Fortress Building Products Fe26 AXIS User manual

Fe26 AXIS INSTALLATION
1
Fe26 AXIS HORIZONTAL STEEL RAILING
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

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Fe26 AXIS INSTALLATION
English
Introducon.........................................................................3
UniversalBracket(UB).............................................4
CollarBracket(CB).................................................20
AngledBracket(UB&CB)......................................23
Stair Bracket (SSB) .................................................31
Care&Maintenance/Warranty..............................40
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Fe26 AXIS INSTALLATION
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INTRODUCTION
READ INSTRUCTIONS COMPLETELY BEFORE
STARTING INSTALLATION
It is the responsibility of the installer to meet all code and
safety requirements, and to obtain all required building
 permits.Thedeckandrailinginstallershoulddetermine
 andimplementappropriateinstallaontechniquesfor
 eachinstallaonsituaon.FortressRailingProductsandits
distributors shall not be held liable for improper or unsafe
 installaons.
 FortressPostsmustalwaysbesecuredtothedeck 
 framingandshouldneverbeaachedtoonlythedeck
 boards.
Note
 WhencungFortressrailing,itisveryimportantto
 completethefollowingatcutpoints:
 • Removeallmetalshavingsfromthecutarea.
 • Fileanysharpedgeslebycung.Thoroughlywipeand
 removeanylings,grime,ordirtfromtherailing.
 • ApplytwocoatsofFortresszincbasedtouch-uppaintto
 thecutarea.Iftouchupisatrailends,allowpainttodry
 beforeconnecngbrackettopost.
• Be sure to remove any metal shavings from the surface of
 deck,pao,orbalconytopreventstainsonthedeck
  surface.
Torx Safety Tips
 • Alwaysusethelowestspeedsengondrill.
 • Toreducechanceofbitbreakage,startghteningwithdrill
 onlowtorquesengandworkupunlscrewissecured.
Tip: Pre-drill holes with 3/16” [5mm] drill bit.

4
Fe26 AXIS INSTALLATION
Hand
Grinder
Fe26 Axis: Universal (UB) Bracket Installaon
Ball Cap
UB-04Cap
PressedDomeCap
Base Cover
UB-04Cup
3-3/4”[96mm]I-Support
2”X2”&3”X3”
[51mmx51mm]&
[76mmx76mm]IronPostsWithBase
UNIVERSAL BRACKET
Fe26Axis:69-1/2”[1766mm]
or93-1/2”[2375mm]
Required Tools
Goggles Tape
Measurer
Level
Tool
Speed
Square
Touch-Up
Paint
Safety
Gloves
T-25
DriverBit
#2Phillips
Head Bit
Bit
Extender
DrillBits:1/16”,3/16”,
3/8”,[2mm,5mm,10mm]
Spring
Punch
Drill MetalCungMiterSaw
orPortableBandsaw
Pencil
Rubber
Mallet
Wood 2”x4” File
Clamp

Fe26 AXIS INSTALLATION
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*Installed heights include a 3-3/4”[96mm]spacebetweendecksurface
andboomedgeofboomrail.
UniversalBracket(UB-04)PostConguraon
34”[864mm]
40”[1016mm]
37-3/4”[956mm]
43-3/4”[1111mm]
39-1/2”[1003mm]
45-1/2”[1156mm]
Fe26 Axis
Height
Rail Panel
InstalledPanelHeight* RequiredPost
UNIVERSAL BRACKET: POST MOUNTING
*IfusingFortressEvoluonFraming,contactFortressfor
instrucons.
Note:
It’s recommended to install brackets into post before Post
Mounng. Reference page 7 for Bracket Installaon steps.
Step 1: Install Wood Blocks
 1. InstallWoodBlocklevelwithtopofjoist.Asshownin
  Fig.1below.
 2. SecureWoodBlocktoblockingonallfoursideswith
  #10X3-1/2”[89mm]deckscrews.
 • WoodBlockmustbeconstructedwithtreateddimensional
 lumberwithaminimumthicknessof1-1/2”[38mm].
Fig. 1
#10x3-1/3”
[85mm]
Wood
Block
Joist
Blocking
Wood
Block

