How to mount a large TV onto plasterboard/drywall studwork
How to mount a large TV onto plasterboard/drywall studwork, using a full motion cantilever TV wall bracket
It is very important to use a bracket with a large rectangular base plate. The dimensions of the baseplate are usually 480mm length 240mm width or thereabouts.
Do not use the type of bracket with a narrow vertical type of base plate:
Plasterboard/drywall is installed onto a wooden/metal framework. The vertical studwork is usually centred at 400mm 450mm 500mm or 600mm, most commonly 500mm centres. Use a stud finder device to find the centres.
When using a 480mm x 200mm baseplate the chances are that you will be able to get a fix into one of the vertical studs. You can adapt the baseplate if required. If there isn’t a fixing hole in the baseplate which falls in line with the vertical stud, simply drill a hole in the baseplate to match.
For the other fixing points use GeeFix cavity wall fixings. Position the backplate/anchor in the cavity either vertically or at a 45degree angle or thereabouts. The screws provided in the pack will be strong enough for your installation, just use metal washers on the screws to suit your bracket fixing points
GeeFix Ltd
Drywall Anchors for Heavy Items
What are the best drywall anchors for heavy items?
The best drywall anchors for heavy items are GeeFix. The few anchor types for hollow walls meant there was a gap in the market. Hanging heavy things on plaster walls was always a problem before GeeFix.
GeeFix drywall anchors were designed by a plumbing and heating engineer with over 40 years of experience in the trade. Struggling to find anchors for hollow walls which would hold TVs or radiators he designed to design THE strongest drywall anchor. This is what he has done.
Not only are they the strongest hollow wall anchor on the market but also the most versatile. These anchors for hollow walls are compatible with a wide range of materials including lath & plaster, plasterboard, insulated plasterboard, and wattle & daub
Expert DIY YouTuber Charlie DIYte tested the wall anchors against the leading fixings and GeeFix came out the strongest.
GeeFix can also be used to refix an object to a hollow wall where different types of hollow wall fixings have failed.
If a radiator has come away from a wall, GeeFix can be installed in the same position as the failed fixing. This will often reduce the amount of work necessary to repair drywall.
Take a look at this article about how to repair an installation where another wall anchor has failed. And this article shows you how fix a radiator onto drywall.
GeeFix anchors can be adapted for use with smaller objects, such as bathroom accessories, where fixing holes are close together. In these instances, one fixing can be used to secure the item by using the length of the backplate in the cavity for additional fixing points.
Read also how fixing items with more than one anchor point is also possible with GeeFix.
Step 1
Drill a 1” hole centered on your desired location
Step 2
Assemble your GeeFix wall anchor system as shown above by threading the supplied blue pullcord through the round wall plug, the curved back plate, and back through the wall plug.
Step 3
While holding onto the pullcord, feed the curved back plate into the hole and center on the 1″ hole
Step 4
While keeping light tension on the pullcord slide the wall plug into the 1″ hole to align with the holes on the back plate
Step 5
While keeping firm tension on the pullcord, screw the large screw into the center hole until the GeeFix becomes firm, but do not overtighten. Keeping tension on the pullcord will keep the back plate in place during installation.
Step 6
Pull out the pullcord but do not discard. You can use the same pullcord on additional GeeFix installations.
Step 7
Insert the 2 smaller screws on either side of the large screw and tighten until the GeeFix is firmly secured but do not overtighten.
Step 8
Remove the center screw
Step 9
Now that your GeeFix system is installed, you can either use the center screw to fix your item, or use your own mounting hardware in its place.
Fixing heavy items to plasterboard walls
Fixing heavy items to plasterboard walls
How to wall mount TVs and other heavy items in your home
Most modern homes built in the UK today are constructed with internal plasterboard cavity walls. To fix an item on a
plasterboard wall you will need a suitable cavity wall fixing.
