Articles

Coach Bolt Size Guide: M6 to M20 Sizes and Uses

Choosing the right coach bolt size is important for strength, fit and installation. Using the wrong diameter or length can lead to weak connections or unnecessary rework on site. This guide explains coach bolt sizes, how to measure them, and how to select the correct size for timber fixing and construction work. How coach bolt sizes are measured Coach bolts are measured by two key dimensions: Diameter (M size) – the thickness of the bolt shaft, and…

Celebrating 30 Years of TC Fixings

This month marks 30 years of TC Fixings Ltd supplying the trade with dependable fixings and fastening solutions. We’re proud to remain a second-generation, family-run business. The values we started with — honesty, hard work, and doing what we say we’ll do — still guide how we operate today. From the beginning, our focus has been straightforward: research the right products, stock them in our own warehouses, and get them to site when they’re needed. No fuss. No excuses. Over…

TC Fixings – Logo Update

Over the coming weeks, you may notice a change to our logo across our website, vehicles, and signage. We’ve updated the TC Fixings logo to give it a cleaner, more modern look while keeping the same strong identity our customers recognise. The new design reflects how the business has grown and ensures our branding works better across digital platforms, print, and site applications. What hasn’t changed is what matters most: our commitment to supplying reliable fixings, consistent service,…

SPEEDpoint Screws - Buyer’s Guide

SPEEDpoint screws are German-manufactured wood screws designed for timber construction, joinery and general building work. They are produced using the same manufacturing processes as premium screw brands but use imported steel rather than premium German steel. This allows them to deliver reliable performance at a more cost-effective price point. For many trade applications, SPEEDpoint screws provide the strength and driving performance required for everyday site work. They are commonly used for: Timber framing Decking and fencing Joinery…

TXE and TXA A4 Bi-Metal Concrete Bolts

Looking for reliable and efficient concrete screws for your construction needs? Your search ends here! Introducing our new range of TXE and TXA A4 Bi-Metal Stainless Steel Concrete Screws – your ultimate solution for sturdy, hassle-free installations even in the most corrosive environments. Discover the Excellence of Index TXE and TXA A4 Screws Unrivalled Strength and Versatility: Designed for durability, Index TXE and TXA A4 screws are crafted to endure rigorous conditions, offering unparalleled strength for various applications. From…

Introducing SPAX Universal Screws

Are you tired of sifting through countless screw options for your DIY projects, repairs, or construction work? Look no further, as we're thrilled to announce our latest addition to our inventory – a comprehensive range of SPAX Universal Screws! Whether you're a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, these screws are engineered to make your life easier and your projects sturdier. Unleash the Power of SPAX Universal Screws Quality Meets Versatility: SPAX is synonymous with quality, and their…

fischer DuoTec Toggle Fixings

The fischer DuoTec toggle fixing is an intelligent 2-component gravity toggle fixing that can support high loads in both cavity and solid walls. As a member of the DUO line range, the fischer DuoTec comprises two plastic components. The red and hard component of the plug sleeve facilitates the consistent distribution of the load, while the grey and soft component prevents damage to the panel's surface by the fixing, reducing the load. The fischer…

fischer DuoPower Wall Plugs

The fischer DuoPower plug is an intelligent 2-component plug that can be used in both solid and cavity walls. The intelligent design of this universal plug makes it suitable for fixing in all building materials, making it an ideal one-plug-fixes-all solution to carry on site. The fischer DuoPower adjusts itself automatically to the building material and transfers the highest loads through the three product functions of folding, expanding and knotting. The DuoPower range gives the user very good feedback from the plug when…

Coach Bolts vs Coach Screws: What’s the Difference?

Coach bolts and coach screws are both widely used in timber construction, but they are designed for different types of fixing. Choosing the right one will affect strength, installation time and long-term performance. This guide explains the difference between coach bolts, carriage bolts, lag bolts and coach screws, and when each should be used on site. What is a coach bolt? A coach bolt, also known as a carriage bolt or cup square hex bolt, is a through-bolt…

Concrete Screws Installation

Concrete screws are fast becoming the professional tradesman first choice for fixing into all types of masonry. There are several reasons for this – they are cheap, readily available, require no special tools and have high pull out resistance, but the biggest factor in their rise in popularity is the ease and speed of installation. This short guide will outline how to install concrete screws properly and the tools you will need to do so. What tools do…

Gorilla Glue - Directions of Use

Prepare and Dampen the Surfaces If you’re using Original Gorilla Glue for the first time, or bonding a new type of material, we always recommend trying a test piece first. Prepare your surfaces: All surfaces must be clean, dust-free and tight-fitting. For shiny surfaces, such as metals, glass and some plastics, roughen up the material to give the glue something to bite into. Damp It: Lightly dampen one surface with water. We recommend using a damp cloth or…

Mirror Screws & Caps Overview

Mirror Screws are the best way to fix mirrors to any wall. Combined with mirror screw caps, they provide a secure and decorative fixing for mirrored panels, vanity mirrors, or any type of thin panel such as splashbacks or access panels. One of the best things about mirror screws is that the mirror/panel can be easily removed, making mirror screws ideal for fixing access panels which need to be regularly opened, or opened quickly in the case of an emergency.…

