Are You Being Misled by Wall Fixing Load Ratings?
When buying plasterboard fixings, cavity wall fixings, or dot and dab wall fixings, you might see impressive weight ratings on some packets. But are those numbers really safe? Wall fixing load ratings can be confusing as manufacturers sometimes list the fixing’s failure load or maximum load instead of the Safe Working Load, which can be misleading or even dangerous.
Failure Load vs. Safe Working Load
So what’s the difference? The failure load is – you guessed it – the point where the fixing completely fails. This is the maximum weight it can hold before breaking. But that doesn’t mean it’s safe to use anywhere near that limit. A fixing loaded with its failure load might hold for a time, but then start to gradually give in – which is not what you’d want!
The Safe Working Load (SWL) is a much more reliable measure. It includes a “factor of safety”, ensuring the fixing can handle everyday use without risk of failure. Corefix fixings always specifically display the safe working load on the packets, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
The safety factor is used in engineering, and is defined depending on the equipment and task. For fixings used in standard home DIY jobs like mounting shelves or TVs it’s usually 2, while for cranes or lifting equipment on building sites it might be between 4 and 7. The Safe Working Load is then calculated by dividing the maximum load with the safety factor. So for example, a wall fixing with a 100kg maximum or failure load might have a Safe Working Load of 50kg with a safety factor of 2.
Why Load Ratings Can Be Misleading
Some brands advertise a high weight rating, but sometimes what they’re stating is actually the failure load. If you mount a shelf using a fixing rated for a 50kg failure load, it might already be struggling at 35kg. Over time, small movements or extra pressure could cause it to break.
Imagine hanging a TV, only to have the fixing give way because it was installed too close to its breaking point. That’s the risk with misleading wall fixing load ratings.
How We Ensure Safety
We test Corefix fixings thoroughly and list only the Safe Working Load which includes the safety factor. This means you get a realistic and reliable rating. If we say our best dot & dab wall fixings hold 55kg, you can trust that’s a safe and sustainable weight limit.
What to Look for When Buying Wall Fixings:
- Check if the load rating is actually a safe working load or a failure load. You might find this information on the pack itself, or on a technical datasheet on the manufacturer’s website. If it doesn’t say clearly which one it is, you’re best off assuming it’s a failure load.
- Look for brands that prioritise safety. Corefix fixings clearly show safe working loads, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
- Consider the type of wall. Dot and dab walls, plasterboard, and masonry all require specific fixings for a secure hold.
The Bottom Line
Don’t be fooled by bloated wall fixing load ratings. It’s always best to choose wall fixings that clearly state the safe working load, not just an impressive but misleading number. Your safety matters, and so does the reliability of your wall fixings.
Need help selecting the right fixing? Check out our guide or contact our team – we’re always happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Safe Working Load and failure load on wall fixings?
The failure load, sometimes called the maximum load or breaking load, is the point at which a fixing completely gives way. The Safe Working Load is a much lower figure that includes a built-in safety factor, making it the weight the fixing can reliably hold in normal everyday use without risk of failure. For standard DIY wall fixings, the safety factor is typically 2, so a fixing with a failure load of 100kg has a Safe Working Load of 50kg. The problem is that some manufacturers print the failure load on their packaging without making it clear which figure they are quoting, which can give a misleading impression of how much weight the fixing can safely carry.
How do I know if a fixing's weight rating is a Safe Working Load or a failure load?
Check the packaging carefully for the specific term used. If the pack clearly states Safe Working Load or SWL, that figure includes the safety factor and can be trusted as a reliable guide. If it says maximum load, maximum capacity, or just gives a bare number with no explanation, it is safer to assume it is a failure load and treat the actual safe capacity as roughly half that figure. If in doubt, check the manufacturer's technical datasheet, which should clarify which figure is being quoted.
Why does it matter if a fixing is loaded close to its failure load?
A fixing operating near its failure load may hold for a period of time but is under constant stress. Over time, small movements, vibrations, or additional weight from items placed on a shelf can push it past its limit. The failure is often sudden rather than gradual, which is particularly dangerous for heavy items like TVs or wall cabinets. A fixing used within its Safe Working Load, by contrast, has a meaningful margin of reserve capacity built in, so everyday variations in load do not put it at risk.
Does the Safe Working Load change depending on the wall material?
Yes, significantly. The same fixing can have very different Safe Working Loads in different wall materials. A fixing rated at 55kg in a dot and dab wall may hold considerably more in solid brick or dense blockwork, because the masonry provides a stronger anchor. Manufacturers usually specify SWL figures for different wall types, either on the packaging or in the technical datasheet. Always check the figure for your specific wall material rather than using the highest figure quoted.
What safety factor is used for wall fixings in DIY applications?
For standard home DIY applications such as mounting shelves, TVs, or mirrors, a safety factor of 2 is typical. This means the Safe Working Load is half the failure load. Higher safety factors are used in more demanding applications: lifting equipment on construction sites commonly uses factors of between 4 and 7, and equipment where failure could directly endanger life uses a factor of 10. The safety factor reflects both the consequences of failure and the variability in conditions the fixing will experience over its lifetime.
How does Corefix approach load ratings on its packaging?
Corefix always displays the Safe Working Load rather than the failure or maximum load on its product packaging, so the figure shown is the weight the fixing can hold safely rather than the point at which it breaks. Corefix Connect, for example, has a Safe Working Load of 55kg per fixing in dot and dab walls, and has been independently tested to over 250kg without failure, giving a substantial safety margin above the rated figure. This approach means you can use the number on the packet with confidence rather than having to second-guess what it represents.