How To Choose | Screws, Fixings, & Adhesives

Screws, fixings, and adhesives are essential fastening solutions used across construction, masonry, and woodworking projects. Choosing the right products helps ensure secure, long-lasting results, so it’s important to make the correct decision. Backed by years of experience supplying our trade and DIY customers with durable hardware, we’re here to make finding the right products simple and straightforward.

When choosing screws and fixings for carpentry projects, it’s important to use materials that are strong enough to penetrate hardwoods and hold important structural elements together. Wood screws are a popular choice due to their durability, sharp threads, and reliable holding power. Choosing steel screws that are either fully or partially threaded is also ideal for carpentry work, providing the strength needed to penetrate tougher materials.

As wood is the primary material used in carpentry, wood glue is essential for these projects. Ensuring structural integrity, wood glue reaches all surfaces for superior bond strength.

Best screws and fixings for building work

Builders provide the vital structural elements across a wide range of projects, meaning they need durable and reliable screws and fixings that can withstand demanding conditions. Wood screws are a robust and versatile option, while stainless steel and galvanised steel screws are ideal for resisting rust and corrosion. Fixings and builders metalwork, including joist hangers, angle brackets, and nail plates, are also essential additions to building projects, providing secure structural support.

Adhesives for building work need to provide reliable bond strength to ensure long-lasting installations. Choosing adhesive sealants that offer resistance against fire, moisture, and mould may also be necessary for additional protection.

The plumbing trade relies heavily on installing systems that have a flow of water or gas to essential appliances, meaning it’s important that screws and fixings are equipped to handle these moisture-prone environments in homes or businesses. Hardware that’s resistant to rust and corrosion, such as stainless or galvanised steel screws, are a great choice for plumbing projects. Wall plugs are also a great way to provide extra protection to materials that need to be held in place even if the area becomes porous or brittle when exposed to water. They are typically made from durable plastic materials that are resistant to moisture, meaning using them will always be an extra step worth taking.

The effects of water should be considered when choosing adhesives for plumbing projects. Waterproof sealants often feature anti-fungal properties that help protect against mould and mildew commonly found in bathrooms and kitchens. Silicone sealants are also a popular choice for plumbing projects, due to their flexibility and long-lasting durability for sinks, baths, and showers.

Best screws and fixings for electrical work

The electrical trade involves installing fixtures, fittings, and wiring systems, meaning specific screws and fixings are needed for safe installations. Electrical screws are commonly used for electrical jobs as they’re fully threaded and have a short shank, making them perfect for fitting electrical fixtures such as socket faceplates and switches. When choosing screws and fixings for electrical work, it’s important to ensure they’re durable and corrosion resistant, so they provide long-lasting, reliable fittings.

Recommended adhesives for electrical work

When choosing an adhesive for electrical work, it’s important to provide protection against fire wherever possible. Fire-rated foams can withstand high temperatures and provide excellent insulation, making them a great addition to electrical projects. Fire-resistant sealants are also recommended as they help to slow the spread of smoke and flames, offering peace of mind in domestic and commercial installations.

Choosing the right screws, fixings, and adhesives

You’re now aware of what to consider when choosing screws, fixings, and adhesives for different trade projects. At IronmongeryDirect, we supply our trade and DIY customers with a wide range of robust screws, fixings, and adhesives, helping you choose the right products for every application.

A rubber band can be used to help unscrew a stripped screw. Lay the rubber band flat across the screw head and firmly press the screwdriver into place. Pressure should be applied to slowly turn the screw.

Adhesive residue can often be removed using rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, or white vinegar. Warm water mixed with baking soda and dish soap is also an effective way to remove residue, depending on the surface and adhesive used.

Different sealant types take varying amounts of time to dry depending on their formulation and thickness. Silicone sealant often takes 24 hours to fully cure, while acrylic sealants typically dry more quickly, but this is dependent on environmental conditions.

How to choose the right screws, fixings, and adhesives

Mental Health | In The Trades

The mental health challenges faced by tradespeople remain all too common and are often overlooked. To mark Mental Health Awareness week, we’re highlighting two individuals who are doing incredible work to break down the stigma and encourage open conversations across the industry.

Creating a Platform for Open Conversations

Russell Payne, a third-generation painter and decorator began The Talking Tradesman podcast after facing his own mental health struggles. Prior to this, he had little understanding of mental health. ‘If you’d have asked me, “Russell how’s your mental health” I would have answered that I haven’t got it.’

