On 06/11/2011 19:16, Fred wrote:

In the past, I have always tightened hollow wall anchors like these:
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Scre.../sd1930/p53569
using a screwdriver, without troubles.

That works... but I prefer using the setting tool.

Today when I did this, I had one anchor spin in the wall and erode
away the plaster, presumably weakening the fixing. It didn't help that
I then over tightened it, pulling even further into the wall!

I have seen fixing tools like this:
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Scre.../sd1930/p96740

and always thought (wrongly) that when you pull the handle, it must
turn the bolt. I have done some googling and it would appear that
actually they just pull the bolt without rotating it.

No it just pulls the bolt head using the flange on sleeve to restrain
it. Thereby folding the anchor into its "fixed" position. You can then
take the bolt out and the anchor stays firmly put.

Are these a case of you get what you pay for? Should I buy a dearer
brand (if so, which?) or are these cheapies at Toolstation and Amazon
as good as any other?

I have a basic cheap one, seems to work ok.

I just wondered what you had used these anchors to hold? I found
examples on the web of people holding radiators with them and wash
basins. I would have thought these were best into noggins. Surely
something as heavy as a full radiator would be pulled off?

A radiator is fine since most of the load is in shear. A basin would be
a much more difficult load to support on plasterboard since it will have
significant "pull" on the fixing. Might be ok if its the type with a
supporting bracket.

Personally I have done rads, and large flat screen TVs (although that
was in a commercial site onto plasterboard where shop fitters typically
use two layers, which makes them harder to set. Also curtain poles etc.


--
Cheers,

John.

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