HELPFUL TIPS FOR INSTALLATION
Here are some useful guidelines to help with the installtion of your DockHinges.
Every situation is slightly different. Your dock, your location and your situation will dictate your final solution, but this should help guide your decisions.
Things to consider:
Are you attaching to wood, aluminum, steel, cement, or stone?
What is the size of your mounting hardware: 1/2 inch, 3/8 inch, or a weld-on solution?
The DockHinge uses over-sized round holes for mounting hardware. These are sized to seize the square head of carriage bolts and are over-sized for the convenience of drilling for bolts.
Is your body of water prone to winds, storms, and wave activity? You may want to consider backing plates to strengthen your dock frame.
The installer should always take into account different dock loads, water level changes, river flows, anchors, and tethering to ensure a safe & secure dock.
Button labelINSTALLATION
DockHinge uses a standard 3.5" bolt pattern so it may be possible to reuse existing bolts and holes.
Carriage bolts are recommended as they seat securely into our machined holes.
Lag bolts can also be used. Lag screws might seem like a solution, but these can often the easiest point of fatigue.
Backing plates are a way to further strengthen your dock's integrity, especially in big-water areas.
Consider the length of the hardware needed and add a little more to make assembly easier.
SEASONAL SET-UP & TAKE-DOWN
DockHinge works from above. The only tool required, once installed, is a 3/4 inch / 19mm socket to tighten/ loosen the bolt.
Simply place the hitch over the hinge and spin it in! Done. Easy.
IMPORTANT: the actuation bolt is stainless steel. We recommend against the use of high speed and torque impacts that may cause "galling" and impair the actuation bolt's ability to function.
If the bolt is stiff and not running through, simply tap it with a hammer and run it several times up & down with your drill. They will loosen up after several rounds.