When Russell first experienced anxiety and panic attacks, it planted a seed and led him to learn more about the subject. ‘That opened a door for me to a world I had given no attention to throughout 30 years of my life.’

Motivated to educate himself, Russell went on to complete a degree in psychology, specialising in counselling and therapy. ‘I thought if I can educate myself here, then maybe I can help some people.’

Russell began volunteering with the Samaritans and working on crisis calls. It was here where he noticed a concerning pattern, ‘I had no idea it was that bad. The amount of people in the trades I was talking to was disproportionate to the number of calls we were getting.’ This experience further reinforced his decision to create a platform for open conversations.

The Talking Tradesman podcast provides a safe space for tradespeople to share their experiences and seek guidance, with each episode featuring a new guest. Russell shared that the response to the podcast completely shocked him. ‘I thought my biggest struggle would be getting people who are comfortable to be vulnerable on a public platform but it’s the opposite. Nearly everyone has approached me to tell their story.’

‘What I’ve tried to do is give a voice to the trades and the working-class people of the country.’

James Ford is the founder of JT Motiv, a mental health awareness platform, which also works to break down the stigma. JT Motiv began with motivational WhatsApp statuses in lockdown and led to a growing platform on YouTube and other social media channels. James uses his history of addiction and mental health struggles to share his story in construction sites and other workplaces.

‘In my first year of gambling I wanted to take my own life. It had gotten that bad. My talks take me all over the UK and Europe to share my story and help others.’

James shares his powerful story and encourages workers to get help if they need it. ‘I think people can relate to me. Lived experience is important. People want to feel heard, listened to, and seen.’

After his very first talk, James realised the impact these conversations could have. ‘It was phenomenal. After the talk, a guy in his 60s approached me and told me he was struggling. I said I was happy to help him and that night his wife messaged me and said he’d come home a different man.’

Both Russell and James agreed that greater awareness is being raised, but there’s still a lot more work to be done. James explained, ‘When you go on site there’s PPE; you have your hard hat, glasses, and boots, but what about your mind? It’s just as important. The “man up, get on with it, we’ve got deadlines to get” mentality is why there’s an issue in construction.’

Russell echoed these views, highlighting the importance of education, ‘We need to normalise these conversations from the top down. People don’t ask people if they’re okay because they don’t know what to do if somebody says no. That is terrifying.’

James also stressed the importance of responding correctly when someone opens up. ‘If someone comes over and says they’re struggling, the worst thing you can do is brush them off. That person will find it difficult to ask for help later down the line.’

It is evident that greater awareness and education are essential to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the trades. Russell and James’ stories are a reminder of the importance of open conversations in the industry. Their willingness to share their own experiences prove that strength in the trades isn’t just about the physical work but also looking after your mental health and supporting those around you.

Mental Health in the Trades: Breaking the Stigma Through Open Conversations

Sliding Doors Vs Bifold Doors | Which Is Better

Sliding doors and bifold doors are both excellent ways to save space and enhance natural light. The best door system for your space will depend on factors like the size of your room, your aesthetic preference, and your practical requirements. In this guide, we’ll outline the differences between sliding and bifold doors, helping you achieve both the practical and design outcomes you’re looking for.

What’s the difference between sliding and bifold doors?

One of the biggest differences between sliding and bifold doors is their operation, with sliding doors gliding on a track and bifold doors stacking to one or both sides of the frame. Evaluating your design preferences is essential to determine if a sliding or bifold door system is better suited to your space.

What are the pros and cons of sliding doors?

What are the pros and cons of bifold doors?

Provides seamless access to outdoor spaces

Sliding doors are often the better choice for small spaces, due to their space-saving track design. With no swing radius, they allow furniture to be placed close to them. Bifold doors require space to stack their panels, which means they’ll be slightly more restrictive in small spaces.

Bifold doors can allow more light when fully open, creating a seamless connection to the outdoors. Sliding doors also often feature large glass panels, which can maximise light. Both door systems let in a considerable amount of natural light, making rooms feel brighter and more spacious.

Which is cheaper: sliding or bifold doors?

Sliding doors are typically a cheaper option than bifold doors, due to their simpler design and generally less complex installation. The price of bifold doors is dependent on the construction, finishes, and size of the door, with more premium doors often coming with higher-quality materials, enhanced glazing, and more robust hardware.

