A Revolution in Plasterboard Fixings

A Step Forward For Load-bearing Cavity Fixings

British Standard Tested to BS 5234-2

There have been a number of attempts over the years to solve the enduring plasterboard fixing problem – some more successful than others.

Finally a next generation plasterboard fixing with all the advantages and none of the drawbacks.

• Next Generation LOAD-BEARING Cavity Fixings and Picture Hooks
• M4, M5, or M6 reusable bolts - no single use, unrated screws
• Grapplefix screws into the BACK of the plasterboard and is therefore Universal
• All plasterboard thicknesses, including double-boards
• Short back plate version for tight spaces down to 20 mm
• Integrated boss screws into the back of the board so no toggles or front retaining flanges are needed
• 16 mm boss resists tear through under shear loads in walls
• Fixed back plate - safe for ceilings
• Optimised for higher-load, double-board applications
• Installed in seconds
• Design prevents spinning – no anti-spinning lugs required
• All-in-one design. No assembly. No Moving Parts. No Adjustments
• No other Tools required and no Cutting Down
• No protruding front plug - easy to cover. Fixtures finish flush with plasterboard – no gaps
• Preserves Vapour Barrier. Solid circular boss helps to seal off hole
• Recyclable, High Tensile, Glass Filled, Metal Replacement-Grade Polymers

Simpler, Faster, Stronger

The ALL-IN-ONE solution from Grapplefix represents a significant breakthrough in heavy duty plasterboard and hollow wall fixings. Designed, manufactured and independently tested to BS 5234-2 in the UK, Grapplefix fixings are simpler (no moving parts to adjust), quicker to install and stronger due to the use of metal replacement grade polymers. They sit on the back of the board, not on the fragile front render and therefore don’t require a front retaining flange to prevent loss into the cavity (bolts can also be removed without losing the fixing).

Front flanges can prevent structural lamination of the fixture with the board. Grapplefix's integrated boss design promotes high loading capabilities especially on double thickness boards.

The long back plate version (M6 plasterboard only) is specifically designed to transfer the load to the tips of the back plate away from the weakened central hole. This improves performance. Flat back plates tend to centralise the load around the central hole when they flex under load, which in turn negates the benefit of having a longer back plate. Our goal was to create an even pressure distribution under higher loading thresholds.

Short back plate versions (only plasterboard options currently available) are designed to install in tight spaces down to 20 mm and are available as M4, M5 or M6.

The fixed back plate is safe for ceilings and the 16 mm circular boss prevents ‘tear through’ in walls due to a large surface area within the hole. However, because the boss is integrated, there is no need for a toggle or front retaining flange and this combination is what makes Grapplefix uniquely strong in both lateral (ceilings) and shear planes (walls). The fixing simply screws (self-taps) into the rear of the plasterboard and is retained by the back plate itself.

It locks into place and is prevented from any further rotation or spinning – a common nuisance with traditional spring toggles that also wander in the hole; the hole required to pass the toggle is always greater than the diameter of the bolt.

Grapplefix is designed as if access into the wall cavity and the BACK of the plasterboard is unhindered – the challenging cavity access problem was solved separately so as not to compromise the optimal design for plasterboard

Grapplefix Has Arrived – A Quick Fix

Short back plate M4, M5 and M6 and long back plate M6 versions are available:

All fixings require a 16 mm hole (we recommend using a hole saw). This is an optimum size for the reasons given below:

1. Smaller holes 10 mm and below can tear (in shear) through the board under high loads
2. A 16 mm hole has just over two-thirds of the surface area of a 20 mm hole and only 40% of a 25 mm hole, so it weakens the board far less
3. A 16 mm hole can be easily covered by smaller fixings such as curtain rail brackets – anything larger becomes problematic when fixing smaller brackets, especially when they protrude. Front flanges typically add an extra 5 mm to the diameter of the hole to be covered so a 16 mm fixing would normally require 21 mm of coverage

Coming Soon...

A complementary range of hollow wall fixings suitable for all other substrates.

List of Applications Suitable for Each Size of Fixing

M6 Fixing - long back plate

Mirrors
Large Pictures, Wall hangings
Shelving (large and small)
Ceiling extractor fans
Towel rails
Radiators
Boilers, Water Heaters
Cabinets
Kitchen Cupboards
Cooker Hoods
Air Conditioners
Light Fittings
Ceiling Fans

TV Brackets. WARNING: Not suitable for brackets with CANTILEVER ARMS
Projectors
Grab rails
Industrial applications such as cable trays

M4, M5 and M6 Fixings - short back plate

Curtain rails (light and heavy)
Venetian and Roman Binds
Wall hangings, Pictures
Bathroom fixtures and fittings
Thermostats, Boiler Timers
Wall Lights
Kitchen utensils
Smaller brackets