fixing to tiled plasterboard Advice and information on tiling and fixing tiles to a variety of surfaces

[beethoven]

Hi, I hope this post is in the right forum...

Now I've checked out the very good projects page about this subject, which tells me to use anchors or spring toggles to secure heavy items to tiled plasterboard.

However, I'm at a loss on how to fix smaller / lightweight items to tiled plasterboard.

All the plastic plasterboard plugs don't take into account tiles.

I've been told I can't use ordinally wall plugs.

So what do I use to secure shower arms and trays, etc? I don't really want to have to use the heavyweight fixings for these.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[stoneyboy]

beethoven,
Use an ordinary wall plug but leave its shoulder level with the face of the tile. The plug will expand into the plasterboard and security of the fixing screw will depend on the bond between the tiles and plasterboard. Since you are fitting light items only this should work fine.
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[beethoven]

Thanks for that.

I was under the impression that normal wallplugs and plasterboard don't mix, and that the expansion of a normal wall plug would crack a tile.

But I'll give it a go. I guess I'm probably best off using a smaller size screw for the plug so as to not expand it too much.

Also, I've got a load of those grey "UNI" plugs from rawlplug. Would they do? They probably class as an all-round plug.

Thanks once again!

[beethoven]

Thanks for that.

I was under the impression that normal wallplugs and plasterboard don't mix, and that the expansion of a normal wall plug would crack a tile.

But I'll give it a go. I guess I'm probably best off using a smaller size screw for the plug so as to not expand it too much.

Also, I've got a load of those grey "UNI" plugs from rawlplug. Would they do? They probably class as an all-round plug.

Thanks once again!

[plumbbob]

Yes, beethoven using normal rawl plugs flush with a tile will often result in a cracked tile unless the screws are very thin. If the tiles are beefy, you may get away with it.

Generally, if it is only a lightweight thing you are hanging, I normally tap the rawlplug past the tile so it is still in the plasterboard and screw in from there with perhaps a dab of silicone for good measure.

If you must use the tile, use ordinary red plugs with a 6mm drill and no 6 screws, but not near the edge of a tile!

[beethoven]

Thanks for all your help!

[stoneyboy]

beethoven,
I should clarify my answer. I use fisher wall fixings, these have a sleeve with an internal diameter which for the first 5+mm is a clearance size for the screws being inserted. Expansion therefore only takes place deeper than 5mm or so. This is ideal for the application you describe - the sleeved part stops the screw from direct contact with the tile and all expansion takes place behind the tile.
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