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Fe26 AXIS INSTALLATION
Step 2: Posion Base Plate
 1. Posiontheedgeofthebaseplateaminimumof
  1/2”[13mm]fromtheinsideedgeofrimjoist.Asshown
 inFig.1.
Fig. 1
1/2”[13mm]
1/2”
[13mm]
Step 4: Mount Posts
 1. Markmounngholelocaonsandpre-drilla3/8”[10mm]
 hole.
 2. Insert3/8”x3-1/2”[10mmx89mm]HexHeadgalvanized
  boltsthrough3/8”[10mm]galvanizedwasherandpost
 baseplate.
Fig. 1
Step 3: Max Post Spacing
 • 6’panelmaximumpostspacingis69-3/4”[1772mm].
 • 8’panelmaximumpostspacingis93-3/4”[2381mm].
Note:
• Using the maximum post spacingwillhelpminimizethe 
 amountofrequiredpanelcuts.
• DO NOTexceedthemaximumpostspacing.
6’panelmaximumpostspacingis
69-3/4”[1772mm].
8’panelmaximumpostspacingis
93-3/4”[2381mm].

Fe26 AXIS INSTALLATION
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Note:
 • PostBasePlateholesMUSTbeposionedaminimum1/2”
 [13mm]fromedgeofdeckboard.
 • Useonly3/8”[10mm]HexHeadGalvanizedBolts.Lag
  ScrewsshouldNOTbeused.Secureeachpostwithfourbolts.
Fig. 1 Fig. 2
OTP and Proud Post: Max Post Spacing
• 8’ panel maximum post spacing is 93-7/8”. • 6’ panel maximum post spacing is 69-7/8”. Note: Do not exceed the maximum post spacing.
8’ Panel max post spacing 93-7/8” 6’ Panel max post spacing 69-7/8”
OTP and Proud Post: Measuring The Panel Opening Length
• Measure the distance of the panel opening. • Measure from the back wall of the bracket to the back wall of the bracket on other post. • Confirm that the measurements for the top brackets are the same as the bottom brackets.
Measure the panel opening
Not here
Measure from
back of bracket
Check measurement with top
3/12
OTP and Proud Post: Max Post Spacing
• 8’ panel maximum post spacing is 93-7/8”. • 6’ panel maximum post spacing is 69-7/8”. Note: Do not exceed the maximum post spacing.
8’ Panel max post spacing 93-7/8” 6’ Panel max post spacing 69-7/8”
OTP and Proud Post: Measuring The Panel Opening Length
• Measure the distance of the panel opening. • Measure from the back wall of the bracket to the back wall of the bracket on other post. • Confirm that the measurements for the top brackets are the same as the bottom brackets.
Measure the panel opening
Not here
Measure from
back of bracket
Check measurement with top
3/12
 *Fe26Postsarealsoavailablewithpre-aachedUB-04
 brackets.
Step 1: Mark Bracket Hole Locaons
 1. Markthecenterlineofeachpostwithapencil.
 2. TakemeasurementsusedinFig.1and2tomarkboom
 andtopbracketholelocaonsontoposts.
Tip:
• Removeallmetalshavingsbeforebracketisscrewedto
 posttopreventruststains.
UNIVERSAL BRACKET: BRACKET INSTALLATION
Fig. 1 Fig. 2
Shim post as needed to
ensure post is level
DeckBoard
RimJoist
Joist / Blocking
Wood Block 1/2”
[13mm]
Step 5: Check Mounted Posts
 1. Shimpostasneededtoensurepostislevel.

