Timco Hollow Wall Anchor Setting Tool – Fast, Secure Installation of Cavity & Plasterboard Anchors

Timco Hollow Wall Anchor Setting Tool is a professional, hand-operated tool designed to quickly and securely set metal hollow wall anchors in plasterboard, cavity walls and other panel materials. By pulling the anchor legs tight behind the board, it ensures a strong, reliable fixing for shelves, radiators, brackets, cabinets and fittings in hollow construction.

The Timco Hollow Wall Anchor Setting Tool is purpose‑built for installing metal cavity anchors (also known as hollow wall anchors, metal plasterboard anchors or molly bolts) into hollow substrates such as plasterboard, fibreboard and some panel systems. Instead of struggling with improvised methods or relying on the fixing screw alone, this setting tool mechanically expands the anchor legs behind the board to form a solid, load‑spreading fixing.

Metal hollow wall anchors are a popular choice for medium‑duty fixings where there is a void behind the board – for example when hanging radiators, shelves, TV brackets, cabinets, mirrors and bathroom accessories on stud partitions. Correct setting of the anchor is essential: the rear legs must fully collapse and clamp against the back of the board without over‑rotating or tearing the plasterboard.

This is where the Timco setting tool comes in. Once the hollow wall anchor is inserted through a pre‑drilled hole in the board, the tool engages the anchor’s internal screw and, using a controlled pulling action, draws the anchor body towards the front of the board. This causes the rear legs to fold out and clamp firmly against the back surface. A positive setting action is felt through the handle, helping the installer detect when the anchor is fully set.

By using the Timco setting tool, installers can achieve:

• Consistent installation quality across multiple fixings.
• Reduced risk of spinning anchors inside the board.
• Better load distribution and improved pull‑out performance.
• Less damage and rework due to failed fixings.

Compact and robust, the setting tool is designed for everyday trade use by builders, kitchen and bedroom fitters, electricians, plumbers, maintenance engineers and DIYers who regularly fix into hollow walls.

Typical Use Cases

• Setting hollow wall anchors for shelves and wall cabinets on plasterboard partitions.
• Fixing radiators, towel rails and bathroom accessories to cavity walls.
• Installing curtain rails, blinds and pelmets into plasterboard reveals.
• Mounting TV brackets, mirror cabinets and heavy picture frames where no studs are conveniently located.
• Securing electrical trunking, conduit saddles and light-duty cable trays in hollow walls and ceilings.

How to Use the Timco Hollow Wall Anchor Setting Tool

1. Drill the hole: Drill a hole in the plasterboard to the correct diameter for the hollow wall anchor (as specified on the anchor packaging).
2. Insert the anchor: Push the metal hollow wall anchor into the hole until the flange sits flush with the face of the board.
3. Engage the setting tool:
   • Unscrew the fixing screw from the anchor if pre‑fitted (if required).
   • Place the nose of the setting tool over the anchor so that the tool’s jaws engage the screw thread or screw head as per the tool’s design.
4. Operate the handle: Squeeze the tool’s handle/trigger to pull the screw towards you. This action draws the anchor body tight against the back of the board, causing the legs to fold out and clamp.
5. Check the anchor is set: You will feel increased resistance and a positive “set” as the legs fully deploy. Do not over‑pull; once firmly clamped, release the handle.
6. Remove the tool: Release and remove the setting tool from the screw/anchor.
7. Fit the fixture: Position your bracket or fixture over the anchor and reinsert or tighten the fixing screw through the fixture plate into the set anchor.

Always follow the specific instructions supplied with the Timco Hollow Wall Anchor Setting Tool and the metal anchors you are using. Do not exceed the anchor manufacturer’s recommended loads, and use multiple fixings for heavier items.

Timco Hollow Wall Anchor Setting Tool Features

• Purpose‑designed setting mechanism – engineered for reliable expansion of hollow wall anchors behind plasterboard.
• Compatible with multiple sizes – typically suitable for M4, M5 and M6 metal cavity anchors (check product details for full compatibility range).
• Ergonomic handle design – comfortable grip for one‑handed operation and reduced user fatigue.
• Durable construction – robust body and jaws designed for regular trade use on site.
• Positive feedback during setting – helps the user feel when the anchor is correctly expanded and fully tightened.
• Compact and portable – lightweight tool that fits easily into a toolbag or toolbox.
• Time‑saving – significantly faster and more consistent than trying to set anchors using the screw alone.

