‘Plasterboard holds nothing' — false. A well-used board carries a bookcase. But every fixing type has a precise limit, and beyond it you need a reinforcement. The summary in figures.
Real capacities per fixing (single 12.5 mm board)
| Fixing | Indicative load / point | For what |
|---|---|---|
| Picture hook / brass pin | ≤ 5 kg | Frames, light mirrors |
| Self-drilling nylon plug | ≤ 10 kg | Small shelves, wall lights |
| Metal hollow-wall anchor | 20 to 30 kg | Loaded shelves, light radiator, TV ≤ 25 kg (4 points) |
| Toggle anchor | 30 to 50 kg (ceilings: divide by 3) | Pull-up bars, big brackets |
| Through-reinforcement (timber/plate inside the wall) | 60 kg and more | Wall kitchen units, water heater, wall-hung basin |
How the hollow-wall anchor works (diagram)
The reflexes
- A 20 kg TV on 4 metal anchors, yes — on an articulated arm the load triples at the top point: reinforcement required.
- Stud detector: aim for a metal stud whenever possible (a direct screw beats any anchor).
- In a bonded lining, the insulation layer ruins short anchors: extra-long anchors or through-reinforcement.
- Plan ahead: on a new partition, fit the reinforcements BEFORE closing — see building a partition.