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Fe26 AXIS INSTALLATION
1/2”[13mm] 37”[940mm]
*DimensionAposionsboomedgeofrail3-3/4”[96mm]abovedecksurface.
*DimensionAismeasuredfromtheboomsurfaceofpostbase.
34” [864mm] Panel
1/2”[13mm] 43”[1092mm]
40” [1016mm] Panel
4”[102mm]
4”[102mm]
1/2”[13mm]
1/2”[13mm]
Fig. 2
B
C
BA
B A
D
Fig. 1 UB-04 Bracket Hole Locaons
Pre-drill Dimensions: Pre-drillingwitha3/16”[5mm]drillbitisrequired
A* B C D
Step 2: Pre-Drill and Install Brackets
Tip:
• It’s important to double check dimensions to conrm
accuracy of bracket hole locaons before drilling.
 1. UseSpringPunchtomarktheholes.AsshowninFig.1.
 2. Pre-drillbracketholeswitha3/16”[5mm]drillbit.As
 showninFig.2.
 3. AachBracketstothepostswithsuppliedT-25
  thread-cungscrews.Usetwoscrewsperbracket.Use 
 lowspeedsengondrill.AsshowninFig.3.
 4. Oncetopandboombracketsareinstalled,remeasure 
 bracketspacingtoconrmdimensionsusedinFig.2and3
 ofstep1.AsshowninFig.4.
 5. Removeallmetalshavingsfromdeck,postbasecover,
  post,andpanelbeforebracketisscrewedtopostto
  preventcorrosion.

Fe26 AXIS INSTALLATION
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Fig. 1 Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
UNIVERSAL BRACKET: CUTTING DOWN PANELS
Step 1: Measure The Panel Opening Length
 1. Measurethedistanceofthepanelopening.Asshownin
 Fig.1.
 2. Conrmthatthemeasurementsforthetopbracketsare
 thesameastheboombrackets.
Note:
• Measurefromthebackwallofthebrackettotheback
 wallofthebracketonotherpost.AsshowninFig.2.

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Fe26 AXIS INSTALLATION
Fig. 1 Fig. 2
Measure the panel opening
Checkmeasurementwithtop
DO NOT
measure from
post
Measure
from back
of bracket
Step 2: Mark Rail & Picket Cut Points
 1. Posionthepanelonaatsurface,preferablyatable.
 2. Toensurerailsaresymmetrical,takethemeasurement
  foundinstep1anddivideitinhalf.
 3. Findandmarkthecenteroftherail.
 4. Fromthepreviouslymarkedcenter,measureoutthe
  dividedlengthineachdirecon.AsshowninFig.1.
 5. Marktheselocaonswithapencilonthetop/boomrail.
 6. Usingarubbermallet,removeoneoftheuprightsfrom
  thepanel.AsshowninFig.2.DO NOTRemovethe
  oppositeupright.
 7. Placetheremoveduprightontopoflooserailsand
  pickets.Posionthebackedgeofuprightinlinewiththe 
previous marked point andushwiththerails.Asshownin
 Fig.3.
 8. Markrailcutpointsontheinsideedgeofupright.As 
 showninFig.4.
 9. Markpicketreferencepointsonoutsidefaceofupright.As
 showninFig.5.
 10.OnpreviouslymarkedPICKET reference points, remove
 1/4”[6mm] andmarkthepicketcutpoints.Asshownin 
 Fig.6.
 11.Using a speed square, straighten cut point markings on
and side faces of rails and pickets.AsshowninFig.7.
 • T-25ThreadCungScrewsarepackagedinaplascbag
 andsecuredtothepanel.DO NOTdiscardscrews.