Technical Information

• Product type: Manual hollow wall anchor setting tool for metal cavity anchors.
• Brand: Timco.
• Compatible fixings: Designed for use with Timco Hollow Wall Anchors and most common metal cavity anchors of equivalent design (e.g. M4, M5, M6 – check product documentation).
• Substrates: For setting anchors in plasterboard, fibreboard, hollow partitions and some panel systems with a cavity behind the board.
• Operation: Hand‑operated mechanical pull‑setting using trigger/handle action.
• Usage environment: Suitable for indoor construction, refurbishment and maintenance work.
• Construction: Metal and/or reinforced composite body with hardened working components (specifications may vary by model).
• Maintenance: Keep moving parts clean and lightly oiled. Do not use the tool as a hammer or pry bar. Replace if jaws become excessively worn or damaged.

For full compatibility details, safe working load guidance (for the anchors themselves) and any additional technical information, refer to the Timco hollow wall anchor and setting tool datasheets.

Frequently Asked Questions – Timco Hollow Wall Anchor Setting Tool

1. Do I need a setting tool to use hollow wall anchors?

While some hollow wall anchors can be partially set using just the fixing screw, a dedicated setting tool such as the Timco Hollow Wall Anchor Setting Tool provides:

• More reliable expansion of the anchor legs

• Higher and more consistent load capacity

• Less risk of spinning or damaging the plasterboard
For regular or heavier‑duty use, a setting tool is strongly recommended.

2. Which anchors are compatible with this Timco tool?

The tool is designed primarily for Timco Hollow Wall Anchors and other similar metal cavity anchors (often called molly bolts) with an internal screw used for expansion. It typically supports common sizes such as M4, M5 and M6, but you should always check the product packaging or datasheet for the specific anchor sizes and types confirmed as compatible.

3. Can I use this tool in solid walls or masonry?

No. The Timco Hollow Wall Anchor Setting Tool is designed specifically for hollow wall anchors in cavity substrates like plasterboard. For solid walls or masonry, you should use appropriate plugs, anchors or resin systems and follow the manufacturer’s installation method.

4. Will using the setting tool damage the plasterboard?

When used correctly, the setting tool actually reduces the risk of damage by applying a controlled, axial pulling force that expands the anchor legs behind the board. To avoid damage:

• Drill the correct hole size for the anchor

• Do not over‑pull once the anchor is firmly set

• Ensure the board is sound and not crumbling or excessively weak

5. Can I reuse hollow wall anchors after they’ve been set?

Once a hollow wall anchor is fully set behind the board, it is usually considered a permanent fixing. You can remove and refit the screw and attached fixture, but the anchor body will remain in the wall and cannot be reset elsewhere. If you need a new fixing location, you will require a new anchor and setting operation.

Timco Hollow Wall Anchor Setting Tool Common Uses / How to Use

Common Uses

• Installing shelving brackets, kitchen units and wall cabinets on plasterboard walls.
• Fixing radiators, towel rails, basins and bathroom accessories to stud partitions.
• Mounting TV brackets, speakers and AV equipment where studs are not conveniently located.
• Securing notice boards, whiteboards and rails in offices and schools.
• General refurbishment and maintenance work requiring strong fixings in hollow walls.

How to Use – Step‑By‑Step Summary

1. Choose the anchor: Select a metal hollow wall anchor (e.g. Timco) of suitable size and load rating for your fixture.
2. Drill the hole: Drill a clean hole to the specified diameter for the anchor in the plasterboard or panel.
3. Insert anchor: Push the anchor into the hole until its flange is flush with the surface.
4. Attach the setting tool: Engage the tool with the anchor’s screw or internal thread as per the tool instructions.
5. Set the anchor: Squeeze the handle/trigger to pull and collapse the anchor legs behind the board until firmly clamped.
6. Release tool: Remove the setting tool and check the anchor is secure and not spinning.
7. Fix your item: Position your bracket or fixture and insert/tighten the fixing screw into the already‑set anchor.