Loading…

Professional Construction Products

Developing high performance construction products through extensive research and testing.

Wall Plugs for Plasterboard

Wall Plugs for Plasterboard

To fix an item to plasterboard requires special wall plugs for plasterboard. Not all wall plugs are suitable for use as drywall anchors. Standard wall plugs in plasterboard will not provide a strong fixing as they are not designed for this purpose. There are plasterboard fixings that are specifically designed for this application and will provide a much stronger and heavy duty fixing in plasterboard.

There are products that are designed to work on plasterboard only. Other products are multipurpose and will also work on solid materials as well as a drywall anchor. How to use plasterboard fixings and the different types of plasterboard fixings will also be looked at on this page.

Wall plug for plasterboard, plasterboard fixing, drywall anchor.


AllPlug wall plugs in plasterboard

Our AllPlug product is suitable for wall plugs for plasterboard as well as solid materials. It provides a strong and heavy duty fixing in plasterboard. When used correctly, it provides a stronger fixing than most other drywall anchors.

How AllPlug works in fixing to plasterboard

The way AllPlug provides a heavy duty fixing is by creating a twisting grab action on the other side of the plasterboard. To be able to do this, the AllPlug needs to be used correctly. The video below shows how the twisting and grab action happens on the other side of the plasterboard.

Video of how AllPlug works as a wall plug for plasterboard.

The hollow wall anchor video demonstration can be also seen on https://youtu.be/U7FoXTgAOog?t=297

How to use plasterboard fixings

How to use plasterboard fixings

  1. Type of wall plug in plasterboard

    The method of using plasterboard fixings varies on the type of wall plugs in plasterboard used. This section will look at how to use AllPlug specifically but can also apply to similar types of products..

  2. Use correct size screw

    For AllPlug to work properly, the correct size screw needs to be used. There are screws ready packaged but longer screws may need to be used. The screw length needs to be able to pull in the end of the AllPlug to create the twisting grab action on the other side of the plasterboard as seen in the video.

  3. Minimum screw length

    Minimum screw length is: (1) thickness of item + (2) thickness of plasterboard + (3) length of wall plug + (4) minimum 10mm. Standard UK plasterboard thickness is 9.5mm or 12.5mm.

  4. Drill correct size hole

    Drill the correct size hole in the plasterboard. Make sure the hole is not too big. If the hole is too big, this will cause the wall plug in plasterboard to spin instead of causing a twisting grab action as shown in the video. The AllPlug has large anti-rotation fins to stop the plasterboard fixing from spinning but this will not work if the hole is too big.

  5. Push wall plug in plasterboard

    Push the wall plug all the way into the hole. Gently tap the plasterboard fixing to make sure the depth stop lip is in line with the surface of the plasterboard.

  6. Screw causing twisting grab action

    Screw the item in, making sure the screw goes into the plasterboard fixing. The screw may continue to rotate even after the it is all the way in. This is normal for this type of plasterboard fixing.


Removing AllPlug plasterboard fixings

To remove AllPlug wall plugs from plasterboard, use a screw so that the screw tip goes into the fixing head only. Use pliers to gently pull on the screw until the wall plug comes out. To cover the hole, use a filler like decorators caulk. See our how to remove wall plugs guide for other types of wall plugs.

Types of plasterboard fixings

There are several different types of wall plugs for plasterboard & drywall anchors. Most products work by spreading and causing a grab like action on the other side of the plasterboard. There are some plasterboard fixings that screw into the plasterboard itself but they tend to provide a weaker fixing in plasterboard than the grab type. Plasterboard fixings are usually made from metal or plastic.

Advantages of AllPlug wall plugs in plasterboard

There are several advantages of using AllPlug.

  • Provides a stronger hold the other products
  • Requires a smaller hole in the plasterboard than other drywall anchors. This provides a stronger fixing in plasterboard as also less patch up work if the wall plug is removed.
  • Easier to remove than competitor products.
  • Larger anti-rotation fins stops the wall plug from spinning. This make AllPlug more likely to work and create a strong heavy duty fixing in plasterboard compared to competitor products.
  • As well as working as a cavity fixing it can also be used in solid materials like brick, concrete, tile, stone & hollow brick.
  • Easy to use. Simply drill hole, push wall plug in plasterboard and use screw.
  • Comes with screws but other screws can also be used.


Plasterboard fixing wall plug demonstrating twisting grab action.
AllPlug twisting and grab hold on plasterboard.


AllPlug sizes

The AllPlug wall plugs for plasterboard are available in the following sizes:

6mm & 8mm

The 8mm version are heavy duty wall plugs for plasterboard.


Pack quantity

6mm is available in tubs of 100 wall plugs & 100 screws

8mm is available in tubs of 50 wall plugs & 50 screws.

Hollow wall drywall anchor fixing. Tub of AllPlug wall plugs for plasterboard.
AllPlug packaging with wall plugs for plasterboard and screws.


Where to buy wall plugs for plasterboard

In the UK, to buy wall plugs for plasterboard, please contact us for details of your local stockist. For other countries please visit www.guglue.com who can ship to other countries.


What weight can plasterboard fixings handle?

Some manufacturers will put a weight on to show how much weight their fixing will be able to handle. In reality there are lots of factors that affect the weight it can handle. These include

  • How straight the screw goes into the fixing.
  • Thickness of the plasterboard.
  • How dry the plasterboard is. Moisture levels can affect the plasterboard.
  • How the weight of the item is distributed. The weight distribution of an item fixed on an overhead ceiling will be different on a vertical wall.
  • Temperature.

AllPlug provides one of the strongest fixings in plasterboard when used correctly.

Using a strong adhesive or strong glue between the item and plasterboard can also further strengthen the hold of the item.


Frequently Asked Questions About Wall Plugs for Plasterboard

Do you need wall plugs for plasterboard?

To be able to fixing something to plasterboard correctly requires special plasterboard fixings. They provide a stronger and more heavy duty fixing compared to standard wall plugs or not using wall plugs at all.

What are the best wall plugs for plasterboard?

Many manufacturers might claim to have the best product. AllPlug provides a strong and heavy duty fixing in plasterboard. It is easy to use and only requires a small hole.

What wall plugs for plasterboard?

Not all wall plugs are suitable for use in plasterboard. AllPlug will provide a strong and heavy duty fixing in plasterboard.


Suhail Matadar has extensive experience in the construction industry as an electrician, involved in installing, inspecting, and testing electrical systems in various projects. He excelled in sales, working for a major UK wholesaler, selling construction products to professionals and the DIY market. Suhail's background includes working at a leading home emergency repair company dealing with trades people. With a BEng (Hons) degree in Electronic Engineering, Suhail has worked with PLCs in the nuclear fuel manufacturing industry. During his studies, he gained practical experience at a chemical manufacturing company known for producing award-winning cleaning, hygiene, and livestock protection products for over a century. Currently, Suhail runs a global business specialising in supplying, researching, testing, and distributing chemical construction products like adhesives and sealants.