How to fit wall plugs
Normal screws will not securely stay in plasterboard or masonry without a wall plug, so learning how to use them is an important DIY skill. In this guide, we outline how you can use wall plugs to fix items to your wall.
1. Mark the wall
Before fitting a wall plug, always use a detector to check there are no cables or pipes behind the area where you want to drill. If you're drilling into a plasterboard wall, you can also check where the timber studs are. If you find a timber stud where you want to drill, you won't need to use a wall plug.
2. Choose a wall plug
Once you've checked that there are no cables and marked the wall, you'll need to choose the correct drill bit size, wall plug and screw.
Wall plugs are available suitable for both brick and plasterboard walls. A variety of different sizes are available, so always check the maximum load to ensure your wall plugs will support whatever you want to hang from the wall.
You'll usually need to use a drill bit which is the same diameter as the wall plug you've chosen, and a screw that's a millimetre or two smaller. For more help, take a look at our guide to wall plugs, nails and screws.
3. Tape your drill bit
Before you drill into the wall, apply some tape to your drill bit. This can act as a guide for how deep you need to drill.
You'll need to drill into the wall slightly deeper than the length of the plug, so hold the wall plug up to your drill bit and mark its length with the tape.
4. Drill into the wall
Using an appropriate drill bit, drill a hole in the wall, using the tape as a guide for the depth.
If you're drilling into a brick wall, you'll need to set your drill to its hammer setting. If you don't have much experience using a drill, you might find it easiest to get a neat, accurate result if you start drilling the hole without the hammer action turned on.
Remember to keep the drill square to the wall and hold it steady, or you'll end up with a wonky hole.
5. Push the wall plug into the hole
The wall plug should be a tight fit, but you only need finger pressure to put it in.
Lightly tap the plug with a hammer to level it with the wall if you need to.
How do wall plugs work?
Wall plugs expand to securely grip the sides of the hole you've drilled, and will help to hold the screw in place without damaging your walls.
Are wall plugs needed for all wall types?
Wall plugs are required for hollow walls like plasterboard, and solid walls such as brick or concrete. In general, screws can be inserted directly into wood without the use of plugs.
Can I reuse wall plugs?
It’s generally not recommended to reuse wall plugs. Once they’ve been used, they may not hold as securely when removed and reinserted. To ensure a secure fit, it’s always best to use a new wall plug.
What type of drill bit do I need to drill into walls?
If you’re drilling into a plasterboard wall, a multi-surface drill bit is recommended. For brick walls, always use a masonry drill bit.