Installation Guide
Complete assembly procedures, best practices, and troubleshooting for AngleLock structural systems.
Required Tools & Equipment
Essential Tools
- Torque wrench (5-50 ft-lbs range)
- Allen key set (metric)
- Spirit level (24" or longer)
- Tape measure
- Rubber mallet
- Square (for alignment verification)
Recommended Tools
- Digital level/inclinometer
- Electric drill with hex bit adapter
- Assembly stand or workbench
- Dial indicator (for precision applications)
- Lifting equipment (for large structures)
Assembly Procedures
Preparation & Layout
Begin by organizing all components and verifying the parts list. Lay out extrusions according to your assembly drawing.
- •Check all components against the bill of materials
- •Ensure work area is clean and level
- •Remove any protective film or packaging from extrusions
- •Review assembly drawings and identify critical dimensions
Insert AngleLock Connectors
Insert AngleLock brackets into extrusion slots at connection points. Ensure brackets are fully seated before assembly.
- •Slide bracket into extrusion slot at the designated position
- •Verify bracket orientation matches assembly drawing
- •Leave fasteners loose for adjustment during assembly
- •Do NOT fully tighten until structure is squared
Join Extrusions
Connect extrusions using the AngleLock brackets. The mechanical lock engages as fasteners are tightened.
- •Align extrusions at the correct angle (typically 90°)
- •Insert bracket tabs into receiving extrusion slots
- •Hand-tighten all fasteners first (finger-tight plus 1 turn)
- •Check alignment before proceeding to next connection
Square & Align Structure
With all connections hand-tight, verify the structure is square and dimensions are correct.
- •Measure diagonals - they should be equal for square frames
- •Use a square to verify 90° corners
- •Check overall dimensions against drawings
- •Make adjustments by loosening connections as needed
Final Torque Application
Once alignment is verified, torque all fasteners to specification following the proper sequence.
- •Apply final torque in a star pattern (tighten opposite corners)
- •Standard torque: 25-30 ft-lbs for most applications
- •Heavy-duty applications: 35-40 ft-lbs (consult engineering)
- •Re-check alignment after initial torquing of first few joints
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Over-tightening Before Alignment
Fully tightening connections before squaring the structure makes adjustments difficult.
✓ Solution: Hand-tighten all joints, verify alignment, then apply final torque.
❌ Incorrect Bracket Orientation
Installing brackets upside-down or reversed prevents proper mechanical locking.
✓ Solution: Match bracket orientation to assembly drawing before insertion.
❌ Insufficient Torque
Under-torquing fasteners prevents the AngleLock mechanism from engaging fully.
✓ Solution: Always use a calibrated torque wrench set to specification.
❌ Skipping Alignment Verification
Failing to check squareness results in twisted structures and poor performance.
✓ Solution: Always measure diagonals and verify 90° corners before final torque.
Torque Specifications
| Application | Fastener Size | Torque Spec |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Connections | M8 Socket Head Cap Screw | 25-30 ft-lbs |
| Heavy-Duty Connections | M10 Socket Head Cap Screw | 35-40 ft-lbs |
| Panel Mounting | M6 Socket Head Cap Screw | 15-18 ft-lbs |
| Leveling Feet | M12 Threaded Foot | Hand-tight + lock nut |
Important Notes
- • Always use a calibrated torque wrench
- • Apply thread-locking compound for vibration-prone applications
- • Re-torque after 24 hours for critical structures
- • Consult engineering for applications outside standard specifications