How to fix loose ceiling light fitting screw?

[softkun123]

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?

 

  

 

[EricL]

Hello @softkun123 

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.    

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Noyade]

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/...

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

[softkun123]

Hi @EricL 

Would the below link toggle anchor work as well?

https://www.bunnings.com.au/ramset-super-wallmate-toggle-anchor-10-pack_p2260188

[R4addZ]

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!

[JacobZ]

Hi @softkun123,

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.

Jacob

[softkun123]

Hi @EricL 

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 

[EricL]

Hello @softkun123 

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.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[softkun123]

@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 ??

[EricL]

Hello @softkun123 

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. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[softkun123]

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??