The question is not which fixing holds more, it is which wall you have. The same screw that holds a shelf in brick will tear a chunk out of plasterboard.

Identify the wall first

Knock with your knuckles. A hollow sound is almost always plasterboard. A dull sound and red dust from the hole means brick. Very fine grey dust means concrete.

Plasterboard

Metal expanding or spring-toggle fixings. For televisions and loaded shelves, find the metal frame behind and fix into it. Never rely on the board alone for more than ten kilos.

Hollow brick

A long fixing, ideally a two-part one, so it grips more than one internal wall of the brick. Start drilling without hammer action so the face does not break away.

Concrete

A standard plug and a masonry bit with hammer action. It is the most reliable wall and the one that tests your patience most.

Before you drill

Run a cable and pipe detector over the area, especially above sockets and switches and around the kitchen and bathroom.

If you would rather not risk it, the OSCAR app has professionals who bring the materials and leave the wall straight.

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