INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS Fe 26 Axis Horizontal Fe26 AXIS HORIZONTAL STEEL RAILING
TABLE OF CONTENTS English Introduction.........................................................................3 Universal Bracket (UB).............................................4 Collar Bracket (CB).................................................21 Angled Bracket (UB & CB)......................................24 Stair Bracket (SSB) .................................................32 Care & Maintenance/Warranty..............................
INTRODUCTION READ INSTRUCTIONS COMPLETELY BEFORE STARTING INSTALLATION It is the responsibility of the installer to meet all code and safety requirements, and to obtain all required building permits. The deck and railing installer should determine and implement appropriate installation techniques for each installation situation. Fortress Railing Products and its distributors shall not be held liable for improper or unsafe installations.
Required Tools Goggles T-25 Driver Bit Drill Pencil Safety Gloves Tape Measurer #2 Phillips Head Bit Clamp Speed Square Level Tool Drill Bits:1/16”, 3/16”, 3/8”, [2mm, 5mm,10mm] Metal Cutting Miter Saw or Portable Band saw Wood 2” x 4” [60mm x 102mm] Touch-Up Paint Bit Extender Grinder Spring Punch Rubber Mallet File UNIVERSAL BRACKET Fe26 Axis: Universal (UB) Bracket Installation Ball Cap UB-04 Cap Pressed Dome Cap UB-04 Cup 2” [51mm] or 3-3/4” [95mm] I-Support Base Cover 4 Fe26 Ax
Universal Bracket (UB-04) Post Configuration Fe26 Axis Panel Height Rail Panel Installed Panel Height* Required Post 34” [864mm] 37-3/4” [959mm] 39-1/2” [1003mm] 40” [1016mm] 43-3/4” [1111mm] 45-1/2” [1156mm] 40” [1016mm] 42” [1067mm] 45-1/2” [1156mm] *Installed panel heights of 37-3/4” [959mm] and 43-3/4” [1111mm] panel heights include a 3-3/4” [95mm] space between deck surface and bottom edge of bottom rail.
Fig. 1 Joist Blocking (A) (A) #10 x 3-1/3” [85mm] Step 2: Position Base Plate 1. Position the edge of base plate a minimum of 1/2” [13mm] from the inside edge of rim joist. As shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 2 1/2” [13mm] 1/2” [13mm] Step 3: Max Post Spacing • 6’ panel maximum post spacing is 69-3/4” [1772mm]. • 8’ panel maximum post spacing is 93-3/4” [2381mm]. Note: • Using the maximum post spacing will help minimize the amount of required panel cuts. • DO NOT exceed the maximum post spacing. Fig.
Step 5: Check Mounted Posts 1. Shim post as needed to ensure post is level. Shim post as needed to ensure post is level oud Post: Max Post Spacing m post spacing is 93-7/8”. m post spacing is 69-7/8”. ceed the maximum post spacing. Check measurement with top Rim Joist 7 Fe26 AXIS INSTALLATION m post spacing is 93-7/8”. m post spacing is 69-7/8”. 8’ Panel max post spacing 93-7/8” 6’ Panel max post spacing 69-7/8” ceed the maximum post spacing.
UNIVERSAL BRACKET (UB-04): POST W/ PRE-ATTATCHED BRACKET Step 1: Identify Required Pre-Attached Post & Bracket 1. Fe26 2” [51mm] and 3” [76mm] Posts are available with pre-attached UB-04 Brackets. Reference Fig. 8 & 9 below for desired post. Note: • Pre-welded posts are ONLY applicable to the 34” [864mm] and 40” [1016mm] panels. • Reference post mounting steps on pages 5 - 7. Fig.
UNIVERSAL BRACKET (UB-04): BRACKET INSTALLATION Step 1: Mark Bracket Hole Locations 1. Mark the centerline of each post with a pencil. 2. Take measurements used in Fig. 10 - 12 to mark bottom and top bracket hole locations onto posts. Tip: • Remove all metal shavings from deck, post base cover, post, and panel before bracket is screwed to post to prevent rust stains. Fig.
