Fischer DuoPower Wall Plug Assortment Box

In-Depth Look

The Fischer DuoPower FIXtainer is an assortment of general-purpose wall plugs in a sorted, stackable case.

How DuoPower Works

The DuoPower is a two-component plug. Fischer describes it as expanding in solid materials such as concrete and brick, and folding or knotting behind the face in hollow or panel materials such as plasterboard. This means one plug type can cover many general fixing jobs. Check Fischer’s guidance for the plug size, drill size and load in each material.

What’s in the FIXtainer

The 536161 kit holds 210 DuoPower plugs: 120 at 6x30mm, 60 at 8x40mm and 30 at 10x50mm, sorted into compartments by size. The stackable case fits on a shelf or in van racking. Smaller sizes tend to run out first, so it is worth tracking which sizes need replenishing.

When to Use Fischer DuoPower

The DuoPower range is for general fixings. For structural fixings, fixings in cracked concrete, or applications needing a specified load rating, Fischer makes specialist anchor systems such as injection mortars and bolt anchors. The FIXtainer assortment covers everyday general fixing tasks, not structural or safety-critical applications.

Summary

The Fischer DuoPower FIXtainer gives you 210 plugs in three sizes for solid and hollow materials, kept in a sorted case. For heavy or safety-critical loads, choose a specialist anchor instead.

How It Compares

The Fischer FIXtainer 536161 holds 210 pieces: 120 DuoPower 6x30, 60 DuoPower 8x40 and 30 DuoPower 10x50. DuoPower is a two-component plug made of grey nylon and red expansion wings. Fischer describe it as expanding in solid materials, and folding or knotting in hollow and panel materials. The plug head has a pre-shaped edge that stops it slipping into the hole. The box is refillable and the dividers can be removed.

The table compares it with other ways of fixing to a wall.

For other fixings on this site, see the Rawlplug Uno universal wall plug, the Thunderbolt masonry and concrete anchor, the Forgefix screw assortment box and the TIMCO nylon frame fixings. Choosing the correct drill hole size is a separate topic.

A kit like this holds three plug sizes in one box. The three sizes are 6x30, 8x40 and 10x50, with 120, 60 and 30 pieces respectively. The removable dividers let you rearrange the compartments, and the box can be refilled once you have used up a size. Keep the pack information with the kit, because the recommended screw range for each plug is printed there.

Before you drill, work out what the wall is made of, since the base material decides which plug action applies. In solid material the plug expands, and in hollow or panel material it folds or knots. If the wall type is unclear, test a hole in a place that will not show. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use a competent person where required for anything structural.

Common Questions

What does a universal wall plug do in solid and hollow walls? In solid material, Fischer says the DuoPower plug expands as the screw goes in. In hollow and panel materials it folds or knots behind the board. This is why one plug can be used for both.

Which screw goes with each plug? Use the screw range that Fischer prints on the pack. Do not guess the size, as the screw has to suit the plug size and the fixing.

Can I use them in plasterboard? They are designed for panel materials, but plasterboard load limits are small. Check the pack for what it says about loads and the materials it suits.

What should I use for heavy loads? Heavier loads call for anchor bolts or chemical anchors, which are different fixings. Ask a competent person to choose, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

How do I tell what my wall is made of? Drill a small test hole and look at the dust: brick, block and concrete dust differ in colour and texture. A tap test also helps, as a hollow wall sounds hollow. If you are unsure, test somewhere out of sight.