Every plumbing rough-in needs something solid behind the wall: a nogging for the mixer's lugged elbows, backing for a wall-hung basin or pan, a fixing point for a bracket. Cutting timber noggings to fit each stud gap is slow, and in steel-framed jobs there may be no timber on site at all. The Fastanog Preloaded Nogging (M1138) is built to take that job off your hands. Here's how it works, where it fits and where you still need something heavier.
What the Fastanog actually is
The Fastanog is a patented adjustable nogging that slides out to span anywhere from 330mm to 600mm between studs. It comes preloaded with a hex self-drilling (SD) screw, so there are no separate fixings to find, and it has a built-in set-back measurer that sets how far the nogging sits behind the face of the frame. It suits both steel and timber frames, and because it isn't timber it's termite proof.
The manufacturer claims installation is up to four times faster than a cut-to-fit timber nogging. Your own speed will depend on the frame, but the time saving comes from skipping three steps: measuring the gap, cutting the timber and hunting for fixings.
Does 330–600mm cover your stud spacing?
Australian frames are usually set at 450mm or 600mm stud centres. What matters for a nogging is the clear gap between studs, which is the centre spacing minus one stud width:
- 450mm centres with 35–45mm timber studs leave roughly a 405–415mm gap — well inside the range.
- 600mm centres leave roughly 555–565mm with timber, and a bit less with wider steel studs — still inside the 600mm maximum.
- Odd gaps next to openings, corners or an added trimmer stud often come in shorter. Anything down to 330mm is covered. Below that, you'll need a cut nogging.
One adjustable product covers both standard centres, so a single box handles the whole job.
Where plumbers use it on a rough-in
Mixer and shower lugged elbows
The most common use. Set the Fastanog at outlet height, use the set-back measurer so the nogging lands at a consistent depth, then fix your lugged elbows to it. A consistent set-back is what stops a mixer body or shower arm ending up too proud or too deep once the wall is sheeted. If you're working in copper press, our guide to 15BP vs 19BP lugged elbows covers which elbow to fix, and the Plumtool Lugged Elbow Rough-In Kit guide covers getting them square and level.
Tap and bracket fixing points
Wall-mounted taps, hose cocks on internal walls, and pipe brackets all need a fixing point that lines up with where the pipe actually runs. A nogging that adjusts to the gap means you put it where the fitting needs to go, not where an offcut happens to fit.
Steel-framed jobs
Steel frames are where the Fastanog earns its keep. The hex SD screw drills straight into the stud, so there's no need to bring timber on site or pre-drill for fixings. If you're also running pipe through the studs, see our guide to steel stud drills and grommets. For timber frames, the Rapid Bore sizing guide covers the bore side.
Where you still need heavier backing
The Fastanog is a fixing nogging, and its listing gives no load rating. Before using it as the only backing for a load-bearing fixture, check with the manufacturer or your engineer. That applies particularly to:
- AS1428.1 grab rails and backrests. These must carry a specified load, and the backing is normally specified to suit. See our AS1428.1 grab rail spacing and placement guide for the wider requirements.
- Wall-hung pans and in-wall cistern frames, which usually come with their own frame or fixing specification from the fixture manufacturer.
- Heavy wall-hung vanities and basins, where the vanity's own installation instructions set the backing.
For everyday elbow, tap and bracket fixings, it's the quicker option. For anything a person leans or sits on, follow the fixture's specification.
Buying in quantity
The Fastanog (M1138) is in stock and sold individually, with box discounts: 5% off a box of 10 and 10% off a box of 100. A bathroom rough-in can easily use half a dozen noggings, so a box of 10 per job, or 100 for the van, is the usual way trades buy them. See the rest of the range in Clips and Fixings, including the ZIPZ pipe hanging bracket for supporting DWV pipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What stud spacing does the Fastanog fit?
It adjusts from 330mm to 600mm, which covers the clear gap on standard 450mm and 600mm stud centres in both timber and steel frames, plus most shorter gaps beside openings.
Can I use the Fastanog on timber frames?
Yes. It's designed for both steel and timber frames, and the preloaded hex self-drilling screw drives into either.
What does the set-back measurer do?
It sets how far the nogging sits back from the face of the frame. That keeps fittings fixed to it, like lugged elbows, at a consistent depth so they finish correctly once the wall is sheeted.
Can I mount a grab rail on a Fastanog?
The listing doesn't give a load rating, so don't rely on it alone for grab rails or other load-bearing accessible fixtures. Check with the manufacturer or use the backing specified for the fixture.