Step 2: Pre-Drill and Install Brackets Tip: • It’s important to double check dimensions to confirm accuracy of bracket hole locations before drilling. 1. Use Spring Punch to mark the holes. As shown in Fig. 13. 2. Pre-drill bracket holes with a 3/16” [5mm] drill bit. As shown in Fig. 14. 3. Attach Brackets to the posts with supplied T-25 thread-cutting screws. Use two screws per bracket. Use low speed setting on drill. As shown in Fig. 15. 4.
Fig. 16 UNIVERSAL BRACKET: CUTTING DOWN PANELS Step 1: Measure The Panel Opening Length 1. Measure the distance of the panel opening. As shown in Fig. 17. 2. Confirm that the measurements for the top brackets are the same as the bottom brackets. Note: • Measure from the back wall of the bracket to the back wall of the bracket on other post. As shown in Fig. 18. • T-25 Pan Head Self Tapping Screws are packaged in a plastic bag and secured to the panel. DO NOT discard screws. Fig. 17 Fig.
4. From the previously marked center, measure out the divided length in each direction. As shown in Fig. 19. 5. Mark these locations with a pencil on the top/bottom rail. 6. Using a rubber mallet, remove one of the uprights from the panel. As shown in Fig. 20. DO NOT Remove the opposite upright. 7. Place the removed upright on top of loose rails and pickets. Position the back edge of upright in line with the previous marked point and flush with the rails. As shown in Fig. 21. 8.
Fig. 20 Fig. 21 Panel length marking Fig. 22 DO NOT REMOVE OPPOSITE UPRIGHT Fig. 23 Rail cut mark on inside edge Reference marks on outside face of picket Fig. 24 Fig. 25 Rail Cut mark Reference mark Picket Straightened Cut mark - 1/4” [6mm] Step 3: Cut Rails & Pickets 1. Cut top and bottom rails using a Portable Band Saw, Circular Saw or Grinder with a cutoff disc. Be sure to follow cut marks on top and side faces. As shown in Fig. 26. 2. Use a Circular Saw or Grinder to cut pickets.
• • • • Always having the opposite upright installed makes it easier to cut while keeping the rails and pickets in place. Be sure to follow cut marks on top and side faces. Be sure to not over heat the rails and picket when making cuts with a Grinder. Before installing upright, empty cutting debris from pickets and rails. Fig. 26 Fig. 27 Clamped wood 2” x 4” [60mm x 102mm] Step 4: Clean Rails & Pickets 1. Use a file to smooth cut edges. As shown in Fig. 28. 2.
Step 5: Apply Spray Paint To Cut Areas 1. Using a piece of cardboard as a mask, apply the 1st coat of Fortress zinc based touch-up paint. As shown in Fig. 29. 2. Allow to dry before applying second coat. 3. Apply the 2nd coat of Fortress zinc based touch-up paint. 4. Allow to dry and install. Fig. 29 2X Step 6: Install Uprights 1. Insert uprights into the cut panel. As shown in Fig. 30. 2. Starting on one end, use a rubber mallet to fully seat upright on to rails and pickets. As shown in Fig. 31. Fig.
Fig. 32 Step 9: Install Set Screws 1. Once panel length is confirmed, measure 1/2” [13mm] from inside edge of upright and mark screw hole. As shown in Fig. 33. 2. Pre-drill screw holes with a 3/16” [5mm] drill bit. 3. Attach screw to the panel and upright with supplied T-25 Pan Head Self Tapping Screws. Use low speed setting on drill. As shown in Fig. 34. Fig. 33 Side View Fig. 34 Centerline of rail 1/2” [13mm] UNIVERSAL BRACKET: PANEL INSTALLATION Step 1: Determine The Top & Bottom Of Panel 1.
Fig. 35 Fig. 36 Spot welds on under side of rails MDC Stamp Step 2: Install I-Support On Bottom Rail (Optional) 1. Measure and locate the center of the bottom rail. Using the I-Support as a guide, mark the center of the 2 screw holes. As shown in Fig. 37. 2. Using a 3/16” [5mm] drill bit, drill though the outside wall. 3. Install the I-Support with the provided T-25 thread cutting screws. As shown in Fig. 38. Fig. 38 Fig. 37 3/16” [5mm] Hole Phillips Head Screws Step 3: Install Panel 1.
