James Robinson, Sales and Marketing Director of Samac Fixings, offers his advice on picking the right masonry fixings
What are the key factors to consider when choosing fixings for different types of masonry materials?
The most important thing is understanding the job at hand. For heavy-duty applications like securing steel beams, utility poles or structural supports, you need a robust fixing like Samac’s Atlas Bolts. They’re designed for dense masonry materials like concrete and brick where strength and reliability are critical. For lighter applications, such as fixing window frames or battens, Atlas Concrete Screws are a good option. They’re quick to install as they don’t need any sleeves or plugs, making the job faster and easier.
In high-load situations or when dealing with awkward materials, chemical anchors are ideal. Samac’s Atlas Chemical Anchors are perfect for securing threaded rods or bolts into concrete, especially where vibration or extreme pressure is a concern.
What are the common pitfalls installers face when selecting and using masonry fixings and how can they be avoided?
One of the biggest mistakes is over-tightening the fixing. It’s easy to think tighter means stronger but this can actually damage the substrate or strip the fixing, weakening the hold. When using something like an Atlas Concrete Screw, it’s important to tighten it just enough for it to grip without causing damage.
Choosing the correct length and diameter is also really important for a secure fixing. One of the most common errors is drilling the hole too large – if the hole is bigger than the recommended diameter, the fixing won’t grip properly and will eventually work loose. On the other hand, drilling a hole too small risks cracking the masonry. Length matters too – a screw that’s too long can push through the substrate or damage materials behind it, while one that’s too short won’t hold the required load securely and could loosen over time.
To make things straightforward, all Atlas Fixings include clear guidance on minimum hole depth and drill size, helping installers get it right first time. It’s the small details like these that prevent unnecessary headaches and avoid costly callbacks from dissatisfied customers.
How do environmental conditions affect your choice of coating for masonry fixings?
The environment has a huge impact on the long-term performance of fixings. For internal projects or sheltered areas, a standard BZP (Bright Zinc Plated) coating provides good protection against rust and wear. However, if you’re working in an exposed environment like a garden wall or outdoor structure, a ZYP (Zinc and Yellow Passivated) coating offers better resistance to corrosion. Choosing the right coating from the outset means you won’t have to worry about the fixing degrading over time and your work will stay solid and secure.
Outdoor projects often involve a mix of materials like masonry and timber. How can installers ensure they’re using the right fixings across all areas of the build?
For a neat finish in timber applications, Atlas Screws are a smart choice. Their countersunk, flush-fit design ensures the screw head sits level with the surface, making them ideal where aesthetics matter – such as decking, fencing, or timber cladding. Each screw features serrated threads that actively clear timber debris as they drive in, helping to reduce fixing stress and minimise the risk of splitting, even in denser or pressure-treated timbers. Combined with a TX drive for improved torque transfer and reduced cam-out, installers benefit from a more secure, controlled fixing every time. For example, when fitting timber battens to a block wall as part of a garden seating area, installers can use Atlas Bolts for the heavier masonry applications and switch to self-countersinking Atlas screws for the timber elements – ensuring a consistent, high-quality result across the entire structure without the need to juggle multiple fixing types.
For structural applications where maximum holding power is essential, M16 bolts are a good solution. These heavy-duty fasteners are ideal for anchoring steel structures, securing baseplates or connecting timber and concrete elements in larger builds.
How does Samac ensure the reliability and strength of its masonry fixings?
We don’t just sell fixings – we test them rigorously to ensure they perform under pressure. This means we know exactly how much weight they can handle and how they will perform in real-world conditions.
Any recent innovations for Samac that have improved performance or ease of installation?
We are very proud to have recently launched the Atlas Pan Head Screw which has made life much easier for installers working with UPVC or aluminium window frames. The wider, flatter head design prevents the screw from biting too far into the frame, reducing the risk of cracking or damaging the material.
For more details on Samac Fixings visit https://www.samacfixings.co.uk.
