Fasteners Explained: A Practical Guide

The Right Fastener for the Job

Whether you’re working with concrete, masonry, steel, or plasterboard, having the right fastener for the job ensures stronger, safer, and longer-lasting connection points. In this blog, we discuss common fasteners, anchors, and fixing solutions and their usage across a range of building applications.

Screw Anchors

Screw anchors are self-tapping anchors designed to be driven directly into materials such as concrete, brick, or masonry. As the screw is installed, it cuts threads into the base material, providing strong holding power and allowing for quick installation and removal.

Sleeve Anchors

Sleeve anchors are mechanical anchors used for medium- to heavy-duty fixings in concrete, masonry, or brick. When the nut or bolt is tightened, the sleeve expands against the hole wall, creating a secure and vibration-resistant hold. Commonly used to fix into concrete and brick.

Nylon Anchors

Nylon anchors are lightweight expansion anchors commonly used in masonry, brick, plaster, or concrete. When a screw is inserted, the nylon body expands to grip the surrounding material, making them ideal for light- to medium-duty fixings. These plastic wall anchors are widely used for general-purpose fixing, shelving installation, and light fixtures.

Split Drive Anchors

Split drive anchors are hammer-driven anchors used primarily in solid masonry or concrete. The split body expands during installation, creating a permanent, tamper-resistant fixing suitable for fixtures that do not need removal. These permanent anchors are often used in concrete, masonry or stone fixings.

Wall Plugs & Plastic Anchors

Wall plugs and plastic anchors provide support for screws in softer or hollow materials. They work by expanding as the screw is driven in, distributing load and preventing screws from loosening or pulling out of the wall. Commonly used for plasterboard fixings and drywall anchors.

Powder Actuated Fasteners

Powder-actuated fasteners use a controlled explosive charge to drive fasteners into steel or concrete. They are commonly used in construction and industrial applications where fast, high-strength fixing is required without pre-drilling.

Drive Pins

Drive pins are impact-installed fasteners used for quick attachment into concrete, masonry, or steel. They are typically installed using a hammer or powder-actuated tool and are ideal for repetitive, high-volume fastening tasks.

Chemical Anchors

Chemical anchors use resin-based bonding agents to secure threaded rods or rebar into concrete or masonry. Once cured, the resin forms a strong bond with the base material, making chemical anchors suitable for heavy loads and close-edge applications. These anchors are commonly used for structural anchoring, rebar connections, and high-load applications.

Bowens Range of Fasteners

Whether you’re working on residential or large-scale commercial construction, using the correct anchors and fasteners will deliver stronger results, ease of build and long-term reliability.

Want to know more about our fastener range? Explore them online or in-store at your local Bowens today.

For more information on our new range of masonry and chemical fasteners by Bremick and ICCONS, read of blog ‘Introducing Bremick & ICCONS New Range.’