Fixings designed to install items onto plasterboard/Drywall cavity walls are called many things ranging from
plasterboard cavity wall fixings, hollow wall fixings, hollow wall anchors, drywall anchors, cavity wall anchors,
hollow wall fixings, spring toggles, Brolly Bolts and more! They are all designed to do the same thing – secure items
to plasterboard/drywall cavity walls. All these fixings are available in varying designs with different methods of
installation, but they all have one thing in common which is the insertion of an anchor into the cavity wall to support
the item you wish to install.
Strength
The strength of all these fixings is ultimately down to the size and the shape of the anchor you are able to insert into
the cavity. The larger the flat surface area of the anchor you can insert into the cavity, the stronger the fixing. The
smaller the surface area, the weaker the fixing. Some fixings use a metal wall channel for the wall anchor such as
Toggler/Spring toggles. These channels when tightened tend to cut into the plasterboard thus weakening the
installation over time. The strongest fixing on the market is GeeFix which is available at www.geefix.com
Considerations when choosing the right drywall anchor/cavity wall fixing?
There are so many fixings on the market at the moment, it can be difficult to decide which to use for the job you
have in mind. When selecting the cavity wall fixing you need, there are 3 important things to consider:
• The weight and size of your item
• The value of your item
• The substrate to which you will install your item
The weight and size of your item
You need to keep in mind that some fixings out there are not suitable for heavy loads such as heavy wall mounted
TVs, radiators, heated towel rails. Kitchen cupboards and shelving may appear to be light in weight but will be
carrying a heavy load.
The cost of your item
If you are hanging an expensive mirror for example, you need a fixing which will secure your item reliably. You don’t
want the installation to fail.
The substrate
There are many different substrates such as plywood, lath and plaster, wattle and daub. The most common
substrate today is plasterboard, often referred to as drywall. It is consistently used in new builds in the UK
A reliable plasterboard fixing at www.geefix.com
GeeFix is a reliable heavy-duty plasterboard fixing/drywall anchor which will secure a heavy load to plasterboard. It is
the strongest fixing available due to the patented unique design of the GeeFix wall anchor that is inserted into the
cavity.
The flat surface of the 125mm x 20mm anchor is far larger than any other fixing so providing unrivalled strength.
The size of the anchor moves the loading away from the installation hole in the plasterboard and so provides a more
secure installation. We liken this to walking on deep snow which is impassable without the use of snow shoes which
spread your weight across a larger area. This in effect is the same principle as the large anchor.
GeeFix
The anchor/backplate
This is made of nylon which gives it a degree of flexibility. Its curved shape is unique and measures 125mm by 20mm
Together, these features allow the backplate to be inserted into a cavity depth as small as 3cm.
There are 3 holes in the centre of the backplate for the fixing screws. The anti-rotational spikes on the backplate will
dig into the plasterboard and keep it in place. The anti-rotational spikes will also stop the backplate from spinning
during installation.
The plug
This measures 30mm in diameter and has 3 holes for the fixing screws. The holes will align with the backplate when
installing.
Screws
There are two shorter side screws and one longer centre screw
Installation cord
One nylon installation cord
Installation
To install the GeeFix cavity wall fixing you will need a hole saw and a flat bit/spade bit
Drill a 25mm hole at the point where you want to install the fixing.
The fixing is assembled as shown before installation.
The backplate is then inserted into the cavity and positioned centrally in the hole.
Slide the plug down the installation cord and onto the backplate/anchor through the hole in the plasterboard. This
will align all the fixing holes.
Insert the centre fixing screw and then pull firmly on the installation cord – this will cause the anti-rotational spikes
to dig into the plasterboard. Now tighten the centre fixing screw and most importantly, continue to keep firm
tension on the cord until that centre fixing screw is tightened. Do not over tighten.
Once the centre screw is tightened, the backplate/anchor will be flattened into the plasterboard and, you can pull
out the installation cord.
Insert and tighten the two side screws.
