Claydon Lad Wrote:As Stretch was out of action the other week he asked me to try out these new 'Space-Plugs' that Cliff1970 raised on the forum a little while ago. He was going to try them but was now laid up so I agreed to give this new idea a go instead.

Now I must admit, I had my doubts, I always use the L brackets to fix the base units to the wall, and - 'Why change something if there isn't a problem?' - was my initial thought, but Stretch was keen so I’d agreed.

Cliff had sent me some prototypes in the standard size, so with a fairly short thread. I then realised I wanted them to fit the Crown Imperial range of units that were a bit more generous at the back and could have used the larger XL size to be honest, worth remembering.

So, I gave it a go with the new Space-Plug and was genuinely quite surprised how quick it was to install them, very pleasantly surprised how easy they were to use and very happy just how solid they ended up. Nothing fiddly, nice big screws (that come with the plugs) and all done from the front square on – already better on a straight forward fit, but as I found out, even better if you get anything else!

One instance on last weeks fit I had a 600 mm drawer pack unit on its own in between a freestanding w/m and a built in d/w that needed to be just a couple of mm away from the wall. I found it incredibly easy to re-align by just unwinding the Space-Plug, and no mucking around meant I didn’t knock it all out of level. That was more than handy.

Then on this weeks fit, I had a corner unit on the left, and a 600 unit on the right that will house the hob and you can see in the picture the cable that will feed it too! Now that cable disappears into the wall - exactly where the L bracket would normally go! So with these plugs....just the same as I think PJ mentioned about using them to line up on stud walls in the original post when Cliff introduced us to them……I just moved the fixing where I wanted it. The only reason for the packer you can see, is that I wanted the XL size really.



There's always the odd occasion where the small 16mm screws that anchor the L brackets become annoying. They don't quite bite into the melamine, or are chewing it up being too close to the edge. To be fair, I’m nursing a pinched finger right now thanks to one of those, “odd times” when they become really fiddly and slip. Not to mention the groping around on the floor at the back of the unit when they fall down.

The idea that the brackets aren’t ever hidden is much better too. I had a job the other week, to remove an existing 1000 base unit and re-position it to make room for a built in tall F/F housing. When taking it off the wall there was little option but to rip it out, causing some very annoying damage. If the Space-Plug was there it would have been so much easier.

So my conclusion, after being a bit sceptical in the beginning is, I think it's a really good idea if the price is right. They’d be fantastic if they came free with the unit as the proper fixing – we get pretty good brackets for the wall units…..why not these? I realise that many fitters will have the - 'I've been using L brackets for years without any problems' – but my finger tip will argue otherwise and I’ve found them really quick, really strong and really handy. Why be stuck in our ways for so long? Nice one Cliff, I really hope everyone out there keeps an open mind and tries them out. If they do I think you’ll have quite a few takers.

I for one would be looking to use these in the future. A box in my van anyway and ideally in the fitting kit that comes with the kitchen.

(10-05-2013, 02:01 PM)jonny round boy Wrote: Just ordered some!

Will try them out when I fit the kitchen I'm currently building & report back!

Always happy to support someone contributing something useful to the industry, rather than yet another "happy-to-take-your-money-but-fook-all-use-otherwise" industry body!

(11-05-2013, 12:46 PM)PJK Wrote: Past http://www.space-plug.com/ on to my carcase manufacturer. Lets hope they go with it. I'll only take a small commision

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It was a company called Lamtek if they do get in touch