Grapplefix Installation

INSTRUCTIONS TO CORRECTLY INSTALL A GRAPPLEFIX INTO PLASTERBOARD OF ANY THICKNESS

For load information see individual packs. Highest recommended values are one-third of the BS 5234-2 failure limit (or 50% for the Picture Hook where cantilever action is pre-defined). Recommended tension values (e.g. ceilings) should not exceed 0.2 kN (20 Kg) for sound 12.5 mm single thickness plasterboard for a construction span of 625 mm

Do not rely on published SHEAR values. These forces are measured next to the board at 'ZERO' distance and therefore ignore CANTILEVER/MOMENT. Moments (Force at the Cente of Gravity x Perpendicular distance from the board) can translate into large TENSION forces that are usually responsible for catastrophic plasterboard failure

Select the long back plate GREEN fixing for higher TENSION/MOMENT applications

WARNING: Not suitable for TV brackets with pivoted/swivel cantilever arms on single thickness plasterboard. We strongly recommend against using ANY fixing on single thickness plasterboard for highly cantilevered applications

1. Use a joist and metal detector to locate any pipes, cables and studs in the area to be drilled
2. Mark out hole(s) e.g. for a bracket. The minimum distance between hole centres is 26 mm for the short back plate and 33 mm for the long back plate fixing
3. Carefully drill hole(s) through the plasterboard using a 16 mm 3-pointed bit or hole saw. Spade bits should be avoided if possible - see tips below. Clean the back of the hole using the right-angled metal tip of the applicator to remove any rough edges/surplus backing paper
   
   Slide the orange applicator up and down the metal key to bed it in until it glides freely ready for use
   
   
4. Insert the short tip of the metal key into the side hole of the fixing – from the inside of the fixing until flush with the outer side wall (at the widest point)
5. Fold the metal key into the bottom of the end slot to automatically adjust and fix the key
   
   TIP; IF THE FIXING FEELS STIFF UNFOLDING FROM THE KEY, OVER-INSERT THE KEY IN THE SIDE HOLE OF THE FIXING SLIGHTLY & FOLD/UNFOLD IT A FEW TIMES BY HAND UNTIL IT FREES UP BEFORE USE - THE FIXINGS WILL VARY VERY SLIGHTLY IN THIS RESPECT
   
   Test by sliding the orange applicator to unfold the fixing and lock it off by rotating the barrel 90° anticlockwise
   
   
6. Pass the folded fixing and the orange applicator through the board - metal tip up, as far as the cavity will allow. Insert the applicator even if the space is tight
7. Hold the orange applicator & pull back the metal key firmly in a single motion to fully unfold the fixing
8. Hold the metal handle & rotate the orange applicator 90° anticlockwise to lock the fixing to the metal key. This step is important because it prevents the fixing skewing during installation
9. Hold the metal handle between 1st and 2nd fingers. Pull back firmly and rotate the metal handle clockwise from horizontal to vertical in one continuous motion until you feel it lock off (AROUND 1/4 TURN OR SLIGHTLY LESS FOR THE GREEN FIXING). DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN
10. Rotate the hexagonal end of the orange applicator (only) clockwise 90° to unlock the fixing from the metal key
11. Slide the orange applicator back out of the board
12. Detach the metal key by sliding to the left, PARALLEL to the board (if key handle finishes vertical)
    
    Note: Grip the metal key close to the board when detaching from the fixing - Do not push or pull
    
    
13. IMPORTANT - FULLY SUPPORT HEAVY ITEMS UNTIL ALL FIXINGS ARE FULLY TIGHTENED. Turn the bolts provided 1-2 turns by hand to get started. This prevents any possibility of cross-threading
14. Once the fixture starts to bite, hand tighten ≈ 1 - 1.5 turns maximum (the bigger the thread diameter e.g. M6, the greater the thread pitch and therefore the lower the number of turns required) to avoid board compression OR maximum 1 Nm torque (lowest torque setting)

Tips

1. Drill a 1 mm or 2 mm pilot hole in the plasterboard to see what’s inside the cavity e.g. rock wool. Pass a thin wire inside the pilot hole to establish the cavity depth. This will help decide on the fixing best suited for the application and will avoid ‘surprises’ such as lintels that cannot be drilled – the cavity depth requirements are clearly marked on the front of each packet, the smallest being 20 mm
2. Make a small investment in a 3-pointed 16 mm wood bit or a smooth cut hole saw. These are MUCH easier and safer to use than spade bits which can easily damage the fragile plasterboard wall or ceiling. The 3-pointed wood bit will also cut the farthest cardboard face cleanly (better than even a holesaw) without cracking the inner board face so is the best choice in our opinion. Let the drill do the work with very little pressure and stop immediately once through
3. Learn more about Grapplefix picture hooks
4. The back plate can be installed in any orientation, but for best results the back plate should be screwed into a vertical position with the folding slot of the circular boss on top (as per the instructions, starting with the handle horizontal)
5. To avoid vertical studs please allow a minimum distance between the edge of the stud and the edge of the hole (minimum 10 mm for short back plate and 17 mm for long back plate versions). This allows for partial rotation of the fixing during installation
6. Stay away from the edges of the plasterboard, keeping a safe distance of at least 50 mm
7. Do not attempt to "cut down" or reduce the fixing. ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION (EN166) DURING THE INSTALLATION PROCESS
8. Easy hole repair if required - just skim over fixing

Disclaimer

Grapplefix has been independently tested to BS 5234-2 by Building Research Establishment.

Highest recommended loads are reference values, dependent on site specific variables, building materials and competence that determine actual performance.

SHEAR values are NOT indicative of performance. Cantilever action and the resulting TENSION (pull out) forces should also be considered.

Plasterboard may crack unexpectedly under load and Grapplefix should never be used where the plasterboard is damp, cracked or damaged in any way.

Do not install Grapplefix close to edges of the plasterboard. As a guide, the minimum edge distance should be at least 50 mm.

Please also refer to our CE Mark page, which explains why the CE Mark does not apply to this category of fixings.

Grapplefix Limited shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential damages to property or persons arising from or in conjunction with the use of this website or its products.

Nothing in this disclaimer is intended to affect your legal rights, nor is it intended to exclude or limit our liability to you for fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, for death or personal injury resulting from our negligence or for any other liability which cannot be limited or excluded as a matter of applicable law.