Which plugs to use?

[Earth Leakage]

I'm seeking advice on suitable masonry plugs.

I'm currently using 5mm Hilti plugs, literally by the thousand, in a University student accommodation reno. for direct ceiling fix cable tray, ductwork, conduit, and surface mounting.

5mm seems the best to use, as it can be both drilled and pushed through whatever's being mounted.

But Hilti plugs are just so damned expensive.

Are there cheaper alternatives available that will hold as reliably and safely as Hilti. I've seen Plasplugs yellow plugs for less than a tenth of the price. So cheap, in fact, that I'm a bit suspect regarding thie long-term reliability. Fischer's S5 is the closest equivalent that I can see to the Hiltis, having a couple of "whiskers" to stop them turning in the hole, at about a quarter of the price.

What brands/types do you use, and why? Any advice from users would be greatly appreciated before make the mistake of importing ten thousand or so useless plugs!

I'm setting the plugs in reinforced slab floors and ceilings, and high-density concrete brick walls.

 

[Guest111]

I have been using ordinary red plugs for years no problem,you only get trouble when you use wrong size bit or screw.red plug 5.5 bit with a 6-8 screw size never had one pull out yet.about 50p per hundred at toolstation,just avoid the rough ones as they are a bit brittle but the smooth ones are fine.in fact i think the plasplugs ones may be iffy,the ones that are ok come in a box and have a piece of plastic with 5 plugs either side,10 strips in a box.the ones with loads on a big strip(b&q) are terrible.

 

[MarkieSparkie]

You can't go far wrong with standard Rawplugs, they have plenty of 'meat' on them and grip well when matched to the recommended screw and hole sizes. If you want a cheaper alternative the generic Screwfix version are OK, just not quite so 'meaty'. Avoid Tower wallplugs they are very thin and can be totally useless in soft materials or slightly oversize holes.

 

[johnboy6083]

i some times use size 10 screws in soft brickwork with red plugs. It forces the plug to expand a little more. Id never use less than a size 8 in a red plug though.