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How to Install Brace Arms on Vortek Foundation Screws

At Fenceshop, we know how important correct installation of brace arms in fences is to guarantee long-lasting strength and durability. In this in-depth tutorial, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to install a brace arm onto a Vortek foundation screw, one of the most practical and widely used systems for fixing posts and reinforcements in modern fences.

When and Why to Use Vortek Foundation Screws

The Vortek foundation screws are designed to support both main posts and brace arms, that is, the diagonal elements that provide stability to the whole fence structure. An essential aspect to remember is that the same screw can be used both for posts and brace arms: there’s no need to purchase different screws for each element. For example, if you need to install 10 posts and 2 brace arms, you just need to buy 12 identical Vortek foundation screws.

How to Determine the Screw Position for the Brace Arm

Before fixing the foundation screw for your brace arm, we recommend you hold the brace arm near the intended installation point and bring it close to the ground, so you can identify the correct screw position. This helps avoid distance errors and ensures that the screw is neither too close nor too far from the ideal position for the brace arm. This will result in a solid base and logical distance, crucial for a stable fence.

The Vortek U-Bracket: Technical Characteristics

For fixing the brace arms, Vortek provides a specifically designed U-bracket. This bracket is equipped with a slot and a hole, allowing you to adjust the position and inclination of the brace arm. The fastening system includes:

• Supplied bolt
• Washer
• Nut

The bracket is slid onto the flat side of the brace arm (which typically has an L-shaped section), and the flat part should be placed in contact with the flat part of the post and the screw. This position usually faces outwards from the fence, where the mesh is attached.

Step-by-Step Mounting Procedure

1. Slide the U-bracket onto the brace arm, ensuring the hole remains visible and allows for adjustment.
2. Insert the bolt, washer, and nut from inside, but don’t tighten too much so you can still adjust the angle.
3. Place the flat part of the bracket against the flat part of the foundation screw.
4. Temporarily fix the bracket to the screw with a positioning bolt.
5. Adjust the position and inclination of the brace arm as needed, using the slot for sliding.
6. Once you’ve found the ideal position, tighten the bolts fully.

This system allows you to correct any out-of-plumb posts even after installation, simply by sliding the bracket along its slot.

Brace Arms of Different Sizes: How to Solve Possible Issues

The Vortek U-bracket is designed for brace arms with L 25x25 mm sections, which are the most common for fences up to 1.75 meters high. However, for taller fences (from 2 to 2.25 meters), the brace arms increase in size to 30x30 mm sections. In these cases, the standard bracket isn’t large enough to accommodate the brace arm.

If you encounter this situation, you can work around the issue as follows:

• Place the flat side of the brace arm against the flat side of the bracket, but outside the U.
• Fix in place with bolt, washer, and nut as described earlier.
• The bracket will stay in place and still allow adjustment, even if the brace arm is fixed outside the U.

While it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing solution, it does ensure the holding and stability of the fence.

Helpful Tips and Conclusions

Many customers contact us after purchasing brace arms and brackets, asking why they can’t fit them together: this issue often arises when they’ve chosen a larger section brace arm for a taller fence without considering the bracket’s dimensions. With these instructions, you’ll easily overcome the problem and complete your fence installation safely and securely.

Remember, on our Fenceshop e-commerce you’ll find all the Vortek solutions, including foundation screws, brackets, and brace arms of different sizes, as well as a wide range of products for fences. On our website www.retastic.it you’ll also find information about us and all our references.

If you have any doubts or requests, our team is always available: don’t hesitate to contact us for personalized assistance with choosing and installing products for your fences.

Thank you for your attention, and see you in the next Fenceshop guide!