Fe26 AXIS INSTALLATION
11
Tip:
• Be sure to have upright posioned correctly when
marking cut points.
Fig. 1
Mark HereMark Here
Mark Here Mark Here
HalfofPanelLength
CenterofRails
Fig. 2 Fig. 3
Fig. 4 Fig. 5
Railcutmark
on inside edge
Referencemarks
on outside face of
picket
Panellength
marking
DO NOTREMOVE
OPPOSITEUPRIGHT

12
Fe26 AXIS INSTALLATION
Fig. 1
Step 3: Cut Rails & Pickets
 1. CuttopandboomrailsusingaPortableBandSaw,
Circular SaworGrinderwithacutodisc.Besuretofollow
 cutmarksontopandsidefaces.AsshowninFig.1.
 2. Useacircularsaworhandgrindertocutpickets.
Tip:
• Besuretosupportrailsandpicketswhenmakingcuts.
• Whencungpickets,clampastraightwood2”x4” 
[60mmx102mm]to create a straight edge for the circular
 sawtofollow.AsshowninFig.2.
• Alwayshavingtheoppositeuprightinstalledmakesit
  easiertocutwhilekeepingtherailsandpicketsinplace.
• Besuretofollowcutmarksontopandsidefaces.
• Besuretonotoverheattherailsandpicketwhenmaking 
 cutswithagrinder.
• Before installing upright, empty cung debris from
pickets and rails.
Fig. 6 Fig. 7
-1/4”[6mm]
Cut mark
Referencemark
Straightened
Cut mark
Picket
Rail

Fe26 AXIS INSTALLATION
13
Fig. 2
Step 4: Clean Rails & Pickets
 1. Usealetosmoothcutedges.AsshowninFig.1.
 2. Removeanymetalshavingsanddustwithabrushorrag.
 3. Makesuresurfacestobepaintedareclean.
Fig. 1
Step 5: Apply Spray Paint To Cut Areas
 1. Usingapieceofcardboardasamask,applythe1st coat of
 Fortresszincbasedtouch-uppaint.
 2. Allowtodrybeforeapplyingsecondcoat.
 3. Applythe2ndcoatofFortresszincbasedtouch-uppaint.
 4. Allowtodryandinstall.
Fig. 1
2X
Clampedwood2”x4”
[60mmx102mm]

14
Fe26 AXIS INSTALLATION
Step 6: Install Uprights
 1. Insertuprightsintothecutpanel.AsshowninFig.1.
 2. Starngononeend,usearubbermallettofullyseat
  uprightontorailsandpickets.AsshowninFig.2.
Fig. 2
Fig. 1
Step 7: Cut Opposite Side Of Panel
 1. Repeatsteps1-6fortheoppositesideofpanel.
Step 8: Test Fit Panel
 1. Oncebothuprightsareinserted,testtthepanelto
  conrmlength.AsshowninFig.1.
 2. Conrminsidefaceofposttoinsidefaceuprightspacing. 
CANNOTexceed4”[102mm].
Fig. 1
Step 9: Install Set Screws
 1. Oncepanellengthisconrmed,measure1/2”frominside
 edgeofuprightandmarkscrewhole.AsshowninFig.1.
 2. Pre-drillscrewholeswitha3/16”[5mm]drillbit.
 3. AachscrewtothepanelanduprightwithsuppliedT-25
  PanHeadSelfTapingScrews.Uselowspeedsengon 
 drill.AsshowninFig.2.

Fe26 AXIS INSTALLATION
15
Fig. 1 Fig. 2
UNIVERSAL BRACKET: PANEL INSTALLATION
Side View
1/2”[25mm]
Centerline of rail
Step 1: Determine The Top & Boom Of Panel
 1. UsetheManufacturingDateCode(MDC)Stampto
  determinetheboomofthepanel.TheMDCStampcan
 befoundontheboominsidefaceofthemiddleupright.
 AsshowninFig.1.
Tip:
• Theboomofthepanelcanalsobedeterminedbythe
 spotwelds.Spotweldsonthepanelshouldfacedownand
 beontheundersideoftherails.AsshowninFig.2.
Fig. 1
MDC
Stamp
Step 2: Install I-Support On Boom Rail (Oponal)
 1. Measureandlocatethecenteroftheboomrail.Using
  theI-Supportasaguide,markthecenterofthe2screw 
 holes.AsshowninFig.1.
 2. Usinga3/16”[5mm]drillbit,drillthoughtheoutsidewall.
 3. InstalltheI-SupportwiththeprovidedT-25threadcung 
 screws.AsshowninFig.2.
Fig. 2
Spot
weldson
under side
of rails

