Assorted Fixings

About Assorted Fixings

Assorted fixings are essential components in any professional tradesperson's toolkit or well-stocked DIY workshop. This comprehensive category encompasses a diverse range of fastening solutions designed to tackle virtually any assembly, repair, or installation task. From clevis pins and split pins to grub screws, spring roll pins, and specialised automotive fixings like sump plug washers, these carefully curated assortments ensure you always have the right fixing at hand when you need it most.

Our assorted fixings range includes high-quality kits from trusted brands including Sealey, DeWalt, and Draper, offering everything from hammer fixings and wall anchors to precision metric and imperial pin assortments. These multi-piece sets are specifically designed to provide tradespeople with comprehensive solutions that eliminate the frustration of searching for individual fixings across multiple suppliers. Whether you're working on automotive maintenance, general construction, furniture assembly, or equipment repair, having a well-organised assortment of fixings saves valuable time on the job and reduces costly delays caused by missing components.

Professional-grade assorted fixing kits typically range from 50 to over 500 pieces, featuring organised storage cases that keep different sizes and types clearly separated for quick identification. This systematic approach to fastener storage is particularly valuable for mobile tradespeople who need to respond to varied on-site challenges, as well as workshop-based professionals who value efficiency and organisation in their day-to-day operations.

Jargon Buster

• Clevis Pin: A fastener consisting of a cylindrical shaft with a head on one end and a hole at the other for a split pin or cotter pin. Commonly used in mechanical linkages where regular disassembly is required.
• Split Pin (Cotter Pin): A metal fastener with two tines that are bent during installation to secure components. Available in metric and imperial sizes, these pins prevent nuts and bolts from loosening through vibration.
• Grub Screw (Set Screw): A headless screw with a recessed drive (typically hex or Allen key). Used to secure rotating components like pulleys and gears onto shafts without protruding from the surface.
• Spring Roll Pin (Tension Pin): A hollow cylindrical fastener with a slot running down its length. The spring tension holds it firmly in place within a drilled hole, making it ideal for locating and securing components.
• Linch Pin: A fastener inserted through a hole to prevent components from sliding off a shaft or axle. Features a loop or handle for easy insertion and removal, commonly used in agricultural and trailer equipment.
• Bonded Seal: A washer with an integrated rubber or bonded sealing element, typically used in hydraulic and pneumatic applications to create a reliable seal at threaded connections.

Who Uses Assorted Fixings?

Assorted fixing kits are invaluable across numerous trades and applications:

• Motor Mechanics and Auto Electricians: For vehicle repairs, engine work, and automotive maintenance requiring clevis pins, split pins, and sump plug washers
• Agricultural Engineers: Regular users of linch pins, clevis pins, and heavy-duty split pins for farm machinery and equipment
• General Builders and Carpenters: For construction work requiring hammer fixings, wall plugs, and general-purpose fasteners
• Maintenance Engineers: Industrial and commercial maintenance professionals requiring diverse fixing solutions for equipment repair
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Using bonded seals and specialised fixings for pipework and system installations
• Plant Hire and Equipment Operators: Maintaining and repairing heavy machinery with appropriate pins and fasteners
• DIY Enthusiasts and Home Improvers: Tackling various projects requiring reliable, organised assortments of common fixings
• Workshop Managers and Facilities Teams: Maintaining comprehensive stocks of fixings for diverse repair and maintenance tasks

How to Choose the Right Assorted Fixings

Selecting the appropriate assorted fixing kit depends on several key considerations:

Application and Trade Specificity: Consider your primary work area. Automotive professionals should prioritise kits containing sump plug washers, clevis pins, and split pins, while general builders benefit more from comprehensive wall fixing and anchor assortments. Specialist trades like agricultural engineering require specific pin types suited to machinery maintenance.

Metric versus Imperial: UK tradespeople typically work with metric measurements, but older equipment and imported machinery may require imperial fixings. Many comprehensive assortments include both metric and imperial sizes, offering maximum versatility. Check whether your typical applications require BSP (British Standard Pipe) threads or metric equivalents.

Quantity and Size Range: Larger assortments (300+ pieces) provide better value and ensure you're less likely to run short mid-job, whilst smaller kits (50-150 pieces) are more portable for mobile tradespeople. Consider which sizes you use most frequently—a kit heavily weighted towards common sizes is often more practical than one with equal quantities of rarely-used dimensions.

Storage and Organisation: Look for kits with compartmentalised cases featuring clear labelling. Quality storage boxes from brands like Sealey and DeWalt protect fixings from moisture and damage whilst enabling quick identification on site. Stackable cases integrate well with existing tool storage systems.

Material Quality and Finish: Professional-grade fixings should be manufactured from hardened steel with appropriate finishes. Black oxide coatings offer corrosion resistance for general use, whilst zinc-plated or stainless steel options provide enhanced durability in harsh or outdoor environments.

Popular Accessories

• Magnetic Parts Trays: Keep small fixings organised and prevent losses when working overhead or on mobile sites
• Drill Bit Sets: Essential for preparing holes for pins, anchors, and wall fixings
• Hex Key Sets: Required for installing grub screws and many mechanical fixings
• Pliers and Pin Punches: For installing and removing split pins, roll pins, and clevis pins
• Thread Gauges: Identify thread sizes and pitches when selecting replacement fixings
• Threadlocker and Assembly Lubricants: Secure fixings and prevent loosening in vibration-prone applications
• Tool Storage Solutions: DeWalt TSTAK, Milwaukee PACKOUT, and Makita MakPac systems for organised transportation
• Torque Wrenches: Ensure fixings are tightened to manufacturer specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the difference between metric and imperial assorted fixing kits?
A: Metric fixings are measured in millimetres and follow ISO standards commonly used across Europe and modern UK manufacturing. Imperial fixings use inches and fractions thereof, typically found on older British equipment, American machinery, and agricultural implements. Many professional assortments include both systems to ensure compatibility across diverse applications.

Q: How should I store assorted fixings to prevent rust and corrosion?
A: Keep fixings in their original compartmentalised cases in a dry environment. For long-term storage or harsh conditions, consider adding silica gel packets to absorb moisture. Regularly inspect steel fixings for signs of corrosion, and apply a light coating of oil to unplated items stored in damp workshops or site cabins.

Q: Are assorted fixing kits better value than buying individual fixings?
A: For tradespeople and active DIYers, assorted kits typically offer significant cost savings compared to purchasing individual fixings as needed. They also eliminate emergency trips to suppliers mid-job. However, if you only require large quantities of one specific size for a particular project, buying in bulk may be more economical.

Q: Can I use spring roll pins as a permanent fixing solution?
A: Yes, spring roll pins (also called tension pins) provide reliable permanent fastening when correctly sized for the application. They're particularly effective in applications involving shear loads and are widely used in automotive, machinery, and equipment manufacturing. Ensure the hole diameter matches the pin specification for optimal retention.

Q: What size assortment should I choose for mobile trade work?
A: Mobile tradespeople benefit from mid-sized assortments (150-300 pieces) that balance comprehensiveness with portability. Look for robust cases that fit your existing tool storage system and won't open accidentally during transport. Consider keeping a larger master stock at your workshop and replenishing your mobile kit regularly.