Umbrella-type cavity fixings are all-metal structural fasteners designed specifically for hollow cavity walls, such as plasterboard.
They get their name from their unique mechanical action: as you tighten the central bolt, the metal sleeve permanently collapses and flares outward into five or six rigid steel legs behind the plasterboard, forming a wide umbrella-shaped brace flat against the hidden side of the wall.
The Massive Advantage: A Permanent Thread
Unlike spring toggles (which drop into the wall cavity if you take the screw out), a brolly anchor stays clamped to the wall permanently once it is set.
The central metric screw can be removed and re-inserted as many times as you like. This makes them perfect for hanging things you might need to take down for painting, cleaning, or maintenance.
How to Install Them
To ensure the fixing does not spin while you work, the top collar features two sharp anti-rotation teeth that bite into the front face of the plasterboard. You can install them using one of two methods:
Method A: The Setting Tool (Recommended)
Using a specialised Hollow Wall Setting Tool is the fastest and cleanest method:
- Drill the exact hole size specified on the box (typically 8mm to 12mm).
- Tap the anchor into the hole so the teeth bite into the board.
- Back the screw out about 5mm, hook the head of the setting tool underneath it, and squeeze the trigger handles.
- The tool pulls the screw forward, forcing the umbrella arms to collapse perfectly against the back of the wall without straining the plasterboard. Remove the screw, line up your fixture, and drive it home.
Method B: Manual Screwdriver Method
If you only have a few to install, you can set them manually:
- Push the anchor into the pre-drilled hole.
- Place the bracket or fixture directly under the screw head before tightening (the item acts as a stop to keep the anchor from spinning).
- Turn the screw clockwise with a manual screwdriver. You will feel high resistance at first as the metal arms begin to bend, followed by a smooth tightening, and then a firm stop once the umbrella is fully flattened against the back.
