How to Drill into Plasterboard

 

How to Drill into Plasterboard

Plasterboard is a common material in homes up and down the UK. Plasterboard is more fragile than brick or stone as it is primarily designed as a lining.

You should never screw right into the plasterboard, so you will need to drill a hole to fit a wall plug to put up a shelf bracket, mirror, or picture.

When drilling into any wall material, you will need to select the correct drill, and drill bit, and know the correct method. You’ll also have to select the correct wall plug for plaster.

 

You will need:

• Multidetector
• Pencil
• Spirit level
• Drill
• Drill bit
• Plasterboard fixings/wall plugs
• Hammer

Always wear PPE when drilling and doing any home DIY. A dust mask, gloves, work boots, and eye protection are all required.

 

Step 1: Check the wall structure

Before you do anything, ensure your wall is indeed plasterboard. Knock on the wall and if it sounds hollow, it’s plaster. If it isn’t hollow, it is more likely to be a solid wall such as brick or other masonry.

Work out what is on the other side of the wall, too. If it is a plasterboard wall, it is going to be internal, but a bathroom wall could have pipes or shower cables on the other side of the wall which you need to be cautious about.

 

Step 2: Use a multi-purpose detector

You then need to check the wall for any cables, pipes, or studs. Use a multi-detector to establish whether there are any hidden pipes, cables, or wood behind where you want to drill.

If you’re clear and nothing was detected, mark with a pencil where you want to drill. Use a spirit level to check if everything is straight.

 

Step 3: Drill the hole

Using your impact driver, drill the hole where you marked. Go slowly; you won’t feel much pressure, especially compared to drilling masonry, so you want to ensure you don’t make any mistakes.

Don’t use the hammer action setting on your drill. You don’t want to tear the paper backing of the plasterboard.

 

Step 4: Insert the wall plug

Once your hole is drilled, you can insert the wall plug.

The hole should be the same size as the wall plug so it fits snugly, and the wall plug should be the correct size for the screw you will be using to fix your décor.

The screw and wall plug size can depend on the weight of the product you’re hanging. Plasterboard will typically hold around 30kg weight on a single fixing.

The wall plug should slot into the hole by pushing but use your hammer to gently tap and ensure it is tight into the hole.

Dedicated plasterboard wall plugs are available. Ensure they hold the weight of whatever you’re hanging, whether a picture or a toilet roll holder.

 

Step 5: Insert the screw

Once the wall plug is flush with the wall, insert the screw. As the screw is driven into the plug, it expands the plug which holds the plug steady and stops it sliding out of the wall, allowing it to hold the weight of your décor.

You can use your drill to screw, or a handheld screwdriver. If you’re hanging a picture or similar, leave an inch or so out of the wall for hanging.

 

Which drill bit should I use for plasterboard?

You should use a multi-use or multi-surface drill bit for plasterboard. Failing this, a wood or steel drill bit will work.

Do not use a masonry drill bit, as you’d use for drilling into a brick wall. This will be too powerful and will damage the plasterboard.

In terms of the size of the drill bit, your wall plug packaging will indicate the size required. Ensure you stick to this, so the hole is not too large for the fitting.

Remember to turn the hammer function of your drill off before drilling into the plasterboard.

 

READY FOR MORE DIY TIPS?

We hope you found this guide on drilling into plasterboard helpful.

Read our guide on impact drivers if you’re unsure of how to use them and which you would need for the job.

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