Lastly, remove the centre fixing screw and you now have a fixing point to install your item.
Step by step guides on how to install the fixing can be found at www.geefix.com
A versatile fixing
Once the GeeFix fixing has been installed, it can be adapted to suit your needs.
Using different size and type of screws on the installation
The centre fixing screw can be removed and replaced with various types of screws. These can range from 8mm
coach screws to 3mm cup hooks.
Larger diameter screws will self-tap through the insert plug and into the length of the backplate. On larger screws, a
lubricant will help installation.
Using the backplate as an extra fixing point
Where 2 fixing points are closer together, for example bathroom accessories such as on a toilet roll holder, an extra
fixing point can be drilled into the backplate so that one fixing will provide 2 fixing points.
Fixing items with more than one anchor point
Plasterboard repair
GeeFix fixings can be used to repair an installation where another type of fixing or wall anchor has failed.
Step by step instructions can be found on our blog ‘Plasterboard Repair-How to fix loose drywall anchor.
https://www.geefix.com/how-to-re-fix-and-repair-failed-plasterboard-fixings/
A word of caution!
All cavity wall fixings/dry wall anchors have their limitations. It is important to remember this when planning your
project. This is particularly so when, for example, installing shelves and cantilever TV wall mounts to plasterboard.
The further away an item is held from the wall, the greater the stress on the fixings.
A note on substrates
Drywall and plasterboard are the same, the only difference being the names and that usually depends on where in
the world you are. They are most commonly used for interior walls and ceilings in modern builds. Plasterboard
comes in various thicknesses as well insulated plasterboard.
Lath and plaster is used to make interior walls and ceilings. Narrow strips of wood are fixed horizontally across the
wall studs and then covered in plaster. This substrate is similar to wattle and daub.
Wattle and daub has been used in construction for at least 6,000 years. It is a composite building method used for
making walls and buildings. A woven lattice of wooden strips called wattle was daubed with a sticky material made
from a combination of wet soil, clay, sand, animal dung and straw. Many historic buildings in the UK include wattle
and daub construction.
Paramount/egg box partition walls are made from 2 layers of wall board which are bonded to a cellular core of stiff
cardboard.
Using GeeFix fixings on different substrates
Lath and Plaster and Wattle and Daub
When installing onto lath and plaster walls and Wattle and Daub, it is best to use a 25mm hole-saw instead of a flat
bit/spade bit.
Flat bits/spade bits tend to shatter the laths which will weaken the installation. Hole saws cut a neat hole leaving the
laths intact.
When installing the backplate inside the cavity, it is best to position the backplate vertically so that it spans either
side of the hole onto the horizontal laths. This will provide a much stronger installation.
Paramount/eggbox walls
When fixing GeeFix drywall anchors onto Paramount/eggbox partition walls, drill a 25mm hole at the position you
have marked for installation.
Using a chisel, or similar, collapse the cardboard strips inside the cavity either side of the hole to the width and
length of the backplate / anchor. This will now enable you to insert the backplate into the cavity.
Dot and dab
Dot and dab, also referred to as a drylined wall is where plasterboard has been attached to a brick or concrete wall.
Plasterboard is attached to the wall using dots and dabs of adhesive at various points across the wall surface.
GeeFix cavity wall fixings can be used on these walls provided there is a minimum cavity of 30mm to insert the
backplate.
Stud work
A wooden frame is constructed for the interior walls of modern-day builds. Plasterboard is then attached to it.
GeeFix wall anchors are suitable for installations on this type of wall.
Double thickness plasterboard
Doubling up sheets of plasterboard is used to provide better protection against fire, to provide sound proofing or to
simply make a stronger internal wall.
Mounting GeeFix Drywall anchors into double thickness plasterboard is not a problem. Use longer fixing screws than
those provided in the pack.
Thermal insulated plasterboard
Insulated plasterboard comes in a variety of thicknesses ranging from 25mm to 75mm.
