How to Install Mending Plates
To install mending plates, start by selecting the appropriate size and shape that matches the truss being reinforced or joined.
Take safety precautions, such as wearing protective gear and working on a stable surface.
Clean the truss surface before installation for proper adhesion.
Position the mending plate over the damaged area and mark the hole locations.
Drill pilot holes and insert nails or screws through the plate’s holes to secure it to the truss.
After installation, inspect for secure attachment and signs of damage.
Remove excess debris and consider applying a protective coating or sealer.
Mending plates are commonly made of galvanized steel and are used to hold connecting boards or patch damaged sideboards.
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Did You Know?
1. Mending plates were originally called “gussets” in the woodworking industry, but their name changed to mending plates due to their versatile use in various types of repairs.
2. Mending plates were patented in 1878 by inventor Joseph B. Tower, who saw a need for a strong and durable metal bracket to reinforce weakened or broken joints in furniture and construction.
3. The first mending plates were made of wrought iron, which offered excellent strength. Today, mending plates are typically made of steel or stainless steel due to their increased durability and resistance to corrosion.
4. Mending plates come in various shapes and sizes, including straight, L-shaped, and T-shaped, allowing for flexibility in different repair applications.
5. While mending plates are commonly used in woodworking and construction, they can also be repurposed for creative projects such as DIY furniture making or forming custom metal brackets for unique design accents.
Choosing The Right Mending Plate
When installing mending plates, it is crucial to choose the right size and shape that matches the truss being joined or reinforced. Mending plates provide structural support and improve the stability of wood applications such as furniture, shelves, gates, and housing frames.
Truss mending plates, commonly made of galvanized steel, offer exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to rust and corrosion. These plates come in different sizes and forms, including flat L or T shapes that are plated and coated in various materials.
- L-shaped mending plates are often used for corner connections, such as in kitchen cabinets.
- Straight-shaped plates are utilized for connections from side to side and end to end.
Before installation, carefully inspect the truss or wooden structure that needs repair or reinforcement. Consider the specific dimensions, angles, and load-bearing requirements of the truss. Select a mending plate that fits securely and effectively reinforces the joint.
“Choose the right size and shape of mending plate to match the truss being joined or reinforced.”
Remember:
- Inspect the truss or wooden structure before installation.
- Consider the dimensions, angles, and load-bearing requirements of the truss.
- Select a mending plate that fits securely and effectively reinforces the joint.
Safety Precautions For Installation
Safety should always be a top priority when working with any construction or repair project. When installing mending plates, it is essential to take proper safety precautions to avoid accidents and injuries.
Before getting started, make sure to wear suitable protective gear, such as safety glasses, gloves, and a dust mask, to shield yourself from potential hazards. Additionally, ensure that you are working on a stable surface that can support the weight of both yourself and the materials involved in the installation.
Furthermore, you should consider using a suitable step ladder or scaffolding to reach the installation area safely, especially if working at higher heights. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe installation practices and consult with professionals if you have any concerns.
Cleaning The Truss For Proper Adhesion
Before installing a mending plate, it is vital to clean the truss or wooden surface that will be in contact with the plate. Cleaning the surface ensures proper adhesion and enhances the bonding strength between the plate and the wood.
Start by removing any dust, dirt, or debris from the truss using a soft brush or vacuum cleaner. Next, wipe the surface with a clean, dry cloth to remove any remaining dirt particles. If there are any stains or marks on the truss, you may also consider using a mild detergent solution to gently clean the area.
Remember to allow the truss to dry completely before proceeding to the next step. The clean, dry surface will provide optimal conditions for the mending plate’s adhesive properties, ensuring a strong and secure attachment.
Marking And Positioning The Mending Plate
Once the truss is cleaned and prepared, it is time to mark and position the mending plate over the damaged area. To do this accurately, place the plate on the truss and align it with the joint or damaged portion that needs reinforcement.
Use a pencil or marker to mark the hole locations on both the plate and the truss. These marks will guide you during the drilling process and ensure precise placement of the nails or screws that will secure the plate to the truss.
When marking the holes, ensure that they are evenly spaced and distributed across the plate, providing balanced support and preventing any potential stress concentration in a single area. Take your time during this step to ensure accurate positioning, as the success of the installation relies on the proper alignment and attachment of the mending plate.
Securing The Plate With Nails Or Screws
To secure the mending plate to the truss, follow these steps:
- Position and mark the mending plate accurately on the truss.
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Before drilling, prevention splitting the wood by using a pilot hole. This ensures a clean installation.
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Drill pilot holes into the marked locations on the truss, using a bit slightly smaller than the diameter of the nails or screws you plan to use.
- Carefully insert the nails or screws through the holes in the plate.
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Drive them into the truss.
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Fasten the nails or screws using either a screwdriver or a hammer, depending on the type of hardware you are using.
- Avoid over-tightening to prevent stripping the holes or damaging the truss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do mending plates go on both sides?
Yes, mending plates are typically used on both sides of a connection to provide additional strength. This is especially useful when connecting and repairing various materials such as plastics, steel, aluminum, glass, and other solid surfaces. Through-bolting can further enhance the connection by ensuring the most secure and durable outcome. Overall, mending plates offer a versatile solution for strengthening and repairing a wide range of materials.
Where do you use mending plates?
Mending plates are essential in various areas where joints in wooden furniture and other household connections require repair or additional strength. These versatile metal connectors can be utilized in numerous applications, such as reinforcing weak corners in picture frames, stabilizing shelves, or repairing broken parts of wooden furniture. Whether it’s a straight mending plate for a seamless joint, a T-shaped design for added support, or an L-shaped plate for reinforcement, these connectors play a crucial role in maintaining the durability and longevity of wooden structures in our everyday lives.
What is the difference between nail plate and mending plate?
The main difference between a nail plate and a mending plate lies in their respective functions and applications. Nail plates, specifically Simpson nail plates, are versatile components that are available in various sizes and can even be customized upon request. They are primarily used for reinforcing and connecting wooden structures in construction and carpentry projects. These plates are designed to provide additional strength and stability to connections, ensuring structural integrity.
On the other hand, mending plates serve a different purpose. They are intended specifically for joining two pieces of timber together, but they are not suitable for use in structural applications. Mending plates are commonly used in woodworking and furniture making to reinforce joints and prevent movement or separation. While they offer added support to connections, they are not designed to withstand heavy loads or provide the same level of structural reinforcement as nail plates.
Are mending plates structural?
Mending plates, while versatile and easy-to-use for wood-to-wood connections, are not suitable for structural applications. These plates are designed to provide support and reinforcement in non-structural scenarios where no nails or notching of wood is required. However, they should not be used in truss applications where more heavy-duty and load-bearing components are necessary for the structural integrity of the system.