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12 Must-Have Hardware & Fixings for Every Tradesperson

Whether you're a professional or just starting out in the trade, having the right hardware and fixings at your fingertips can make all the difference between a job well done and a frustrating delay.

From carpenters and electricians to plumbers and general builders, there are certain essential fixings that no tradesperson should be without.

Here’s our comprehensive list of must-have tools and fixings that should be in every toolkit, van, or on-site box. These are the go-to items that keep projects moving and customers happy.


  1. Screws – A Variety for Every Surface

No toolbox is complete without an assortment of screws. Different jobs require different types, so make sure you’re covered with the following essentials:

  • Wood Screws – Ideal for timber work, decking and fencing. Choose both zinc and yellow passivated for rust resistance.
  • Drywall Screws – Perfect for securing plasterboard to wooden or metal studs.
  • Masonry Screws – Designed to drive directly into brick, concrete, or block without the need for plugs.
  • Self-Drilling Tex Screws – These are designed to simplify your projects, providing efficient and reliable fastening solutions, and are designed with precision engineering and durability in mind.

Pro Tip: Keep an organiser box with compartments for different sizes and types to avoid rummaging.

 

  1. Wall Plugs

Used in conjunction with screws, wall plugs are crucial for fixing into brick, blockwork, or concrete. They provide a secure grip and prevent screws from loosening over time.

  • Standard Wall Plugs – For everyday use in solid walls.
  • Heavy-Duty Wall Plugs – Ideal for hanging kitchen cabinets, radiators or shelving.
  • Universal Plugs – Suitable for a variety of materials, including plasterboard.

Make sure you stock a range of sizes to suit the job at hand.


  1. Bolts, Nuts & Washers

For extra-strong fastening jobs, bolts and nuts are essential. Washers help distribute the load and prevent damage to surfaces.

  • Coach Bolts – Perfect for timber-to-timber or timber-to-metal fixings.

  • Hex Bolts – Commonly used in steel fabrication and construction.

  • Nylon Lock Nuts – Prevent loosening under vibration – great for machinery or moving parts.

Always carry a mix of sizes in galvanised and stainless steel options for both strength and weather resistance.

 

  1. Nails – The Classics Still Count

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best solution, and nails remain a staple product for many tradespeople. Some of the nails you may want to consider carrying in your toolkit include:

  • Clout Nails – Short with a large head; great for roofing felt or sheet materials.

  • Round Wire Nails – Strong and versatile for general construction.

  • Panel Pins – For delicate joinery or interior trim work.

  • Annular Ring Nails – Have added grip, perfect for decking and fencing.

Buy yourself a sturdy nail pouch or box to keep them sorted and easily accessible when on the job.

 

  1. Washers – Small but Mighty

Washers are one of the most overlooked fixings, but they’re vital for many secure assemblies.

  • Flat Washers – Spread load and protect surfaces.

  • Spring Washers – Provide tension to reduce loosening due to vibrations.

  • Penny Washers – Larger surface area; great for soft materials or oversized holes.

Ensure you have steel and zinc-coated varieties to cover different environments.

 


  1. Anchors & Frame Fixings

For structural or heavy-duty applications, fixings such as heavy-duty anchors and frame fixings are indispensable.

  • Sleeve Anchors – Ideal for fixing into brick or concrete, used for railings, gates, or signage.

  • Through Bolts – Designed for high-load anchoring in concrete.

  • Frame Fixings – Used to secure uPVC or timber frames into masonry – a must-have for window and door installers.

These fixings are often used in external or load-bearing scenarios, so quality and certification are key.

 

  1. Cable Clips & Conduit Fixings

Essential for electricians, cable management fixings keep wiring safe and tidy.

  • Cable Clips – For securing cables to walls or skirting; available in sizes to suit different cable types.

  • Cable Ties – Ideal for bundling wires together or temporary fixes.

  • Conduit Saddles – Used to fix PVC or metal conduit securely.

Having a variety of clips and ties ensures neat installations and easy compliance with regs.

 

  1. Brackets & Plates

Structural hardware for connecting materials or reinforcing joints – every tradesperson should carry a few types on them, including the following:

  • Angle Brackets – Ideal for reinforcing corners or attaching shelves.

  • Flat Plates – Great for joining wood or repairing broken timbers.

  • Joist Hangers – A must for carpenters and builders, especially in loft conversions or floor joist work.

Choose galvanised or stainless steel depending on the exposure to moisture.

 

  1. Timber Connectors & Builders’ Metalwork

If you're working on roofing, decking or any structural timber jobs, you’ll need a selection of these:

  • Truss Clips – For securing roof trusses to wall plates.

  • Strap Ties – Used in floor or roof construction to tie timbers together.

  • Hangers & Restraint Straps – Provide strength and stability in timber frame construction.

These are often required by UK Building Regulations, so it’s wise to keep approved types on hand where possible.


  1. Sealants, Adhesives & Fixing Foam

Not technically hardware, but essential for securing and sealing – and often the fix that saves a job.

  • Adhesives – These are great for bonding skirting, panels and other materials.
  • Expanding Foam – Fills gaps, insulates and fixes frames into masonry.
  • Sealants – A must-have for plumbers and kitchen/bathroom fitters.

Always keep a few cartridges or even a caulking gun in your van to cover any eventuality.

 

  1. Drill Bits & Driver Bits

No fixing can be installed properly without the right bits to go with it.

  • Masonry Bits – For drilling into brick or concrete.

  • Wood Bits – Spade or auger types for timber.

  • Metal Bits – HSS (High-Speed Steel) for metal surfaces.

  • Screwdriver Bits – Keep a magnetic bit holder and common heads for your screwdrivers.

A quality bit set is a tradesperson’s best friend – look after them and they’ll look after your work.

 

  1. Assorted Hardware Kits

Finally, don’t underestimate the usefulness of mixed kits and organiser cases.

  • Assorted Fixing Kits – Great for emergencies or one-off jobs.

  • O-Rings, Grommets & Washers – Ideal for plumbers and electricians.

  • Spare Fuses, Clips, or Hinges – Can be the difference between completing a job or scheduling a return visit.

 


Missing something from the list?

Stock Up at Fix and Fast

Every tradesperson works slightly differently, but there’s a core set of hardware and fixings that no one should be without. Stocking up on quality components, ideally from a trusted supplier such as us at Fix and Fast, ensures you’re always ready for whatever the job throws at you.

Staying organised and keeping a range of essentials within reach doesn’t just save time - it boosts your reputation and helps you deliver better results, faster. Explore our range of bolts, nuts, fixings and fasteners and kit yourself out.

And if you are out on site and need it quick  - we offer next day delivery too!

Contact us today on:

T: 01482 324 731
E: sales@fixandfast.co.uk

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