A screw from the ceiling light timber has come loose and cannot be tightened. How can this issue be resolved, and is it indicative of a more significant problem beyond simply repositioning the screw?
Hi @softkun123,
I wouldn't say this is indicative of a bigger issue. It looks like a fairly old light fitting and over time the very slight movement of the house has made the screw works its way free.
I'd suggest simply moving the fixing over slightly and using a suitable anchor before reinstalling the screw.
If your ceiling is plasterboard or fibre cement sheeting, use a Ramset 16mm Hollow Wall Anchor, if it is concrete, use a masonry plug with the existing screw.
Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Jacob
Yes it's plasterboard ceiling.
1) Does this hollow wall anchors requires setting tool?
Also I would need screw length of may be 60mm or 65mm due to timber light fixing. What screw would go with this anchor?
2) are there any other plasterboard plugs without need of setting tool that would go with my requirement?
I had thought it was fibre cement, which is why I recommended the hollow wall anchor.
Knowing it is plasterboard, I'd change the anchor to a WallMate, which is easier to use, simply being rotated through the hole in the plasterboard, and not requiring a setting tool.
You could then use a 65mm Plasterboard Screw to attach the light fitting to the WallMate.
Let me know what you think.
Afternoon @softkun123
Just going with @JacobZ 's hollow wall anchor suggestion - I think it's a good one.
"Does this hollow wall anchors requires setting tool?"
Yes, but generic kits are very good and inexpensive - you'll never regret the purchase as a home owner.
Many different sizes and very strong, and yes, you can mix and match lengths - this is M4 @ 70mm.
Hi
Can I use timber 10g screw length of 65cm for the anchor I purchased as seen in pic?
Though the cover says to use 6-8g of screw length 40mm
Hello @softkun123
Although the Wallmate piece will accommodate the 10g screw, I don't recommend doing it as it will damage the Wallmate anchor itself. There is the possibility that it will crack or split and get over driven into the plaster, thereby weaking its hold on the plaster board itself. I therefore suggest using the correct screw size or getting a Wallmate that is rated for the larger screw.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
1)Can you point me wallmate anchor that would use larger screw say up ,10g and 60 mm timber screw?
2) also from pic below can you tell me whether ceiling is fibrous cement or plasterboard?
It appears to be fibrous cement, but in either case I suggest using Ramset M5 x 9mm Plasterboard Hollow Wall Anchor in combination with a Ramset Hollow Wall Anchor Setting Tool. It is a worthwhile investment and can be used for future projects especially if you are hanging pictures.
If you need further assistance, please let me know.
which generic kit are you using?
Let me tag @Noyade to make them aware of your question. I believe @Noyade was referring to hollow wall anchor kits that include several sizes of the hollow wall anchor and the setting tool all in one package. The picture he shared is actually a good example. I'm currently not seeing a hollow wall anchor kit on the website, but it would not hurt to go for a visit to your local store to see if there are any available.
Yes, you used to be able to by them at Bunnings - Craftright?
https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/t5/Whole-of-House/How-to-fix-loose-ceiling-light-fitting-screw/m-p/296278#M27683
These days I just stock up on Workforce from Aldi when they turn up.
But you can of course still buy the original Ramset applicator and various size anchors. Still affordable @softkun123
https://www.bunnings.com.au/ramset-hollow-wall-anchor-setting-tool_p2264163
Hi @EricL
Would the below link toggle anchor work as well?
https://www.bunnings.com.au/ramset-super-wallmate-toggle-anchor-10-pack_p2260188
Hi @softkun123
The anchors that have been suggested are self installing, in that they will grip into the existing plaster and use that to set them as you tighten them up. however if the existing plaster is particularly soft or damaged, they won't "grab" and that is why I believe both EricL and Noyade have suggested the kit which includes the setting tool. There are other anchors for cavity situations but they rely on gravity to work and that is not Ideal when fixing to a ceiling. Your choice should be dependant on wheter your assessment of the situation gives you reason to believe the fixings will "grab" or whether you need the setting tool!
You should be fine to use the Ramset Super Wallmate Toggle Anchors as long as the plaster is in good shape.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
I bought below but the packet says fixture thickness is up to 20mm and I have timber thickness of 35mm approximately that needs to be attached to ceilings. What should I do?
Ramset M5 x 9mm Plasterboard Hollow Wall Anchor
If the hollow wall anchor is not deep enough, I suggest using a Tox M6 Flip Toggle Bolt. It should be able to handle the 20mm thickness of your ceiling material along with the 30mm thickness of your light fitting. If it still needs a bit of space, it will be necessary to countersink the screw so that it anchors onto the toggle properly.
@EricL
I think it would need about 60mm of screw ??...
Timber fixture is 35mm thick.
So what countersink would be suitable along with below suggested toggle https://www.bunnings.com.au/tox-m6-flip-toggle-bolt_p2260713
Also would M5 toggle bolt do or i need M6 itself?? In addition I understand it needs 13 drill bit for plasterboard but what about drill size for timber screw ??
You'll need to drill into the timber light fitting where the screw is located. Your purpose is to drill a larger hole about 5-7mm deep so that the head of the screw sinks into the hole allowing the screw to grab onto the fixing end of the toggle bolt. Please note not to drill too deeply to prevent damaging the light fixture.
If you are not keen on drilling into the timber light fixture, the other option is to get a similar screw from the hardware department but at a longer length.
Thanks @EricL So if i have understood correctly.... drill size of between 5 to 7mm for timber to screw in??
currently 10g screw was in timber.... would this hole size in timber suffice for screw?? Does timber screw thread needs to fix in timber as well??
The screw head must be countersunk into the timber so that it can reach the toggle. I have drawn a quick reference to give you an idea of what needs to be done. The other option is to get a longer screw in the hardware aisle.
Thanks @EricL ... I understand countersink in timber.
But Does the thread of screw should tight fit timber or loose os fine?
Because current whole is of size 10g screw.
If screw threads requires tight fit to timber then I will have to drill another hole in timber
The screw threads can be loose and it does not need to be a tight fit to the timber.
"I think it would need about 60mm of screw ??...
Timber fixture is 35mm thick."
I may not be keeping pace with developments @softkun123.
But I thought you mentioned a page ago you purchased the M5 Ramset anchor?
If you have, once inserted the 'nut' component is against to, or very close to, the inner gyprock surface.
So yes, once in place something like 50/60mm with be enough to secure the 35mm piece of wood - no countersinking required.
Thanks @EricL .. .. I fixed one of the side. But another side has whole approx 15mm or so see bigger hole in pic. Is there anchor that would fit this wide hole??
Instructions on below suggested toggle bolt says to drill 13mm hole.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/tox-m6-flip-toggle-bolt_p2260713
Below is the pic of hole.
The Tox M6 Flip Toggle Bolt should work as long as the fixing plate fully bridges the hole so that it clamps on both the front and back of the plasterboard. Looking at the installation instructions, I'd be surprised if it didn't work.
If the fixing plate doesn't bridge the hole, then you will either have to move the light fitting over slightly so that you can drill a new hole or cut out a patch of the plasterboard and replace the patch using this Gyprock CSR 1.5kg DIY Rapid Plaster Repair Kit.
I would give the toggle bolt a try. If it doesn't work, let me know so I can assist further.
