Concrete Screws

About Concrete Screws

Concrete screws are specialised self-tapping fasteners designed to create strong, reliable fixings directly into concrete, brick, stone, and masonry materials without the need for wall plugs or anchors. Unlike traditional two-part fixing systems, these screws cut their own thread as they're driven into a pre-drilled pilot hole, forming a vibration-resistant connection that's both faster to install and often stronger than conventional plug-and-screw combinations. This makes them indispensable for tradespeople and serious DIY enthusiasts who require dependable masonry fixings with minimal installation time.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks professional-grade concrete screws from Rawlplug, a trusted manufacturer renowned for quality fixing solutions. Available in various head styles including countersunk, pan head, and large pan head designs, these zinc-plated screws offer excellent corrosion resistance and versatility for both visible and concealed fixing applications across construction, renovation, and installation projects.

Applications

Concrete screws are widely used across the construction and installation trades, including:

• General Builders – fixing timber frames, door linings, and structural elements to masonry
• Electricians (Sparkies) – securing cable trays, conduit brackets, and consumer units to concrete and brick walls
• Plumbers – mounting pipe clips, manifolds, and heating equipment to solid walls
• Shopfitters – installing shelving systems, display units, and fixtures in retail environments
• Carpenters (Chippies) – fixing skirting boards, architraves, and timber battens to masonry surfaces
• HVAC Engineers – securing air conditioning units, ducting brackets, and ventilation equipment
• Steel Erectors – fastening metal framework and structural steelwork to concrete bases
• DIY Enthusiasts – home improvement projects requiring secure masonry fixings

Choosing The Right Concrete Screws

Head Style: Countersunk screws sit flush with the surface for a neat finish, pan head screws offer excellent load distribution for general applications, while large pan head variants provide even greater bearing surface area for softer materials or oversize clearance holes.

Length and Diameter: Ensure the screw is long enough to penetrate through your fixture material and achieve adequate thread engagement in the masonry – typically a minimum of 25-30mm into the base material. Common diameters range from 6mm to 10mm for general applications.

Base Material: Identify whether you're fixing into concrete, brick, block, or stone. Harder materials like engineering brick or dense concrete may require premium screws with enhanced hardness ratings.

Corrosion Resistance: The zinc-plated concrete screws available at MyToolShed.co.uk provide good protection for most indoor and outdoor applications. For highly corrosive environments such as coastal locations, consider stainless steel variants.

Pilot Hole Requirements: Always use the correct pilot hole diameter – typically 1-2mm smaller than the screw diameter – to ensure proper thread engagement and optimal holding strength.

Safety Information

Dust Control: Drilling into concrete and masonry generates silica dust, which presents a serious respiratory hazard. Always use appropriate dust extraction equipment or wear RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment) rated for fine dust particles in accordance with HSE guidelines.

Eye Protection: Wear safety goggles when drilling pilot holes to protect against flying debris and dust particles.

Check for Services: Before drilling, always use a cable and pipe detector to identify hidden electrical cables, water pipes, and gas lines to prevent serious injury or property damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to use wall plugs with concrete screws?
No, concrete screws are designed to be used without wall plugs. They create their own thread directly in the masonry material, which makes them faster to install and often stronger than traditional plug-and-screw systems.

What size pilot hole do I need for concrete screws?
The pilot hole should be 1-2mm smaller than the screw's nominal diameter. For example, a 7.5mm concrete screw typically requires a 6mm pilot hole. Always check the manufacturer's specifications on the packaging.

How deep should I drill the pilot hole?
The pilot hole should be approximately 5-10mm deeper than the required thread engagement depth. This extra depth allows space for dust and debris, ensuring the screw can be driven to its full depth and the fixture sits flush against the surface.