Drywall fittings
Pamela Allen of Cape Town writes We recently built a ‘tiny house’ near the sea and we need to fit a towel rail, blind and toilet roll holder in the bathroom. Our walls were built with drywalling and covered with tiles. What is the safest way to drill through the tiles and into the drywalls and which is the best drill bit to use? We also want to install window blinds on other drywalls. Any advice on the best way to do this? I have made the roll-up blinds with a plank at the top.
Deon de Goede, our DIY guru, replies Luckily, the task at hand is very simple and the necessary tools and bits are readily available.
Drilling Use drill bits such as the Tork Craft Glass & Tile 5-piece set. When drilling, don’t use the hammer action. These drill bits will allow you to drill through the tile into the drywall.
For your bathroom fittings Use toggles such as the Fischer Metal Spring Toggle (above left) or Rawlplug Plastic Toggles with Screws (above right). Ideal for doublethickness plasterboard, the Fischer spring toggle is made of a heavy-gauge material for superior loads and has a nut to prevent stripping. When pushed through the drill hole, the toggle expands behind the board. The Rawlplug plastic toggle is also easy to use: simply compress the ‘wings’ and insert the fixing into the hole; it will then expand.
For your blinds The Hilti HHD-S Hollow Wall Anchor is a permanent fixture ideal for blinds or towel rails, but there are various other affordable options as well. CONTACT facebook.com/DIYDeon >>