Wall Plug, Red/Grey, 8 x 40 mm

These Fischer Duopower rawlplugs (wall plugs) are absolutely fantastic. Like most of us, I've been using the standard yellow/red/brown rawlplugs, that haven't really changed in 50 years. When you open the box of these, you know they are something different. The manufacturing quality is plain to see. They are made in Germany and they ooze class. On the side of each plug is written the word Duo, followed by the diameter of the drill needed, and the diameter of suitable screws. This information is also on the box (Photo 1). The 8mm diameter ones are for use with screws 4.5-6mm diameter. The 6mm diameter ones are for use with screws 4-5mm diameter. (The length of screw is dependent on which plugs you buy, but the screw can be longer than the plug. Just make sure you drill a deep enough hole.) I have used 4mm screws with the 8mm plugs and they feel good and strong to me, however, it is advisable to follow the manufacturers instructions to be able to achieve the full load bearing numbers. They are lovely in use. Easy to insert, either push fit, or with a light tap, and once screwed in, nigh on impossible to pull out. The way they work is very clever, deforming themselves in 3 different ways, depending on the substrate you're using. All of the clever science is in the listing above. (The only place I personally wouldn't use them is screwing into plasterboard. I'm sure they would work well, but I'm a big fan of JCP Blue Rosettes.) Update: I have now tried them on plasterboard and they work well, however, I have found, that due to the crumbly nature of plasterboard, if you use a drill size 1mm smaller than stated, then they hold incredibly firmly.) They are more expensive than standard plugs, but not that much and believe me, the extra is worth every penny. I cannot ever imagine going back to 'ordinary' rawlplugs ever again. Strongly recommended. I hope you found this review helpful.

I use these Fischer plugs at home for domestic use. I'm not expert when it comes to DIY, but the look and feel of these plugs compared to other brands fills me with confidence. They come across as a premium, superior product. They are the only brand I'll use in the home when putting anything on the walls. Haven't had any issues so far. Extremely sturdy and easy to install. Would definitely recommend.

Its is a top notch quality product, crisp and precise images on the box for using the correct masonry drill bit for it to sit perfectly in the hole. Securely held with the mortar and does not rotate when fixing the screw or unscrewing. Easy to fit / remove panels without causing any damage to the wall plastering. Can be trimmed in size and still used effectively if you accidentally happen to fall short a wee bit while drilling due to a reinforced/ribbed bar in the concrete wall while drilling.

Got a spare bit of plasterboard to do some tests with a few different styles of metal anchors and plastic plugs and as far as the plastic plugs went, these ones were by far the sturdiest. There are however a few important things to take into consideration when using these duo power plugs and probably the most important is the choice of screw. Initial tests in the plasterboard were were not going very well until I noticed that by using different types of screws I was achieving different results and so after a while I finally settled on using a pan head 4.2ml X 38ml which tightened up to the attached bracket securely every time. Using normal wood screws with cone shaped part under the screwhead was no good but the pan head which is totally flat, really tightened up snugly to the bracket and as a result the bracket was absolutely solid with no movement at all. Another thing to consider is the screw width. Fischer recommend using a screw of between 4 and 5mm but in my tests I found that a 5mm screw was just a tad thick and occasionally it resulted in the plug spinning in the hole so for that reason I would stick with a screw of between 4 and 4.5mm thickness. Next area for consideration is the screw length. These plugs are 30mm long and to get that nifty system of the plug bunching up behind the plasterboard you must use a screw that is no less than say 35mm long which will be long enough to pierce through the back of the plug which in turn, will then draw back the plug down the screw and bunch up against the back of the board. Even though you might think the screw can’t go any further, keep on turning until you feel the screw really tighten up to the bracket and then you’ll know the clever little plug has done it’s job behind the board. Remember to take into account the thicknesses of the bracket before choosing your screw length - for instance, if it’s a thick bracket of say 5mmm then you’ll have to step up your screw length to at least 38mm to allow it to penetrate the plug. Conclusion: Using the right type and size of screw was crucial in my tests with this duo power plug and by using what I consider to be the ideal ones to use, these little plugs were very impressive compared to the other plastic ones I tested. For ultra heavy items to be hung on plasterboard I would still resort to the metal anchor type but for most instances, these duo power plugs are sound.

Great set of plugs from a trusted brand

Great Wall plugs. I used them to tie a couple of tall book cases to the wall. I like the anti-retraction mechanism, it stops the wall plug pulling out if you’ve drilled a little too deep. I used them with 5mm x 40mm hex screws

Do it once, do it right, I was always told. Well, these let you do just that without any issue. I can say with absolute conviction that not one single plug has let me down so far. Where other plugs would have failed, these were supreme. Plasterboard, wood and blockwork, these just don't let go. A quick glance at the plug, the drill and screw sizes are written right on it. You can feel when the plug 'locks' into your material of choice so you don't strip the screw right out. Amazing. Fischer have listened, understood then went out and produced the ultimate wall plug, these are all I'd ever buy because they do everything with ease. They aren't expensive vs. the time and effort of digging failed cheaper (naff) plugs out of walls, well worth it.

These are far superior to anything you get supplied free. I've used them to hold up shelves, lights, curtain poles... loads of stuff in brick and also plasterboard. Be careful to use screws that are 1-1.5cm longer than the plug and make sure you drill a hole depth that accommodates the full length of the screw. If your screw is too short, the plug won't bite properly. If your hole is too shallow, you'll pull the plug out of the hole and pop your plaster.