Mounting GeeFix cavity wall fixings into insulated plasterboard can be done by using longer installation screws than
those provided in the pack.
A note on plasterboard
The condition of the plasterboard is important. If damp or in poor condition for any reason, it will weaken the
installation
New stockist for the GeeFix cavity wall fixings
We’re happy to announce that the GeeFix plasterboard cavity wall fixings are now available in Australia and New Zealand through Shakespeare Solutions https://shakespearesolutions.com.au
Based in Victoria, Australia, Shakespeare Solutions meets all of your picture hanging needs, selling a range of hardware and equipment from stud finders to track lighting suspension kits. It’s great to see packs of 4, 5 and 50 GeeFix fixings in their inventory and with free shipping within Australia, these chaps are a go-to for professionals and DIYers alike.
As Ed points out, one feature that distinguishes the GeeFix fixings from the competition is their compatibility with a range of center screws. After securing the fixing with the center screw provided, Ed removes the center screw and self-taps the Muuto Dots’ larger screw into the plug. The fixing’s versatility means that the Muuto Dot’s fixing point is unrestricted by the placement of studwork.
So, a big thank you to Charlie DIYTe for the honest, impartial review. Charlie’s channel has a library of short DIY videos, ranging from how to apply silicone sealant, to tutorials on the difference between drill drivers and impact drivers…must-sees for all DIY enthusiasts.
So, If you’re looking for the GeeFix cavity wall fixings down under, Shakespeare Solutions can kit you out:
Web: https://shakespearesolutions.com.au
Email: info@shakespearesolutions.com.au
Charlie DIYte Video Review
“A stronger plasterboard fixing than anything I’ve ever encountered before” – Charlie DIYte
The video below, which runs a little over 13 minutes, discusses how GeeFix stacks up against the competition – highlighting the large, 120mm load bearing back-plate, which dwarfs the other fixings on the market. Charlie proceeds with an installation demo into plasterboard with a running commentary on the GeeFix’s ease of use and compatibility with multiple substrates and cavity sizes ranging from 30mm to 75mm. Charlie also calls attention to a feature that differentiates GeeFix from its competitors: the ability to affix more than one anchor point along the length of the back-plate, eliminating the need for a second fixing. This he points out will have “massive applications in the DIY and construction sector”
Plasterboard Repair – How to fix loose drywall anchor
How to fix a loose drywall anchor?
Plasterboard repair – Fix holes in plasterboard
GeeFix fixings are not only of unrivalled strength, but can also be used to repair an installation where another type of fixing or wall anchor has failed.
1. Remove the installation and the original fixing then fold in the failed plasterboard. Place a guide, made from an off cut of wood or piece of plasterboard, over the centre of the failed hole. Re-drill using a 25mm hole saw.
2. Insert the GeeFix . Pull on the blue nylon cord and tighten the centre screw.
3. Pull out the nylon cord and fix the 2 side retaining screws. Remove the centre screw. Pull away the loose plasterboard. Make good with polyfilla.
4. Using the centre screw re-fix the item.
About GeeFix
GeeFix was invented by a plumbing and heating engineer with over 40 years’ experience in the trade. We are proud that not only was GeeFix designed and developed in the UK, but that it is also manufactured in Shropshire supporting local industry and British business.
It was developed with the aim of creating a fixing which would secure heavy items to plasterboard/drywall walls. The interiors of modern homes are constructed from studwork and plasterboard so that GeeFix is the ideal product for fixing those heavy objects to cavity walls. TVs, radiators, towel rails, shelving, cabinets, cupboards, mirrors, curtain rails ……… just some of the many items that can be securely fixed to plasterboard with our fixings.
These hollow wall fixings can also be used to refix an object to a plasterboard wall where a different type of fixing has failed. For example, where a radiator has come away from a wall, a GeeFix fixing can be installed in the same position as the failed fixing and so often reduce the amount of work necessary to repair plasterboard.
