Correct rawl plugs?

Merlin5 · 27 Oct 2016 at 14:49

Hi guys. Started drilling holes to put up some coat hooks but the rawl plugs I have only go halfway in. Do you know what size I'd need?

The ones I have are red, and also brown.

The drill bit size is 6mm.

cheesyboy · 27 Oct 2016 at 14:51

Just hold the drill bit against the plug (use the non-threaded part of the bit, it's easier to see) and match the width, going slightly under rather than over.

E:

Aren't you drilling wood there? Don't bother with a plug at all - just screw it in (drill a small guide hole)

tom_e · 27 Oct 2016 at 14:55

Get some 6mm ones if you're using a 6mm bit also make sure you're drilling deep enough for them to actually fit and don't forget it should be a relatively snug fit.

Kaka · 27 Oct 2016 at 14:55

You don't need plugs, some self tapping screws will do the job. If not pick up some spring toggles for heavier loads.

Merlin5 · 27 Oct 2016 at 14:56

Well it seems I have to use plugs. Last night I tested drilling into a piece of wood with my smallest 4mm drill bit and the screws don't thread, they just drop in.

touch · 27 Oct 2016 at 14:58

You need a smaller drill bit.
Or just use your 4mm bit and drill a shallow guide hole and let the screw tap it's own hole after that.

Merlin5 · 27 Oct 2016 at 15:00

tom_e said:
Get some 6mm ones if you're using a 6mm bit also make sure you're drilling deep enough for them to actually fit and don't forget it should be a relatively snug fit.

Yeah, I guess this is the answer, I'll get some 6mm plugs. The screws go all the way in the hole so I guess I've drilled far enough in. I'm a bit worried to drill any deeper in case I break through to the other side of the door.

tom_e · 27 Oct 2016 at 15:00

A 6mm hole even with a plug doesn't sound like it's going to work if the screws drop straight into a 4mm hole.

cheesyboy · 27 Oct 2016 at 15:03

Get a drill bit set which has smaller than 4mm bits. That's pretty huge for your smallest one.

Merlin5 · 27 Oct 2016 at 15:08

Yeah, it seems I do need smaller drill bits than 4mm, then as you say, I shouldn't have needed plugs.
Ah well, since I've now drilled a 6mm hole, I'll try 6mm plugs. Or maybe I can buy screws that are wider?
I think the 6mm plugs might work though.

BigT · 27 Oct 2016 at 15:13

That's a door right? Is it solid or hollow?

If solid then just dig in a little with a bradawl and use a self tapping screw.

If hollow then I've always found it a bit trickier. gluing a baton on and then screwing into that is one solution I've seen, otherwise you'll need to see if there's something specifically for fixing into a hollow that is short enough. Many of the ones designed for plasterboard will be too long, but perhaps something like a small spring toggle fixing would be right if short enough:

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/produ...|prd|5238963&gclid=CLT_9_-U-88CFVS4Gwod4RYDEQ

Merlin5 · 27 Oct 2016 at 15:19

It's a firedoor. I started with a braddle, then a pilot bit (my 4mm) then the 6mm.

Actually, maybe I didn't drill far enough in yet? The screws drop all the way in the hole I made though without the plug. See, last night I tested the different size bits on a piece of wood and the red plug pushes all the way into the 6mm hole. So maybe I should drill a bit deeper?

Lol, I'm really quite hopeless at DIY but I do at least try.

tom_e · 27 Oct 2016 at 15:20

Take your bit, line up the bottom of the plug with the end of the bit, wrap a bit of tape around your bit where the top of the plug is.

Then you know where to stop drilling.

cheesyboy · 27 Oct 2016 at 15:24

Better check your plug isn't deeper than your door. Looks somewhat close to me.

the_r_sole · 27 Oct 2016 at 15:34

why are you using a rawlplug in timber at all?

DXP55 · 27 Oct 2016 at 15:44

Merlin5 said:
It's a firedoor. I started with a braddle, then a pilot bit (my 4mm) then the 6mm.

Actually, maybe I didn't drill far enough in yet? The screws drop all the way in the hole I made though without the plug. See, last night I tested the different size bits on a piece of wood and the red plug pushes all the way into the 6mm hole. So maybe I should drill a bit deeper?

Lol, I'm really quite hopeless at DIY but I do at least try.

This might give you a clue r sole

-We all had to learn.

the_r_sole · 27 Oct 2016 at 15:47

DXP55 said:
This might give you a clue r sole -We all had to learn.

i know, but I really thought I was missing something when everyone else was chipping in with advice!

Merlin5 · 27 Oct 2016 at 15:49

Thanks for the help guys. tom-e, I wrapped tape around my bit (ooh matron). Yep, I simply hadn't drilled deep enough. *facepalm*

All done now. Now to drill for the second hook to the right of it and two more for the bathroom.

I'll buy 1mm to 3mm drill bits for future use so I don't have to use plugs in wood.

Yes cheesyboy, it was pushing it a bit. This is the length of the plug to the depth of the door. I guess I could have snipped the plug length if need be.

DXP55 · 27 Oct 2016 at 15:58

OK - no offense

To OP

If you are fixing into solid wood just use a wood screw - make sure it isn't to long if screwing into something with a finish on other side. - Also helps to drill a pilot hole but it must be smaller than screw - 4mm diam screw drill 1mm hole- Just also seen you have egg box doors so plug is needed. :rolleyes:

If you are screwing into hollow doors etc you could use a hollow wall fixing.

The same is said for fixing in plasterboard or other type of boards .

If drilling into concrete -brick or block you use a wall plug or wall fixing.

These are just the basics.

Hope it helps

ps - bit late now just saw your reply :rolleyes:

Merlin5 · 27 Oct 2016 at 15:59

DXP55 said:
This might give you a clue r sole -We all had to learn.

Heh, yeah, I'm slowly learning and improving

Don't do much DIY at all but I'm enjoying using my new drill, drill bits and screw driver bits. I'm going to buy some screwdriver extensions as there's been things in the way when putting up my curtain pole and just now with this hook which meant using a manual screwdriver for some of the job.