Grip-It Assorted Plasterboard Fixings - (32 Pieces)

Now, I'm going to start by saying that the Grip-it is one of the greatest developments in plasterboard/dot and dab fixings that's appeared in my lifetime. These are beyond amazing, and if you still use spring toggles, or plastic plugs that bunch up behind the screws, then these are a league better.There is 1 area where these don't work, which is when you don't have enough of whatever you are fixing to the wall to cover the fixing. Some shelf brackets will leave the grip-it exposed, so look at other options there.So this pack of Gripits - they don't come with any of the tool you need to install these - spade bits, in 15/18/20/25. The undercutting tools are also absolutely essential if you are fitting these in dot and dab walls, incase you hit a patch of adhesive.This pack is ideally suited for someone who installs lots of these and has the tools already - I purchased the bucket of 100 fixings initially that came with the tools, and use these 32 packs are great to top them up.Installing them - it takes a few goes to really 'get' it. Drill your hole, then use the undercutting tool to ensure there is room to open the wings. Tap the fitting in, with the screws holding the wings at approximately 2pm/8pm locations.You need to then push the centre part of the fitting in, so that it has room to open the wings - using a large flat bladed screwdriver, push the centre part of the fitting in, and rotate - the wings will then open. You can then use the matching screw or bolt to secure whatever you are bolting to the wall, this will pull the wings back against the plasterboard.These are frankly the only fittings you should be using for wall mounted TVs, furniture, curtain rails, radiators. If you own a home without solid walls, these are 100% essential. I'd recommend keeping them at home, incase a tradesman tries to use any other fixing. Also keep another pack to sell him once he's installed them, as he'll want to buy them off you there and then.These are frankly one of the greatest fixings I've seen in the last 20 years. I honestly can't see how technology can move on from here!

I bought a box about a year ago, and have used all sizes except blue (largest) ones for fixing various items and am very happy with performance. These new ones have a white collar which can move out beyond the centre (think collar moved out before, but maybe not as far), plus: the white rim/collar is a lot less noticeable - they're quite large, so can stick out sometimes beyond item you're fixing. All the ones I've used are holding really well. I bought flat drill bits, but found that was largely a waste of money. Don't know if its my drilling skills, but when drilling into plasterboard, the holes always end up far larger than the drill bit (anyone know why??), so just use a large HSS drill bit, say 13 mm for brown ones. It doesn't matter if the hole is a bit too large, though, as the main support is provided by the wings, which are easy to open out once inserted. There's also an undercutting tool available for insulated plasterboard or dot-and-dab, which will cut room for the wings to open, but have not needed that. I don't always use the screws and bolts provided - can be too short for some applications. Other screws and hooks also work fine, though.Have tried other fixings for plasterboard and most were useless. For light items, sometimes use the Uno rawlplugs, which work ok for lightweight items. For light- medium applications, also use the anchor plugs that you get the special insertion tool for, but these feel more secure. Plus: anchors are horrible to remove. Not tried removing these (not needed to yet, all worked), but are supposed to be easy to remove (and re-use). The only other disadvantage with these is also cosmetic: the rims are quite thick, compared to say the anchor plugs, so back-plates/hanging brackets for shelves/rails etc end up not quite flush with the wall. It's not critical - can live with it for the secure hold these provide. Overall, these are one of strongest solutions for plasterboard I've found. For really heavy items, Gee-fix might work better, as larger load-bearing area, but they're very expensive, and so far, these have worked fine, so will give the blue ones a try soon.. As others have pointed out, though: these fixings might well be stronger than the plasterboard you're putting them in. When the plasterboard gives way, these leave a large hole, and if you need to fix something there, it can be a nuisance. But I don't think this is a fault of the product, but very weak plasterboard. I would suggest if in doubt, use a larger size. If you are left with large holes where you need to fix something, consider using a weatherproof outdoor filler (polycell do one), which can be drilled into and will hold screws/bolts etc. Or brick face repair, which is however quite expensive. But so far, these have worked really well for my horribly weak plasterboard.

As a DIYer, fitting to plasterboard has always been a pain - most plugs end up spinning and having to be pushed through the plasterboard to get rid of them so can try again.These are the solution, they really are. Just fitted a Dyson cordless vacuum to a plasterboard wall.First bit of advice is to play with them before you attach them to the wall. You'll need a slightly large than normal cross-headed screwdriver to rotate the internal part so the blades open (clockwise). Unusually, they are reusable - turning anti-clockwise closes the blades and the plug can be removed - though doubt there would be need for this, other than moving up to a larger size.Which brings us to the hole size. You'll need wide drill bits (some DIY kits provide them) - though at a pinch, as I did, you can just use a pair of cheap long-nose pliers, followed by a wider pair of pliers to widen a hole to the right size - with care, as you need the hole to be the minimum size so the fixing grips and does not spin round. Spinning round is the usual bug bear of plasterboard fixings - fortunately these have good extrusions (4) to prevent that, but still, the tighter the hole, the better. Then you just tap in the fixing, turn the centre part clockwise about 90 degrees, and use the appropriate bolt/screw for the size (supplied with this kit).This box of four assorted sizes is ideal for first time users. With four sizes, you can move up if you make a hash of a smaller size. Bolts (for the two larger sizes) and screws (for the smaller sizes) are supplied - though of course, can be replaced if you need a longer thread. Having them supplied makes it really clear what the correct size for each fixing is. Although supplied in a simple cardboard box, the packaging keeps the parts neatly arranged for future use. It's also inexpensive as a starter kit.When you see them, you'll realise why they are not pennies each, but more like 30p - which is still marvellous value in time and frustration saved. Simply no way I'm going back to any other fixing after trying these - and now have 30 left for whenever I need to add something to the house - towel rails, toilet roll holders, shelves, indoor drying clothes lines come immediately to mind.

Drilling the hole and knocking the fixing in is the easy part. I found it impossible to turn the cam with any of the flat bladed screwdrivers I had. Using one marginally too small results in basically the cam not opening and the plastic of the cam becoming gnarled. After a lot of fuffing about I managed to get one brown one to hold, but I have no idea how far the wings are spread. Plenty of other plasterboard fixing out there which I will stick with. Plus you have to buy the correct drill. I have lots but not an 18mm one!

Recently moved into a new build home, and as you will probably know new build homes are abysmal husks when it comes to the walls. We've got new build plasterboard, and sadly for us, love having large, heavy mirrors and pieces of metal artwork on the walls.These hold our mirrors and artwork absolutely perfectly. Granted, you have to drill a 2p sized hole in your wall (or smaller or larger, depending on what you're hanging), so make sure you 'measure twice and cut once' as they say. Otherwise, no complaints and absolutely fantastic. Very stable.