Next steps for choosing bifold or sliding doors

You’re now aware of the differences between sliding and bifold doors, as well as each door system’s pros and cons. All that’s left to do now is to decide which option best suits your space, considering your practical and style requirements. We’re backed by experience supplying trade and DIY customers with high-quality sliding door kits and bifold door kits, providing the hardware needed for successful installations.

What are common problems with sliding doors?               

Common sliding door problems include dirt and debris getting caught in the door tracks. This is a result of a lack of maintenance, which is essential to ensure your sliding door performs as intended over time. Misalignment and sticking doors are also common sliding door problems, which can be resolved with regular cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment.

What are the disadvantages of sliding glass doors?

The disadvantages of sliding glass doors include visible marks and regular maintenance needed. Older and lower-quality sliding doors can also raise security concerns, but modern door systems typically include multi-point locking for enhanced security.


What are the common problems with bifold doors?

Common bifold door problems include misalignment, sticking or jamming, and loose or broken hinges. By carrying out regular cleaning, lubrication, and tightening of hinges, your bifold doors are more likely to perform as expected.

Should I get bifold doors or sliding doors?

The decision to get bifold doors or sliding doors is dependent on your room’s function, design preferences, and practical requirements. If saving space is a priority and you want to achieve a modern, clean look, sliding doors are the better choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking to allow maximum light in and create a seamless transition to outdoor space, bifold doors are a great choice.


Can you replace bifold doors with sliding doors?

Yes, it is possible to replace bifold doors with sliding doors. Doing this in the safest way is important and involves removing the old doors, installing a sliding track, and carefully fitting the new doors.

Sliding Doors vs Bifold Doors: Which Is Better for Your Space?

TradeXtra | 200 Loyalty Points

Get xtra with TradeXtra, our benefits package designed exclusively for the trade. Open a TradeXtra Account and register for TradeXtra Rewards between the 1st and 31st May 2026 to automatically receive 200 loyalty points!

TradeXtra offers exclusive benefits to the trade, including instant interest-free credit of £500 to £10,000, easy online account management, rewards, discounts, and offers. Best of all, there is no annual fee or hidden costs and it’s FREE to join!

All customers with a TradeXtra Account have access to our TradeXtra Rewards programme, allowing them to earn points on every purchase and redeem these points for rewards.

Anyone who opens a TradeXtra Account and registers for TradeXtra Rewards between the 1st and 31st May 2026 will instantly receive 200 loyalty points credited to their TradeXtra Rewards account.

Your 200 loyalty points can be used on a range of rewards, such as:

Digital gift cards and vouchers to redeem at a whole range of retailers, restaurants, and leisure activities.

A selection of stationery or sweet treats.

An opportunity to give back and donate to a variety of charities.

The chance to do your bit for the planet and plant 10 trees.

Alternatively, you can continue shopping with IronmongeryDirect and build up your points balance to redeem on a wide range of even bigger and better rewards in the future!

Why not get rewarded for what you do? If you are a limited business, sole trader, or other organisation operating in the public or not-for-profit sector, there are so many benefits to joining TradeXtra.

The application process is quick and easy, with three simple steps to get your TradeXtra Account up and running. You’ll unlock credit, easy online account management, and the chance to start earning rewards straight away.

To start your TradeXtra journey and receive full details visit ironmongerydirect.co.uk/tradextra.

Sign up by Sunday 31st May 2026 to receive your free points!

If you’re already a TradeXtra Account customer and would like to join TradeXtra Rewards, please visit: 

The 200 bonus loyalty points will be automatically credited to individuals who register with TradeXtra Rewards between 12:01 AM (GMT) Friday 1st May 2026 and 11:59 PM (GMT) Sunday 31st May 2026. No purchase necessary.

The 200 loyalty points are redeemable on products/services in the TradeXtra Rewards catalogue and must be redeemed within 12 months. Loyalty points are not transferable, and no cash or credit alternatives are available. Reward values and qualifying products may change over the programme duration without prior notice. 

Please also refer to the standard prize draw T&Cs on our website. The Organiser is not responsible for any delays outside of their control and reserves the right to modify or cancel the draw in unforeseen circumstances.

Open a TradeXtra Account and get 200 loyalty points!

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From the trade blog

How to choose the right screws, fixings, and adhesives

Mental Health in the Trades: Breaking the Stigma Through Open Conversations

Sliding Doors vs Bifold Doors: Which Is Better for Your Space?

Open a TradeXtra Account and get 200 loyalty points!