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Expert Support and Guidance from Established Experts

As part of our commitment to listening and responding to our customers’ requirements, our team of specialists are on hand to provide you with technical support that spans:

  • Hands-on experience of working with virtually all fixing applications on the market
  • Technical advice, on-site testing and support
  • Loading and data figures for all of our products
  • Plus much more

Got a technical query? Contact our specialists on 0800 5944444 or sales@fixfirm.com

 

Data Sheets

For your convenience COSHH and technical data sheets are linked to individual products on our site where applicable.

If however you cannot find the information you are looking for please email us at technical@fixfirm.com or call us on 0800 594 4444 and we will be glad to help you further.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

1) What size drill bit do I need for my resin anchor studs?

The drill size for a resin stud is listed against each size. On smaller sizes you will need a drill size 2mm larger than the stud to give a 1mm clearance around it for the resin. On larger sizes this will increase to a 2mm clearance therefore a drill size 4mm larger than the stud.


2) What drive bit suits the screws I am buying?

The description of the screw will include a reference for the drive bit. PZ stands for Pozi, TX means Torx, PH is Phillips, TH is two-hole. The initials are then followed by a number that denotes the size. Our full range of drive bits is shown here


3) Which drill bit do I need for stainless steel?

HSS Cobalt drill bits give improved performance in all materials and are suitable for stainless steel. You will also get better results if you use the Lenox Protool Lube.


4) How do I use expanding anchors correctly?

Key Points

It is essential that all Anchors are installed correctly in accordance with manufacturer’s installation instructions. Basic points to remember are:

  • Ensure suitability of anchor for type of substance.
  • Assess local factors e.g. proximity to edge, reinforcement etc.
  • Use a drill bit in good condition.
  • Drill hole to correct diameter and depth.
  • Clean out the hole thoroughly - especially critical for chemical bonded anchors.
  • Ensure that the correct setting equipment and procedure is used.
  • Tighten to correct torques recommended by manufacturers.

Direction of Loading

The most suitable Anchor for the application concerned can be selected after considering the direction of the applied load. The tension and shear values must be less than the safe working loads in the direction concerned. Other factors to be considered are centre to centre distances, centre to edge distances and proximity of reinforcement etc.

Tensile Loads

Common examples of Tensile Load situations include suspension of ductwork and pipework, mechanical services and suspended ceiling applications. These are loads which are applied along the axis of the fixing. 


5) How do I use cutting discs safely?

Always be sure to comply with all accident prevention regulations when using Grinding Discs and Cut-off wheels. The appropriate industrial safety pictograms are found on all discs and wheels. Click here to download the full guide.


6) Which Sealant Is Best?

Silicone Sealants are a man-made polymer, it has a backbone of silicone and oxygen.  To make silicone, silicon is extracted from silica and passed through hydrocarbons to create a new polymer with an inorganic silicon-oxygen backbone and carbon-based side groups. What that means is that while the silicone might come from a relatively benign and plentiful resource like sand, the hydrocarbons in silicone come from fossil sources like petroleum and natural gas. So silicone is a kind of hybrid material.

Acrylic Sealants are the economical, paintable alternative to silicone sealants; they are suitable for sealing and filling joints around aluminium, wood and UPVC window and door frames. However the external application of this form of sealant is very much ruled by the weather, conditions must by dry and preferably warm when applying. They also do not offer the same flexibility as a silicone.

Intumescent Sealants are designed for fire retarding constructions and generally have acoustic properties. They are suitable for indoor joints where a fire retardant seal is required to prevent the passage of smoke and vapours. For exterior use, use a fire retardant silicone.

Polymer Sealants are another “all rounder”; they have great durability, flexibility, excellent adhesion to non-porous surfaces, will bond to damp surfaces and are paintable. They are best used as an adhesive or sealant on surfaces that experience frequent vibration or strain. They are also ideal for gluing panels, skirting boards, windows, mirrors and insulation materials.

Polysulphide Sealants are designed to seal joints subject to movement where a tough, flexible, watertight seal is required. This product is no longer available and sites tend to use Polyurethane for applications where Polysuphide was previously used.

Polyurethane Sealants have first rate resistance to water, permanent elasticity under all climate conditions and excellent adhesion to metal and fibreglass; they are most commonly used for car, caravan and mobile home applications. Low Modulus Polyurethane Sealants are also safe to use in aquariums and terrariums, as once they are fully cured harmful solvents have evaporated making them inert.

Roof and Gutter Sealants are rubberised sealants specially developed for repairing leaking gutters, downpipes and flashings. They can also be used for bedding roof sheets and felts.

Types of Silicone Sealant Cure - There are two main types of cure; Acetoxy and Neutral. Both curing types cure by reaction with atmospheric moisture.

Acetoxy cure sealants give off a vinegary odour whilst curing, are generally high modulus and faster curing than neutral cure sealants.

Neutral cure sealants are low modulus and almost odourless.

Types of Silicone Sealant Modulus - There are two types of modulus; Low Modulus and High Modulus.

Low Modulus sealants accommodate more movement - this is evident as they are softer to touch and are best used for exterior applications.  Low Modulus sealants adhere to porous surfaces.

High Modulus sealants accommodate less movement and are best used for interior applications.  High Modulus adhere best to non-porous surfaces.

Different Silicone Sealant Example Applications

High Modulus Acetoxy Cure Silicone Sealants are ideal for interior applications such as interior draught sealing around windows or doors, sealing kitchen units and electrical components. It also has many sanitary applications such sealing around baths, showers, glass and tiling but ensure the sealant contains a fungicide.

Low Modulus Neutral Cure Silicone Sealants are ideal for exterior applications such as the perimeter sealing of UPVC Window or Door Frames, panel joints and joints in concrete and other porous cement based materials as it has more of a weatherproof seal, excellent adhesion and accommodates more movement.

Low Modulus Acetoxy Cure Silicone Sealants are the cost effective “all-rounders”, they are suitable for a wide variety of general building, sanitary (when they contain a fungicide), glazing interior and exterior applications and adhere to many common building material. However it is important to note that they do not have the same life span or adhesion properties as the more specialised alternatives particularly on exterior applications.

Specialised Silicone Sealants  Applications

Food Grade Silicone Sealants are designed for use in areas where food contact may occur including contact with raw meat. They are frequently used in refrigeration units and cold room environments due to their temperature and mildew resistance.

High Temperature Silicone Sealants are basically gasket sealants designed for forming gasket joints where an extremely high temperature resistance is necessary. They can also be used to seal and bond oven doors.

Aquarium Sealants are another form of silicone sealant, the only difference is they are non-toxic to fish and reptiles and therefore ideal for sealing aquariums and terrariums.


7) How many Nails, Screws and Pins do I get per Kilogram?

FixFirm has created the attached table of information, showing approximately how many screws, nails or pins you will receive by the kg when you place an order with us.

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