Hanging more or less heavy objects on the walls and ceiling is a necessity for everyone. However, their attachment should not be left to chance to avoid any fall and reduce the risk of an accident. In addition, when it comes to fixing a piece of furniture, a frame or any decorative object in a hollow block, it is better to equip yourself with the right dowels. But then, which one to choose? Our answers in this file.
What is the use of a fixing dowel?
The fixing peg slides into a bracket to hold a screw in place in the formed hole. It can be installed in a wall or ceiling as needed. Invisible from the outside, it is sunk into the wall to securely hold the screw and avoid any risk of tearing, twisting or shearing.
To secure the grip, there are several fastening technologies. Indeed, some plugs are expansion and open in the support wall, others deviate, nail or screw. There are also anchors with tilting or spring technology for better deployment in the dug hole, others which lock by forming a knot, and still others which must be chemically sealed into the wall.
Thus, as we have seen, the dowel makes it possible to secure the fixing of any object in a wall or a ceiling. Nevertheless, for this securing to be total, it is essential to install the correct anchor, the one that will be both adapted to the support and the load of the object to be fixed.
Indeed, fitting an unsuitable ankle can have more or less disastrous consequences. On the one hand, the object fixed through it can simply unhook and fall. If some break or get damaged, which is unfortunate, the risk of injuring someone is far from nil. In addition, the fall of the object can cause significant damage, with tearing of part of the wall or ceiling or even damage to the floor or furniture on which it falls. As a result, always make sure to invest in purchasing pegs suitable for your need. Never leave this choice to chance, at the risk of greatly regretting it.
Which dowel to choose for fixing in a hollow block?
The hollow block is a particular support, but widely used for the realization of false ceilings, dividing walls or garage or workshop walls. This support is naturally not very resistant to heavy loads, which is why it is essential to use suitable dowels.
To fix an object in a hollow block, you can use several fixing dowels depending on the maximum load to be hung.
- For a load weighing less than 10 kg: the crampon ankle.
- For a load weighing less than 20 kg: the plastic anchor with an expansion system.
- For a load weighing less than 30 kg: the nylon dowel with a deformation system.
- For a load weighing less than 50 kg: the metal expansion anchor.
- For a load weighing less than 100 kg: the two-component deformation anchor.
- For a load weighing less than 130 kg: the form-locking dowel.
- For a load weighing less than 200 kg: the metal anchor with a large expansion.
You now know the types of anchors to choose depending on the weight of your load. Nevertheless, if we had to recommend you models suitable for heavy and light loads without distinction in a hollow block, it would be the following three:
These models are indeed the most recommended for drilling a hollow block and allowing secure fixing. The drill or the hammer drill are not recommended for drilling in hollow blocks, because the risk of enlarging the hole and rendering the dowel completely ineffective is too great. As a result, even with the right tool, falling and accidents are possible. Therefore prefer these three models which can be implanted with a concrete bit and at minimum speed to avoid any risk.
Finally, to further secure a very heavy load, you can also use a bed of chemical sealing for hollow blocks.