FarmTek Twist-of-the-Wrist User manual

Gearbox Bearing Assembly
Adaptor and Drive Shaft Mounting Plate
Twist-of-the-Wrist Assembly Instructions
General Information and Overview
In addition to other uses, the Twist-of-the-Wrist assembly allows the operator to "roll up" the side of a cover (shown
above) or the end panel door of a shelter. The assembly can also raise and lower curtains of different lengths. These
instructions describe the basic Twist-of-the-Wrist components and how to assemble those components.
IMPORTANT!
Additional purchase is required for many Twist-of-the-Wrist components shown on the following pages. Contact your
sales representative if you have any questions regarding the purchase of parts, or the parts contained in any Twist-of-
the-Wrist hardware kit you may have ordered.
These steps provide general information to help with the installation of the Twist-of-the-Wrist components.
Twist-of-the-Wrist Components (Additional purchase is required.)
Revision date: 08.06.12
If you have any questions, please call
us toll free at 1-800-FARMTEK.
FarmTek®

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If you have any questions, please call
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ASSEMBLE THE ROLL-UP CONDUIT
The roll-up conduit runs the length of the curtain or cover
and serves as the center pipe that the curtain or cover
wraps around when opened. Skip this section if it does not
apply to your application.
Gather the parts:
• Pipe and Tek screws (additional purchase or
customer-supplied)
Complete these steps to assemble the roll-up conduit:
1. Locate all sections of pipe.
2. Insert the swaged end of one pipe into the plain end
of another pipe until the conduit is assembled.
NOTE: For easier handling, assemble longer conduits
(40' and longer) in short sections.
3. Secure each pipe joint using a Tek screw.
4. Place the assembled conduit at the base of the
shelter or frame where the curtain is located or will be
installed.
TWIST-OF-THE-WRIST: GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
The instructions below describe how to assemble and
install a single Twist-of-the-Wrist assembly. The procedure
is repeated for additional assemblies (if applicable). A
curtain is used in the example. These steps can be easily
adapted to other applications such as a main cover or end
panel. (The purchase of additional parts may be required.)
The basic procedures to assemble and install the Twist-of-
the-Wrist include the following:
1. Assemble the roll-up conduit. (Additional purchase
may be required.)
2. Attach the curtain to the shelter or building frame (if
applicable).
3. Attach the roll-up conduit to the curtain or panel.
4. Assemble and attach the Twist-of-the-Wrist.
5. Install the Anti-Billow Rope system. (Additional
purchase is required.)
6. Test the operation of the Twist-of-the-Wrist.
5. Continue with the procedure that follows to attach the
curtain to the shelter or frame.
ATTACH CURTAIN (May not apply to all applications.)
Gather the parts:
• Curtain (additional purchase or customer-supplied)
• Tek Screws and washers (additional purchase)
This procedure describes loosening the main cover of a
building similar to what is shown and attaching a curtain
under the edge of the main cover. The main cover is then
reattached over the top edge of the roll-up curtain to allow
for proper water drainage.
Different applications require different installation
procedures. It is the customer's responsibility to determine
the best way to install a curtain. For some buildings, a
portion of the main cover can be used for the roll-up side.
Complete these steps if applicable:
1. After assembling the conduit, take the curtain and
unfold it on a clean, smooth surface near the frame.
2. Loosen the edge of the main cover if needed and
attach the top of curtain to the frame using Tek screws
and Fender washers. Evenly space the Tek screws
every 12" for best results as shown below.
NOTE: If frame is wood, use wood screws.
3. Position the main cover over the top edge of the
curtain and secure as needed.
Tek screw
12"
Curtain
Main Cover
End Panel
of building
Rafter
NOTE: Tape over
the Tek screws and
joints using heavy
duct tape (supplied by
customer) to prevent
curtain wear.
Roll-Up Conduit Pocket
Shelter shown may
be a different model.
Drawing used for
illustration only.