Step 4: Attach Panel To Bottom & Top Brackets 1. Pre-drill holes for screws using a 3/16” [5mm] drill bit. 2. Install screws into bottom & top brackets. As shown in Fig. 40. Note: • Only one screw per bracket is needed to secure the bracket to the panel. • Screws should be installed on the same side of brackets. Fig. 40 Step 5: Attach I-support To Deck (Optional) 1. Fasten I-support to deck surface with the supported Phillips Head Wood Screws . As shown in Fig. 41.
UNIVERSAL BRACKET: POST BASE COVER, BRACKET CAP & PRESSED DOME/BALL CAP INSTALLATION Step 1: Install Post Base Cover 1. Separate the two-piece base plate cover. Hold one side parallel to the post base plate. As shown in Fig. 42. 2. Place 2nd half of the post base cover on the opposite side of the post. Hold 2nd piece slightly under the 1st piece. As shown in Fig. 43. 3. Twist the 2nd cover ¼ turn and move piece until both halves touch. As shown in Fig. 44. 4.
Fig. 46 Step 2: Install Bracket Caps 1. Bracket Caps snap over Bracket Cups. As shown in Fig. 47 & 48. Fig. 47 Fig. 48 Step 3: Install Pressed Dome Cap 1. Pressed Dome Caps & Ball Caps are press fit into place. As shown in Fig. 49 & 50. Fig. 49 20 Fig.
COLLAR BRACKET Fe26 Axis: Collar Brackets (CB-04) Installation Ball Cap CB-04 Pressed Dome Cap 3-3/4” [95mm] I-Support Fe26 Axis: 69-1/2”[1766mm] or 93-1/2” [2375mm] Base Cover 2” X 2” & 3” X 3” [51mm x 51mm] & [76mm x 76mm] Iron Posts with base Collar Bracket (CB-04) Post Configuration Fe26 Axis Panel Height Rail Panel Installed Panel Height* Required Post 34” [864mm] 37-3/4” [959mm] 39-1/2” [1003mm] 40” [1016mm] 43-3/4” [1111mm] 45-1/2” [1156mm] *Installed panel heights of 37-3/4” [959mm] an
COLLAR BRACKET: BRACKET INSTALLATION Step 1: Mark Bracket Hole Locations • Reference Bracket hole marking instructions on page 9. Fig. 51 CB-04 Bracket Hole Locations Pre-drill Dimensions: Pre-drilling with a 3/16”[5mm] drill bit is required A* B C 3-3/16” [81mm] 30-3/4” [781mm] 2-3/16” [56mm] 36-13/16” [935mm] 2-3/16” [56mm] 34” [864mm] Panel 40” [1016mm] Panel 3-3/16” [81mm] *Dimension A positions bottom edge of rail 3-3/4” [95mm] above deck surface.
COLLAR BRACKET: PANEL INSTALLATION Step 1: Install I-Support On Bottom Rail • Reference I-support installation step on pages 17. Step 2: Install Panel 1. Slide CB-04 Brackets over each end of the bottom and top rails. Make sure that all set screw holes face the desired direction. As shown in Fig. 53. 2. Secure Brackets into pre-drilled Bracket holes on post with provided T-25 Drive Thread-Cutting Screws. 3. Pre-drill Bracket Set Screw holes on bottom Rail using a 3/16” [5mm] drill bit. 4.
ANGLE BRACKET Fe26 Axis: Angled Bracket Installation Options Universal Bracket (UB-04) With Angle Adapter Ball Cap Pressed Dome Cap UB-04 Cap UB-04 Angle Adapter UB-04 Cup 2” [51mm] or 3-3/4” [95mm] I-Support Base Cover Fe26 Axis: 69-1/2”[1766mm] or 93-1/2” [2375mm] 2” X 2” & 3” X 3” [51mm x 51mm] & [76mm x 76mm] Iron Posts with base Universal Bracket (UB-04) with Angle Adapter Post Configuration Fe26 Axis Panel Height Rail Panel Installed Panel Height* Required Post 34” [864mm] 37-3/4” [959mm]
Universal Bracket (UB-04) with Angle Adapter Chicago Bolt Female Angle Bracket Cap Stair Bracket Base Stair Bracket Adapter Angle Bracket Cup *Bracket & Stair adapters are sold separately.
