Browse Forums DIY, Home Maintenance & Repair 1 Nov 13, 2011 3:14 pm Hi, I need to fix external flood lights to my eaves. I bought the ones that you can put over existing light globe socket. The problem is that the base of the socket is a bit bigger than the space in the base of the security light and I can't reach the treaded part of the socket with the skirt ring. Because of that I decided to attach the security light base to eaves, but I'm not sure what screws should I use for that. Will self-tapping metal screws be OK? Do I need to pre-drill holes? I understand that it is a stupid question, but I've never done it before and don't want to screw (pun intended) my eaves. Re: What screws to use for HardieFlex? 2Nov 13, 2011 7:38 pm You will need to use toggle bolts or similar. Screws on their own wont hold in 4.5mm cement sheet. Another option is to install a timber noggin on top of the sheet and screw into that for a solid fixing. Success is the result of good judgment, good judgment is the result of experience, and experience is often the result of bad judgment! Re: What screws to use for HardieFlex? 3Nov 14, 2011 11:55 am Flatlined You will need to use toggle bolts or similar. Screws on their own wont hold in 4.5mm cement sheet. Another option is to install a timber noggin on top of the sheet and screw into that for a solid fixing. Thanks for that. I'll probably go with toggle bolts, since getting to eaves from the roof space is extremely complicated - very tight there. Re: What screws to use for HardieFlex? 4Nov 14, 2011 6:06 pm Yev_ Flatlined You will need to use toggle bolts or similar. Screws on their own wont hold in 4.5mm cement sheet. Another option is to install a timber noggin on top of the sheet and screw into that for a solid fixing. Thanks for that. I'll probably go with toggle bolts, since getting to eaves from the roof space is extremely complicated - very tight there. Is your roof tiles or colorbond? If it's tiled then its very easy to get to by sliding/pushing back a few roof tiles. Colorbond will require unscrewing the sheet. Are your eaves 450mm or 600mm? If 600mm I'd advise to put the noggin to avoid sag in the sheet. Success is the result of good judgment, good judgment is the result of experience, and experience is often the result of bad judgment! Re: What screws to use for HardieFlex? 5Nov 15, 2011 9:39 am Flatlined Is your roof tiles or colorbond? If it's tiled then its very easy to get to by sliding/pushing back a few roof tiles. Colorbond will require unscrewing the sheet. Are your eaves 450mm or 600mm? If 600mm I'd advise to put the noggin to avoid sag in the sheet. It is tiles. Eaves are 450mm. Because we are on a slope this corner of the house is pretty high and will require about 4m long ladder, which I don't have. So, I'll go with toggle bolts. Sam There is a much stronger glue than liquid nails. It's called T Rex and will stick your timber to the concrete. Cheers Simeon 1 1152 l spoke to my plumber we decided to replace the rusted screws and keep all the screws with no rust, it will only cost a few hundred 7 2606 |