16
Fe26 AXIS INSTALLATION
Fig. 1
3/16”
[5mm]
Hole
Fig. 2
T-25
Thread
Cung
Screws
Step 3: Install Panel
 1. Installcutpaneltoensurepropert.AsshowninFig.1.
Fig. 1
Step 4: Aach Panel To Boom & Top Brackets
 1. Pre-drillholesforscrewsusinga3/16”[5mm]drillbit.
 2. Installscrewsintoboom&topbrackets.Asshownin
  Fig.1.
Note:
• Onlyonescrewperbracketisneededtosecurethe
  brackettothepanel.
 • Screwsshouldbeinstalledonthesamesideofbrackets.
Fig. 1

Fe26 AXIS INSTALLATION
17
Step 5: Aach I-support To Deck (Oponal)
 1. FastenI-supporttodecksurfacewiththesupportedT-25 
 Woodscrews.AsshowninFig.1.
Tip:
• Pre-drillwitha1/16”[2mm]drillbit.
Fig. 1
Step 1: Install Post Base Cover
 1. Separatethetwo-piecebaseplatecover.Holdoneside 
 paralleltothepostbaseplate.AsshowninFig.1.
 2. Place2ndhalfofthepostbasecoverontheoppositeside 
 ofthepost.Hold2ndpieceslightlyunderthe1stpiece.As
 showninFig.2.
 3. Twistthe2ndcover¼turnandmovepieceunlbothhalf’s
 touch.AsshowninFig.3.
 4. Makesureoneofthelockingpinsonthe2ndcoverengage
 withtheproperslotonthe1stcoverpiece.Asshownin 
 Fig.4.
 5. Oncetherstlockingpinisstarted,turnthe2ndcover 
 piecebackparalleltothepostbaseplate.Oneyouhave
  conrmedbothlockingpinshaveengagedwiththe
  opposingslotslowerbothhalf’soverthepostbaseplate. 
AsshowninFig.5.
UNIVERSAL BRACKET: POST BASE COVER, BRACKET CAP &
PRESSED DOME/BALL CAP INSTALLATION

18
Fe26 AXIS INSTALLATION
Fig. 1 Fig. 2
Fig. 3 Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Fe26 AXIS INSTALLATION
19
Fig. 1 Fig. 2
Step 2: Install Bracket Caps
 1. BracketCapssnapoverBracket Cups.AsshowninFig.1&2.
Step 3: Install Pressed Dome Cap
 1. PressedDomeCaps&BallCapsarepresstintoplace.As
 showninFig.1&2.
Fig. 1 Fig. 2

20
Fe26 AXIS INSTALLATION
Fe26 Axis: Collar Brackets (CB-04) Installaon
Ball Cap
CB-04
PressedDomeCap
Base Cover
3-3/4”[96mm]I-Support
2”X2”&3”X3”
[51mmx51mm]&
[76mmx76mm]IronPostswithbase
CollarBracket(CB-04)PostConguraon
*Installed heights include a 3-3/4”[96mm]spacebetweendecksurface
andboomedgeofboomrail.
Rail Panel
37-3/4”[959mm]
43-3/4”[1111mm]
InstalledPanelHeight*
39-1/2”[1003mm]
45-1/2”[1156mm]
RequiredPost
Fe26 Axis
Height
34”[864mm]
40”[1016mm]
COLLAR BRACKET: POST MOUNTING
 • ReferencePostMounnginstruconsonpage5.
Note:
 IT’SRECOMMENDEDTOINSTALLBRACKETSONTOPOSTBEFORE
 POSTMOUNTING.
COLLAR BRACKET
Fe26 Axis:69-1/2”[1766mm]
or93-1/2”[2375mm]