Collar Bracket Side Adjustable (CBS-04) Chicago Bolt Female Angled Bracket Base Angled Bracket Cup Chicago Bolt Male ANGLE BRACKET: POST MOUNTING • Reference Post Mounting instructions on page 5. ANGLE BRACKET: BRACKET INSTALLATION (UB-04 or CBS-04) Note: THE ANGLE BRACKET INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS COVER BOTH UB-04 & CB-04, ONLY USE STEPS SPECIFIC TO BRACKET BEING INSTALLED. Step 1: Mark Bracket Hole Locations (UB-04 or CBS-04) 1. Mark the centerline of each post with a pencil. 2.
Fig. 55 UB-04 Angle Adapter Bracket Hole Locations: 3-3/4” [95mm] Above Deck Spacing Pre-drill Dimensions: Pre-drilling with a 3/16” [5mm] drill bit is required B C A* 34” [864mm] Panel 4-1/4’” [108mm] 37-1/4” [946mm] 1-3/16” [30mm] 43-1/4” [1099mm] 1-3/16” [30mm] 40” [1016mm] Panel 4-1/4’” [108mm] *Dimension A positions bottom edge of rail 3-3/4” [95mm] above deck surface. *Dimension A is measured from the bottom surface of post base. Fig.
Fig. 59 A C CBS-04 Angled Bracket B A C C Fig. 60 Fig. 61 1”-3/16” [30mm] Center of Post Step 2: Pre-drill Angle Bracket Holes Tip: • It’s important to double check dimensions to confirm accuracy of bracket hole locations before drilling. 1. Use Spring Punch to mark the holes. As shown in Fig. 60. 2. Pre-drill bracket holes with a 3/16” [5mm] drill bit. As shown in Fig. 61 & 62. 3. Remove the bolt from the Angle Bracket Assembly. Pre-Drill with a 3/16” [5mm] drill bit Fig.
Step 3: Install UB-04 With Angle Adapter 1. Attach Angle Adapter Base piece to the posts with supplied T-25 Thread-Cutting Screws. Use low speed setting on drill. As shown in Fig. 63. 2. Assemble Angle Adapter Body piece & Base piece. As shown in Fig. 64. 3. Attach UB-04 Bracket to Angle Adapter using T-25 Thread-Cutting Screws. As shown in Fig. 65. Tip: • Use a Bit Extender for an easier screw fastening process. Fig. 63 Fig. 64 Fig. 66 Step 4: Install CBS-04 Bracket 1.
Fig. 67 Fig. 68 Step 5: Determine Panel Length 1. Check to ensure that all posts are square and straight. Shim posts as required. 2. Ensure that the Angle Bracket Cups are approximately aligned. 3. With another person’s help, measure the distance from the inside back of one cup to the inside back of the other cup. This will be the panel length. As shown in Fig. 70 & 71. Fig. 69 UB-04 With Angle Bracket CBS-04 Fig.
Fig. 71 DO NOT measure from post Measure from back of bracket CBS-04 Bracket ANGLE BRACKET: CUTTING DOWN PANELS • Reference pages 11 - 16 for panel cutting steps. ANGLE BRACKET: PANEL INSTALLATION • Reference UB-04 panel installation steps on pages 16 - 18 and CB-04 panel installation steps on page 23. ANGLE BRACKET: POST BASE COVER, BRACKET CAP & PRESSED DOME/BALL CAP INSTALLATION • Reference Post Base Cover, Bracket Cap & Pressed Dome/ Ball Cap instructions on pages 19 & 20.
STAIR BRACKET Fe26 Axis: Stair Bracket Installation Simplified Stair Bracket (SSB-04) • Fe26 Axis stair panels are designed to be installed with SSB Brackets ONLY.
