Anchors and plugs
ANCHORS AND PLUGS – OVERVIEW
Anchors and plugs are used for fastening into various building materials: concrete, brick, lightweight concrete, hollow brick, drywall, and wood. Choosing the right type and material affects holding power, safety, and durability.
1. Nail plugs (e.g. Fischer N, Index FBN, Essve Nail Plug)
Features:
For quick fastening into concrete, solid brick, and natural stone
Nylon plug + pre-installed nail screw
Installed by hammering → expands in the hole
Suitable for light-duty fixings: trims, rails, glides, interior structures
Examples of use:
Baseboards
Cable ducts
Furring strips
2. Brass anchor (e.g. Sormat MSA, Index LBM, Fischer M, Essve Brass Anchor)
Features:
Brass, corrosion-resistant and long-lasting
Often used for fastening machined parts or fixtures into concrete
Internal thread – the screw or bolt tightens and expands the anchor
Requires pre-drilling + installation tool (the inner part of the anchor is driven open)
Examples of use:
Railing brackets
Machines, consoles
Sanitary fixtures
3. Drop-in anchor / cone-expanding anchor (Sormat JS, Index LAL, Fischer EA II, Essve LA)
Features:
Steel internally threaded anchor, installed by driving the expansion pin inward
Suitable for medium-duty and heavy-duty fixings
For non-cracked concrete, often for indoor installations (zinc-plated steel)
Also available in A4 acid-resistant stainless steel
Examples of use:
Suspensions, ducts, racks
Rails, equipment, manifolds
4. Alligator anchor (TOGGLER)
Features:
Multi-material plug, also works in hollow structures and solid materials
Expands like an umbrella, providing secure support
Does not spin in the hole, very easy to install
Compatible with many screw sizes
Examples of use:
Wall shelves, light cabinets, wall brackets
Often used in renovation and interior installation work
5. Nylon anchors (e.g. Sormat Gripper, Fischer DuoPower, Essve GXL, Index Nylon Plug)
Features:
Suitable for brick, concrete, lightweight concrete, and drywall
Often feature an expanding / twisting / compressing design
Versatile, especially for fastening small items
Material properties
Material - Application - Advantages
Nylon - Indoor and light outdoor use - Flexible, durable, non-conductive
Brass - Strong and corrosion-resistant fixings - Extremely long-lasting, does not rust
Steel (zinc-plated) - Indoors, in dry conditions - Strong mechanical properties
Steel (hot-dip galvanized / A4) - Outdoor use and industrial applications - Excellent weather resistance and mechanical durability
Approvals and certificates
CE marking: The product meets the requirements of the EU Construction Products Regulation
ETA (European Technical Assessment): Required for load-bearing and safety-critical fixings
Fire rating: Available for some nylon anchors
Manufacturers & products (examples)
Manufacturer - Product examples
Sormat - Gripper, NG, KBT, LIT, LYT, YLT
Fischer - DuoPower, SX, EA II, Brass Anchor M
Essve - GXL, LA, Brass Anchor, Nail Plugs
Index - LAL (drop-in anchor), LBM (brass), FBN (nail plug)
Alligator (Toggler) - Alligator – multi-material plug