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ATTACH CONDUIT TO CURTAIN OR COVER PANEL
To this point, the top edge of the curtain is secured to the
frame; the remainder of the curtain will hang down along
the side of the building or frame.
Gather the parts: Assembled conduit, Fabric clips, and Tek
screws (additional purchase or customer-supplied).
1. Unfold the lower portion of the curtain or cover (if
needed) and evenly stretch it out along the frame.
2. Slide the assembled roll-up conduit into the pocket of
the curtain if a pocket exists.
NOTE: If using film for cover, wrap the lower edge of
the film around the roll-up conduit. You may secure
with a few pieces of duct tape. Some kits provide
clips used to secure the panel to the roll-up conduit.
(Additional purchase required.) See Step 18 of the
next procedure.
IMPORTANT: Insert the conduit into the pocket so the
plain (non-tapered) end of the conduit is at the end of
the shelter where the gearbox will be installed. Allow
the excess conduit length to extend beyond the curtain
or panel at both ends with most at the end where
the Twist-of-the-Wrist assembly will be positioned.
The conduit is trimmed to length after the gearbox
assembly is installed.
3. Continue with the Twist-of-the-Wrist Assembly
procedure.
TWIST-OF-THE-WRIST ASSEMBLY
Gather the parts:
• Aluminum channel
• Drive handle
• Gearbox and gearbox drive
• Mounting plate
• Bearing and threaded rod
• 3/8" nuts and washers
Shelter shown may
be a different model.
Drawing used for
illustration only.
Curtain or
main cover
Roll-Up Conduit
The photo above shows the Twist-of-the-Wrist assembly as
attached to a greenhouse. Photo is for illustration purposes only.
Actual building and application will vary.
ATTENTION: These
procedures describe
the basic steps needed
to assemble and attach
the Twist-of-the-Wrist
assembly. Additional
modifications and
components (purchased
locally) may be required
if none of the following
suggestions work for your
application.
The customer and those
installing this assembly
are responsible for
determining the best way
to install the curtain and all
related components.
The Twist-of-the-Wrist assembly is designed to raise and
lower the curtain or a portion of the main cover. These
steps describe the Twist-of-the-Wrist assembly and its
installation.
Threaded Rod
Purlin
End
Rafter
Guide
Channel
Carriage
Bolt
Roll-up Side
Conduit
Bottom Purlin

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TWIST-OF-THE-WRIST ASSEMBLY (CONTINUED)
1. Measure 1/2" in from the end of the cover conduit,
center-punch the location, and drill a 5/16" hole
through the cover conduit.
2. Insert a tubing adapter into the conduit and align
the holes of the adapter with the drilled holes in the
conduit.
1/2"
2"
3. Select the aluminum channel and drill a 3/8" hole
through the channel approximately 2" from the end
and attach a threaded rod using a 3/8" nut on each
side of the channel.
4. With the lower end of the channel an inch or so off
the ground, position the channel along the rafter
at the end of the building where the Twist-of-the-
Wrist assembly will be located. The lower end of the
channel must "float" to allow the roll-up panel to fully
close.
5. Secure the upper end of the channel by drilling a 3/8"
hole through the end rafter and attach as shown.
The lower end of the channel will "float" and is not
attached.
NOTE: Install a flat washer between the nut and the
Top View
Photo shows a different model and is used for illustration
purposes only.
end panel.
6. Select the bearing bracket and attach the bearings as
needed. (In some instances, the bearings may come
already attached.) Assemble as follows:
NOTE: Single bearings are attached to the sides of
the bracket and double bearings to the middle portion
of the bracket. Use 1/4" hex bolts and locknuts as
needed. Install a flat washer on both sides of each
bearing to insure proper operation of bearings and the
assembly.
7. Install the longer bolts with bearings on the side of the
bracket that has the two holes. Install these before
installing the double bearing assembles. See the
figures below.
5/16" Nut
5/16" Nut
8. For the spacers on the long bolts, insert a 5/16" nut
over each bolt. These nuts are used as spacers only.
Lock Nuts