Plasterboard Screws - Coarse vs Fine Thread

Plasterboard screws come in many shapes and sizes, but the most common variant in plasterboard screws is coarse thread or fine thread. Both thread types are designed for specific uses and will behave differently in different materials. Let’s have a look at what they designed for. Coarse thread plasterboard screws The most common plasterboard screws on the market today. Coarse thread plasterboard screws are designed for fixing plasterboard sheets to timber, specifically stud work walls. The 60°…

Smart Latch vs Smart Bolt

The new Smart Latch has burst onto the market and has become incredibly popular in a short space of time, and there is now a Smart Bolt available to go with the Smart Latch - but what is a Smart Bolt and how does it differ from a Smart Latch? The Smart Latch is a traditional tubular latch and can be used as a latch on internal doors. The Smart Bolt is a tubular dead bolt that has been developed…

TIMco Index Screws

We think TIMco In-Dex timber sleeper screws are the best way to fasten railway sleepers. We have had many great reviews about this product and have to agree with our customers after testing them ourselves; TIMco are producing the best timber sleeper screws available.   They will easily screw through pine railway sleepers without difficulty, and although we always recommend drilling a pilot hole it almost isn’t necessary because of their excellent penetration capability on softer wood. The 25-degree sharp point gets…

Timberlok & Index Screws Installation

TIMco Index screws & Fastenmaster Timberlok screws are a great cost-effective alternative to coach bolts. They have structural approval for use in construction applications, do not need pre-drilling, come in a range of sizes & head options, and are incredibly fast & easy install. Here we look at the tools you need to install and the best way to do so.  What do I need? Nothing fancy & no special application tools - you will just need (ideally) and impact…

Torx Pan Head Tek Screws

Torx drive tek screws are increasingly becoming more and more popular due to the high torque capabilities of torx as a drive recess. The six-lobe pin design gives the user much more drive torque than the traditional pozi or phillips drive screws, and another benefit of the design is a much-reduced risk of tool slippage during insertion. We have significantly increased both our stock range & stock levels of torx drive tek screws in the last few months, and this…

Hex Head Tek Screws - Which Ones Do I Need?

There are many different types of tek screw available, and it is important that you purchase the correct tek screw for your application. All the tek screws in this section are hexagon head, but that does not mean they are all for the same application. Let’s go through the options we have: Light Duty TEK-3 Tek Screws C/W 16mm EPDM Washer These tek screws are commonly used in the roofing industry for fixings roofing sheets and…

Coach Bolts & Carriage Bolts: DIN 603 Guide

Coach bolts are a standard fixing across construction, joinery and site work. Also known as carriage bolts, they are commonly used for timber connections where a secure fixing and clean finish are required. This guide covers coach bolts, carriage bolts, lag bolts and cup square hex bolts, including DIN 603 dimensions, materials and how to choose the right product. What is a coach bolt? A coach bolt is a round head bolt with a square neck underneath. When…

Simpson Strong-Tie | New Larger Range

Simpson Strong-Tie We are pleased to announce a larger stock range of Simpson Strong-Tie products. We have always stocked Simpson products as part of our range of builder's metal work, but we are excited to announce 3 metres of new displays in our showroom to display a range of 100 core products that we will always keep in stock. We are also working towards listing a large range of…

Jigtech Installation Guide

About Jigtech Jigtech is the new revolutionary door fitting system that saves time and ensures 100% fitting accuracy every time. Timed fitting tests and shown that a Jigtech SMART Latch and handle can be fitted in under 3 minutes with the Jigtech pro jig, compared to 25 minutes when fitting a normal latch and handle with traditional methods. This is a time reduction saving of 80%.  How…

Mirror screws installation guide

Mirror Screws: Recommended Use A Guide to Fixing a Mirror to the Wall Using Mirror Screws: Use a temporary support against the wall to hold your mirror in place for the following next steps: Position the mirror and use a spirit level to make sure it is straight. Use a pencil to mark the positions of the mirror holes on the wall. Take down your mirror with care and drill the holes. Insert wall fixings into…

How to fit a Smart Latch

The Smart Latch has revolutionised the fitting process for tubular latches, but how do they work and how do you fit them? Well a Smart Latch is essentially no different from a standard tubular latch in that it works in exactly he same way – an 8mm square spindle is fitted through the Smart Latch, and when turned it operates the latch and allows a door to be opened. The difference between a Smartlatch and a standard tubular latch is…

Tek screws - what are they?

We get asked for tek screws every day, but what are they and what are they used for? The term 'Tek screws' covers a large range of products for a variety of different applications so it is important that you purchase the correct tek screw for your job. Tek screws, also called self-drilling screws, are self-tapping fasteners that have a drill bit end allowing them to be used for screwing materials such as wood and metal together without pre-drilling. Tek screws…

The best concrete screws

At TC Fixings we have tried many different brands of concrete screws, and we think that our TIMco concrete screws are the best on the market today. What makes TIMco concrete screws better than everyone else's? Well a combination of factors..... TIMco concrete screws have a 30mm hi-lo starting thread. I know, that doesn't sound that exciting, but this starting pattern bites into masonry…