The combination of two different materials – a red plug tip for safe fixing in solid building material, with expansion wings for bracing, and a grey plug base for folding in cavities – makes the DuoPower nylon plug the most technically-advanced anchoring system from fischer to date.

Available exclusively from leading distributor Upat, the plug’s multi-functionality – from expanding, to folding, and knotting – extends its application range even further, meaning that materials with top loads can also be accommodated.

“The greater dimensional suitability of material in the plug translates into a greater extrusion force for ultimate performance. The combination of both a hard and soft component allows for optimal push-in and tightening torque for the best installation feedback,” Upat Technical Sales Director and Co-Owner Kerry Kuhlmann explains.

The closed plug tip prevents drill dust entering the inner plug section, making for an even smoother installation, while the distinctive red fischer marking makes for easy identification of the plug’s dimensions. The required screw length is derived from the plug length plus the fixture thickness. Other advanced features include an anti-rotation lock to prevent turning in the drill hole during installation, while the pronounced rim prevents the plug from slipping into the drill hole, while still allowing for push-through installation. Installation time is reduced even further due to the shorter drill-hole depth that is required, which makes fast and efficient work of the fixing process.

The DuoPower plug is suitable for wood and chipboard screws, as well as stud screws. However, in the case of fixing boards, the threadless part of the screw must not be longer than the fixture itself. A major benefit is the greater anchorage depth provided, which means that the DuoPower plug is ideal for fixings in hollow building materials and aerated concrete, and also to bridge plaster.

The range of building materials covered includes solid and vertically-perforated bricks, solid and perforated sand-lime brick, plasterboard, gypsum plasterboard and fibreboard, hollow lightweight concrete blocks, cavity floor slabs made from bricks or concrete, natural stone, chipboard.

Applications include television consoles, lighting, shelves, mirror cabinets, letterboxes, pictures, fixing blinds, curtain rails, washbasin fixings, plumbing and heating fixings, bath and toilet installations, wall cabinets, range hoods and countless others.

Kuhlmann, who has almost 50 years’ experience in the industry, describes DuoPower as “one of the most phenomenal developments” since fischer introduced its original nylon wall plug in 1956. The fact that it is made from nylon ensures a longer-lasting fixing for the best hold. In addition, nylon does not experience degradation from ultraviolet light, as does other common plug materials such as polyethylene and polypropylene do. Nylon is also non-conductive, and can therefore be used near electrical systems, while it is unaffected by moisture, and thus is suitable for use at coastal locations.

“DuoPower is the culmination of fischer’s long-time emphasis on the advancement of fixing technology,” Kuhlmann points out. Such developments are also spurred by the construction industry’s need to cut costs by adopting more efficient technologies, which continues to give fischer a leading edge.

Upat’s introduction of the product locally follows its highly successful launch in Europe and the US, which means that South Africa is now up to date with the latest international innovations. “DuoPower has been very well-received locally, and has been adopted by major local players such assecurity-barrier manufacturer Trellidor. “While the local uptake of DuoPower has been impressive to date, we firmly believe we are just scratching the surface with this product, and anticipate sales volumes to continue to increase,” Kuhlmann concludes.