a masonry fixing device 1 comprises a steel shank 2 which in the form of the blank is right circular cylindrical form . a ridge - groove - ridge configuration extends helically along the lower portion 4 of shank 2 and comprises a pair of parallel opposed ridges 7 upstanding from an adjacent land 9 . each ridge defines with the adjacent ridge a groove 5 . at least the forward end of the lower portion 4 of shank 2 is configured so as to provide a self - tapping facility . in use , the fixing device is introduced into a pre - drilled bore in a masonry substrate such as brickwork by turning so as to form a thread on the interior walls of the bore . the axial dimension of the land 9 is at least 50 % of the blank diameter with the result that relatively large amounts of substrate material are disposed between the ridge - groove - ridge configuration when the fixing device is in place . the resulting pull out strengths of the fixing device in masonry structures is superior to the majority of fixing devices available for masonry use and the device is less costly in materials terms and easier to use than typical expansion bolts .