Can be adapted for use with smaller objects, such as bathroom accessories, where fixing holes are close together. In these instances, one fixing can be used to secure the item by using the length of the backplate in the cavity for additional fixing points.
How to hang a heavy mirror on a plaster wall
How to hang a heavy mirror on a plaster wall
To hang a heavy mirror on plasterboard walls is easy with GeeFix. You will need a picture hook such as these below and one GeeFix fixing per bracket.
Method of installation for mirrors or pictures
Drill a 25mm hole in the wall using a spadebit or holesaw.
Thread the blue pull cord through the 2 centre holes of the back plate and the plug.
Insert the back plate into the cavity.
Holding onto the pull cords, position the back plate vertically in the cavity.
Insert the centre screw while pulling on the nylon cords. This stops the back plate rotating when the centre screw is tightened fully.
Insert the two smaller side screws and tighten.
Remove the centre screw. You can now fix your picture hook and hang your mirror.
GeeFix The number 1 fixing. Super strong and versatile, like no other fixing.
www.geefix.com
www.geefixusa.com
Heavy Duty Plasterboard Fixings
From their conception, we’ve known that heavy duty plasterboard fixings GeeFix would outperform our competitors because of their large, flat, solid load bearing back-plate. Many popular fixings have a hollow channel-shaped back-plate, the sharp edges of which cut into the plasterboard. Over time, these incisions diminish the plasterboard’s integrity, causing the fixing to become loose and ultimately fail. In an industry saturated with superlative claims we knew that we needed some hard data to hang our hat on (excuse the pun), so we arranged for the GeeFix fixings to be independently strength tested. The graphic below shows how GeeFix performed in strength tests, conducted on 15mm plasterboard: (Click to enlarge graphic)
A customer in the United States contacted us with photographs of a beautiful moon-shaped shelf he was mounting in his baby’s bedroom. The shelf-system, from upscale US furniture chain, Pottery Barn Kids came with the below small self-drill fixings:
Heavy duty plasterboard fixings have to support three types of load forces: Cantilever loads (suspended away from the wall), shear loads (pulling down against the vertical surface of a wall) and tensile loads (pulling away from a wall or ceiling). Most manufacturers typically highlight the shear strength of their fixing, emboldening their claims that their product is the strongest. A plasterboard fixing that has a high shear strength, for example, may not be suitable for mounting a large cantilever load, such as a 32 inch flat screen television on an articulating wall mount.
So, in order to select a fixing that’s right for your installation, you need to know how the fixing performs in all three of the above categories. We hope our infographic is helpful as you navigate the fixing market, and feel free to send us an email at gary@geefix.com or contact us via our online submission form with any questions. We’re happy to help!
We’d love to hear how GeeFix has assisted you with your DIY projects. Contact us here or send an email to gary (at) geefix (dot) com.
About GeeFix
GeeFix was invented by a plumbing and heating engineer with over 40 years’ experience in the trade. We are proud that not only was GeeFix designed and developed in the UK, but that it is also manufactured in Shropshire supporting local industry and British business.
It was developed with the aim of creating a fixing which would secure heavy items to plasterboard/drywall walls. The interiors of modern homes are constructed from studwork and plasterboard so that GeeFix is the ideal product for fixing those heavy objects to cavity walls. TVs, radiators, towel rails, shelving, cabinets, cupboards, mirrors, curtain rails ……… just some of the many items that can be securely fixed to plasterboard with our fixings.
These hollow wall fixings can also be used to refix an object to a plasterboard wall where a different type of fixing has failed. For example, where a radiator has come away from a wall, a GeeFix fixing can be installed in the same position as the failed fixing and so often reduce the amount of work necessary to repair plasterboard.
Can be adapted for use with smaller objects, such as bathroom accessories, where fixing holes are close together. In these instances, one fixing can be used to secure the item by using the length of the backplate in the cavity for additional fixing points.