Best Wall Plugs for Skirting Boards: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Bespoke Fittings Specialist
Fixing skirting boards might seem straightforward, but in older properties where walls are rarely straight, it can be a real battle. If you are relying solely on grab adhesive, you will likely find gaps opening up within a few months as the timber moves. A solid mechanical fixing is essential for a professional, long-lasting finish.
As a joiner working in York, I encounter everything from crumbling Victorian lime plaster to modern dot-and-dab drylining. Different substrates require different wall plugs. A plug that works perfectly in solid brick will often fail miserably in a hollow stud partition.
In this review, I have selected three fixing solutions detailed below: a budget bulk pack for hollow walls/plasterboard, a high-quality nylon plug for solid masonry, and a brilliant problem-solving product for those nightmare holes that go oversized when drilled.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Grab Adhesive Claims"
"Marketing suggests 'no nails' glue is all you need to fix skirting boards."
Whilst adhesive helps prevent rattling, timber naturally bows and twists. Without a mechanical fixing (screw and plug) to pull the board tight to the wall, gaps will appear along the top edge.
The Spec: "Universal Plugs"
"One red plug fits every hole type."
Cheap universal plugs often spin in the hole or collapse in hollow voids. You need expansion for brick and knotting/toggling for plasterboard to get a secure fix.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
100 Plasterboard Wall Plugs and Screws Set (Heavy Duty Expansion)
Yibaijia
This set is ideal if you are fixing skirting to modern stud partitions or drylined walls where you cannot locate the timber stud. At just over £5 for a set of 50 plugs and screws, it offers excellent value. The butterfly design knots up behind the plasterboard, providing a reasonable hold for skirting which sits on the floor and primarily needs restraint at the top edge.
The Good
- Anti-rotation fins help prevent the plug spinning in plasterboard
- Includes matching countersunk screws
- Very economical for large runs of skirting in modern extensions
The Bad
- Not suitable for solid brick or block walls
- Plastic heads can snap if hammered too aggressively
Installer Tip:
When fixing skirting to plasterboard, drill your pilot hole carefully. Do not use the hammer action on your drill, or you will blow out the back of the board, leaving the plug with nothing to grip against. Hand-tighten the screw for the last few turns to feel firmly fixed without crushing the gypsum core.
Priced at £5.48 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFischer Master Box with Wall Plugs SX, 513894
fischer
Fischer is the brand professionals trust, and the SX series is superior to standard cheap plugs. These are made from high-quality nylon rather than brittle plastic, meaning they expand effectively in four directions without snapping. For the solid brick walls common in York's terraces, these are the most reliable option for ensuring your skirting stays pulled tight against the masonry.
The Good
- Nylon material does not degrade or become brittle over time
- 4-way expansion provides superior grip in old brickwork
- Rim prevents the plug slipping into the drill hole
The Bad
- More expensive per unit than budget unbranded plugs
- Requires a specific screw gauge for optimal expansion
Installer Tip:
Always countersink your skirting board deeply enough that the screw head sits below the surface. This allows you to fill the hole with two-part wood filler for an invisible finish before painting. With Fischer plugs, ensure you hoover or blow the dust out of the brick hole before inserting the plug, or it won't grip cleanly.
Priced at £16.39 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonWETNFIX (20 Discs) - Fixing Wall Plugs Fast!
WETNFIX
This is a lifesaver when working with 'crumbly' walls. In older York properties, you often drill into soft mortar joints that instantly crumble, leaving an oversized hole where the plug just spins. WETNFIX discs are impregnated with a setting compound. You dip the disc, wrap it around the wall plug, and insert it. It sets rock hard in 3 minutes, filling the void and securing the plug.
The Good
- Saves having to fill, wait, and re-drill holes
- Prevents the common issue of spinning plugs
- Works on loose curtain rails and shelves too
The Bad
- Cost per fix is higher than a standard plug
- Takes a few minutes to set fully
Installer Tip:
Keep a pack of these in your toolbox. When hitting a mortar joint behind skirting, instead of moving the fixing point and filling the old hole in the timber, use a WETNFIX disc. It allows you to use the original hole location, keeping your screw spacing neat and uniform along the board.
Priced at £7.95 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What size wall plugs should I use for skirting?
How far apart should skirting board fixings be?
Can I screw straight through skirting without drilling?
Do I need adhesive as well as screws?
How do I hide the screw heads?
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