How to Use Angle Brackets

July 19 2019 - An angle bracket (also commonly called a corner bracket, angle cleat, or angle brace) is a type of L-shaped fastener that is used in construction and home renovation projects. They're typically used to join two separate pieces of materials or surfaces together, such as when mounting a shelf onto a wall or connecting two pieces of lumber together to create a 90-degree angle or conventional corner. Whether you're a do-it-yourself working on a home improvement project or a novice contractor who is just learning the ins and outs of the construction trade, it helps to have a solid working knowledge of how to use angle brackets. With that said, here are few useful tips for starters:

Examine All Your Bracket Options First

Starting with the right kind of angle brackets for your specific project is the most important first step you can take. If you choose the wrong kind of bracket in terms of size, durability, and hole configuration, you could be compromising the structural integrity of what you're building and you might find yourself coming back to make repairs or amendments for added stability later on.

Line Up and Market Drilling Spots Through the Bracket Holes

While more experienced builders or those who are operating under tight time constraints may just wing it and install brackets without much preparation, it's always better to have your drilling holes lined up and marked properly before you actually attach the bracket to anything. This will save you the hassle of having to detach it and start over due to accidental misalignment. Of course, this is a basic building principle that should be practiced when installing any sort of brackets, especially if they will bearing a load of any sort. If balancing items is a concern, such as in the case of a shelf installation, be sure to use a level to ensure that your drilling holes will allow for a perfectly straight shelf placement.

Make Sure the Bracket is Flush Against Both Sides

Any spaces or small gaps lefts between the fastener and the material that it is going to be drilled onto will create uneven tensions as you finish the drilling. This could lead to the bracket being bent or secured crookedly, which of course will reduce it's stability and increase the chances of having problems like stripped or bent screws, chipped wood, and negative aesthetics. The simple solution to avoid these problems is to make sure you're pressing the bracket firmly against the surface of the material you're attaching it to when drilling in the screws. Secure it firmly onto the initial surface before moving onto the next.

Practice with Junk Materials First

Finally, one excellent tip that will help you build experience without wasting time, materials, and effort during an actual project is to practice your angle bracket installation skills on junk boards and pallets in your spare time. This will keep you from having to second guess your work and perform do-overs when you're working with more expensive building materials.

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