only what you need immediately.
Consider the screws, bolts, washers, anchors, drill bits and other accessories required.
Checking quantities and product specifications before ordering can reduce the chances of discovering something is missing once work begins.
For professional tradespeople, keeping a sensible stock of commonly used fixings can also make daily work more efficient.
Nobody wants to lose an afternoon because a box of screws is sitting on the wrong side of town.
Don’t confuse low price with good value
Although buying in bulk can give you cheaper prices per fixing, ensure that they are suitable and likely to be used.
A thousand screws of the incorrect specification won’t do you much good.
Consider the quality, suitability and consistency.
If you are using fixings for a demanding application, take a look at the technical information provided by the manufacturer. Check if there are any approvals or performance documents.
A reliable fixing can give you great value over a cheaper option which causes issues during installation.
Storage and organisation matter too
Even if you have the correct materials, poor storage can cause issues.
Boxes of mixed screws, broken packaging and unknown fixings can cause issues with an otherwise simple task.
Having clear labels for different sizes and types can help prevent errors.
Companies who regularly install can benefit from having a simple stock control system in place to prevent unnecessary purchases and ensure that they have the commonly used materials.
Although not the most exciting aspect of running a project, having an organised system will save you time.
Small components, big consequences
Little Things Can Make A Big Difference
Fixings often aren’t considered much when planning.
However they play an important role in almost all building, renovation and maintenance projects.
By choosing the right products for your application, ordering enough and following installation guidelines you can prevent delays and expensive errors.
The right fixing may be one of the smallest items on your list but choosing the right one can make the whole job run smoother.