Simplified Stair Bracket (SSB-04): LT Stair Bracket Base Stair Bracket Cap Chicago Bolt Male Chicago Bolt Female Stair Bracket Cup Simplified Stair Bracket (SSB-04): SB Stair Bracket Base Chicago Bolt Male Chicago Bolt Female Stair Bracket Cap Stair Bracket Cup Simplified Stair Bracket (SSB-04): ST Stair Bracket Base Chicago Bolt Female Stair Bracket Cap Chicago Bolt Male Stair Bracket Cup Simplified Stair Bracket (SSB-04): LB Stair Bracket Base Chicago Bolt Male Chicago Bolt Female Stair Brac
STAIR BRACKET: BRACKET INSTALLATION Bracket Options • When installing SSB brackets, Identify the 4 brackets (LT, ST, LB and SB) by the letters stamped in each part. • Reference the installed panel image at the top of pages 32 & 33 for placement of each SSB Bracket. Step 1: Bottom Bracket Installation 1. Position wood 2” x 4” [60mm x 102mm] between posts. As shown in Fig. 72. 2. Position bottom brackets centered flat on post & wood 2” x 4” [60mm x 102mm].
Fig. 74 Step 2: Bottom Bracket Installation Continued 1. Use Spring Punch to mark the holes. As shown in Fig. 75. 2. Drill out bracket hole with a 3/16” [5mm] drill bit. As shown in Fig. 76. 3. Use T-25 screws to attach the base to the post. Begin with bottom hole then top. As shown in Fig. 77. 4. Keep bracket base centered as you install second screw. 5. Insert barrel & screw to re-assemble bracket. 6. Tighten barrel & screw. As shown in Fig. 78.
Fig. 77 Fig. 78 Step 3: Top Bracket Installation 1. Position wood 2” x 4” [60mm x 102mm] on stairs in line with bottom brackets. 2. Place panel on top of wood 2” x 4” [60mm x 102mm] next to bottom brackets. As shown in Fig. 79. 3. Rake the panel until center upright is parallel to the post or level and positioned as close to final installation position as possible. 4. Clamp the panel to the post. Be sure to clamp at four touch points to keep panel in position. As shown in Fig. 80. 5.
Fig. 79 Fig. 80 Clamp Clamp Fig. 81 Clamp Clamp Mark top and side location of Stair Bracket on post Position bottom of Bracket flush with bottom of rail Fig. 82 Step 4: Top Bracket Installation Continued • Reference bottom bracket installation step 2 on pages 35 & 36. Tip: • For both top brackets (LT & ST), install the top screw first.
STAIR BRACKET: POST MOUNTING • Reference Post Mounting instructions on page 5. Note: IT’S RECOMMENDED TO INSTALL BRACKETS ON TO POST BEFORE POST MOUNTING. STAIR BRACKET: CUTTING DOWN PANELS (SSB-04 BRACKET) Step 1: Determine The Top & Bottom Of Panel 1. Use the MDC Stamp to determine the bottom of the panel. The MDC Stamp can be found on the bottom inside face of the middle upright. As shown in Fig. 83. Fig. 83 MDC Stamp Step 2: Measure & Mark Panels Where Cuts Will Be Made 1.
7. From the reference marks, subtract 4” [102mm] and mark cut points on the top and bottom rails. As shown in Fig. 85. 8. Measure distance from rail cut mark to the end of the rail. As shown in Fig. 86. Write the dimension on paper for future reference. 9. Using a rubber mallet, remove one of the uprights from the panel. As shown in Fig. 87. DO NOT Remove the opposite upright. 10. Use previously found measurement (Fig. 86) to mark picket cut points.
Fig. 87 Fig. 88 Me asu re d Cut mark Fig. 89 ista nce Fig. 90 Cut mark DO NOT REMOVE OPPOSITE UPRIGHT Reference mark Rail Reference mark Step 3: Continue Stair Panel Cutting & Clean Steps 1. Reference steps 3 - 9 on pages 13 - 16 for the remaining panel cutting and cleaning steps. STAIR BRACKET: PANEL INSTALLATION • Reference panel installation steps on pages 16 - 18.
CARE & MAINTENANCE Care And Maintenance Of Fortress Railing Products Powder-Coated Products And Surfaces: • • • • Immediately after installation of your Fortress Railing Products, clean powder-coated products and surfaces with a solution of warm water and non-abrasive, pH neutral detergent solution. Surfaces should be thoroughly rinsed after cleaning to remove all residues. All surfaces should be cleaned using a soft cloth or sponge.
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