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TWIST-OF-THE-WRIST ASSEMBLY (continued)
9. Slide the Twist-of-the-Wrist mounting plate over the
long bolts and secure the plate with two lock nuts.
10. Attach the Twist-of-the-Wrist gearbox to the mounting
plate using hex head bolts included with the plate.
NOTE: The number of
bolts used to secure
the gearbox to the
mounting plate may
differ from what is
shown in the diagram.
NOTE: Photo shows
a different bolt and
nut. Secure as
instructed using the
1/4" nut and bolt.
11. Using a 1/4" x 2" bolt and 1/4" locknut, attach the
square shaft to a tubing adapter.
12. Slide the square shaft through the Twist-of-the-Wrist
gearbox.
13. Slide the Twist-of-the-Wrist assembly onto the
aluminum channel from the ground end. (This is the
free end of the channel.)
14. Align the roll-up conduit with the gearbox and trim roll-
up conduit to length as needed.
15. Check clearance between channel and the structure
that the channel is attached to. Adjust if needed.
16. Attach the roll-up conduit to the square shaft of the
assembly by inserting a 1/4" x 2" bolt through the hole
in the conduit and tubing adapter. Tighten the locknut.
17. Straighten the curtain and center it along the shelter or
building side as needed.
Fabric Clips
All parts are not shown
in this diagram.
Trim roll-up conduit to
length as needed.

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TWIST-OF-THE-WRIST ASSEMBLY (continued)
18. Use Tek screws and fabric clips (customer-supplied)
to secure the curtain to the conduit. Space the fabric
clips evenly along the conduit for best results. May
not apply to all applications. Additional purchase
necessary.
19. Attach the crank handle to the Twist-of-the-Wrist
assembly. (Curtain is not shown in the diagram below.)
20. Test the operation of the Twist-of-the-Wrist assembly.
Drawing may show a different but similar application;
the same operation technique is used.
Crank Handle Crank Handle sold
separately.
Roll-up conduit is
not shown in the
diagram.
NOTE: If the curtain rolls in the desired direction, but
you want to turn the crank in the opposite direction for
the same result, unbolt, reposition the gearbox, and
remount it on the same side of the mounting bracket.
Verify that the curtain rolls in a direction that allows
water to drain off of it as shown in the example above.
21. Continue by installing the anti-billow rope.
INSTALL ANTI-BILLOW ROPES (ADDITIONAL
PURCHASE REQUIRED)
Gather the parts:
• Anti-billow rope
• Tek screws or wood screws
• Fender washers
Anti-billow ropes secure the roll-up curtain when it is in the
down position. The procedure that follows describes using
Tek screws (or wood screws) and Fender washers to wrap
the rope around. The screws are installed into the frame or
pony wall.
If this type of installation does not work for the application,
additional parts may be required and must be supplied by
the customer.
Complete the following steps to install the anti-billow ropes.
1. Using the Twist-of-the-Wrist assembly, roll up the
curtain or cover panel a few inches above the ground.
2. Install the first screw and Fender washer into the
building frame at the base of the end rafter where the
Twist-of-the-Wrist assembly is located.
3. Move up the same end rafter or frame support and
install another screw and washer.
NOTE: Do not fully tighten the screw and washer
against the frame or rafter. Allow space for the anti-
billow rope to remain between the washer and the
frame that the screw is attached to.
The diagram above shows the screw locations on a
building where the anti-billow rope will be installed.

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4. Attach the remaining screws and washers using the
diagram below as a suggested guide.
NOTE: For the best results, the maximum distance
between the screws must not exceed 12'.
5. Once all screws with washers are installed, grasp the
end of the anti-billow rope and tie it to one of the upper
screws at either end of the building or frame. See the
pattern and arrows above.
6. Weave the rope between each screw and washer as
shown and work to the other end. Install the rope in
short sections. This helps secure the roll-up panel
should one rope break.
7. Raise and lower the curtain to check the operation.
12'
Tie end
of rope
here to
begin rope
installation.
Building shown may differ
from actual building.
Space below is reserved for customer notes.
INSTALL ANTI-BILLOW ROPES (continued)