Hanging System Rail

Table of Contents
03. Skeleton Fundamentals

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This page explains the steps to take for hanging system rail on all wall types. Prior to beginning the installation, ensure you completed all steps to prepare for the installation, and all materials, hardware, and accessories are organized for the install.

Page Contents


Types of Installation: Off-the-Floor, Floor-Based, Virtuoso, Wall Bed, Paxton

Installer Level Required: Jr. Apprentice Installer

Products Required: TFL Material, Accessories, Special Order


Tools Required

Tape Measure

Step Stool

1/2” Spade Bit

Pencil

Drill Driver/Impact Drill

3/16” Spade Bit (Plaster Only)

3/16” Masonry Bit (Concrete Only)

Marker

 

Vacuum

4' Level

Stud Finder

 

 

Hardware Required

1 1/4” Screws

Toggle Bolts

2 1/2” Screws

 

2 1/2” Tapcon Screws

 


Installation Steps

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times when handling material and operating the power tools mentioned throughout this process. Review the PPE Matrix for further guidance.

 

Drywall

  1. Stage rail

    1. Confirm dimensions on the BOM and elevation.

    2. Lay each piece of rail on the ground in front of where they will be installed and in the order they will be installed in.

    3. Double check the measurements.

    4. If installing multiple pieces of rail, the seam between two pieces should not fall directly behind a partition.

  2. Confirm height of rail

    1. If floor-based system: Measure your partition height to confirm there are no discrepancies between the sizes on the elevation and the actual size of the partition.

    2. If wall-hung system: Use the height dimension provided in the elevation. If it is not provided, refer to the Design Zone Height.

  3. Mark lines on the rail using a pencil.

    1. Measure the top of the system determined in Step 2 above the highest spot of the floor. Then, make a light horizontal mark 2 1/4” below the calculated height using a pencil. If the top fixed shelf is thicker than 3/4”, you will need to deduct 2 5/8”.

      1. If you are installing a wall-hung system and you have used the provided rail height measurement, you do not need to deduct 2 1/4”.

    2. With a 4' level and pencil, draw the line around the room wherever there is to be rail.

      1. Do not draw lines outside where the rails are to be installed. If you have drawn the pencil line longer than the rail measurement, gently use a rag and water to wipe the pencil mark off the wall. Do not use an eraser.

  1. Pre-Hang the rail

    1. Find the center of the rail.

    2. Using a 1 ¼” screw, attach the rail to the wall.  Put the screw in the center of the rail to hold it in place.  This is not to secure the rail, but rather to hold it in place while the other anchor locations are identified. 

  1. Locate studs and mark for screw/toggle attachment points.

    1. Mark the location of all partitions in the space; this will ensure you are installing the rail with strong attachments around the partitions.

    2. Using a stud finder, skim the wall and find the studs. Mark the stud locations directly on the rail with a marker.

    3. Measure the component width and mark the location of your partitions on the rail.

    4. Review all markings and ensure there are no more than 16 holes between each screw or toggle. If there is going to be, add a toggle in the middle.

    5. If the last hole on the rail section does not align with a wood stud, the section must be supported by a toggle bolt through the second or third hole from each end.

      1. Do not use a toggle bolt through the endmost holes.

  1. Drill for and insert plastic toggles.

    1. Remove rail from the wall.

    2. Mark toggle hole locations and drill with 1/2” spade bit.

    3. Collect dust from drilling.

    4. Insert toggle bolt into the hole, orienting it so when pulled tight, the bar will sit vertically behind the wall.

    5. Tighten the center retainer and snap off the plastic legs.

  1. Secure rail to the wall.

    1. Place the rail back on the wall.

    2. Insert a toggle bolt into each toggle anchor through the rail and begin screwing it by hand.

    3. After all toggle bolts have been properly started, fully tighten them to the rail section. Do not overtighten the bolts in the toggles.  Tighten them until the rail touches the wall.

    4. Secure the rail with 2.5” (minimum) screws to each stud on the wall.

      1. Refer to local jobsite requirements if a 2.5” screw is not able to be used.

  1. Cover the rail.

    1. Place the rail cover on the rail.  If you have multiple pieces, cut rail cover in order for the seam to be centered and hidden behind partition, ensure they are in the correct places based on length.

    2. Snap on the cover and ensure it is secure.

  1. Wipe down rail cover of any marks.

  1. Vacuum the floor and ensure there is no dust or debris below where the system will sit.


Steel Studs (In Development & Testing)

  1. Stage rail

    1. Confirm dimensions on the BOM and elevation.

    2. Lay each piece of rail on the ground in from of where they will be installed and in the order they will be installed in.

    3. Double check the measurements.

    4. If installing multiple pieces of rail, the seam between two pieces should not fall directly behind a partition.

  2. Confirm height of rail

    1. If floor-based system: Measure your par height to confirm there are no discrepancies between the sizes on the elevation and the actual size of the par

    2. If wall-hung system: Use the height dimension provided in the elevation. If it is not provided, refer to the Design Zone Height.

  3. Mark lines on the rail using a pencil.

    1. Measure the top of the system determined in Step 2 above the highest spot of the floor. Then, make a light horizontal mark 2 1/4” below the calculated height using a pencil. If the top fixed shelf is thicker than 3/4”, you will need to deduct 2 5/8”.

      1. If you are installing a wall-hung system and you have used the provided rail height measurement, you do not need to deduct 2 1/4”.

    2. With a level and pencil, draw the line around the room wherever there is to be rail.

    3. Be careful to not draw the line in areas that will not contain rail.

  1. Pre-Hang the rail

    1. Find the center of the rail.

    2. Using a 1 ¼” screw, attach the rail to the wall.  Put the screw in the center of the rail to hold it in place.  This is not to secure the rail, but rather to hold it in place while the other anchor locations are identified. 

  1. Locate studs and mark for screw/toggle attachment points.

    1. Mark the location of all partitions in the space; this will ensure you are installing the rail with strong attachments around the partitions.

    2. Using a stud finder, skim the wall and find the studs. Mark the stud locations directly on the rail with a marker.

    3. Measure the component width and mark the location of your partitions on the rail.

    4. Review all markings and ensure there are no more than 16 holes between each screw or toggle. If there is going to be, add a toggle in the middle.

    5. Review all markings and ensure there is a toggle in the 2nd or 3rd hole from the end. There cannot be a toggle in the last hole.

  1. Drill for and insert plastic toggles. Toggles are used for all securement points with steel studs.

    1. Remove rail from the wall.

    2. On all marked securement locations, drill a hole with 1/2” spade bit. For all stud-marked points, ensure you are drilling through the steel stud.

    3. Collect dust from drilling.

    4. Insert toggle bolt into the hole, orienting it so when pulled tight, the bar will sit vertically behind the wall.

    5. Tighten the center retainer and snap off the plastic legs.

  1. Secure rail to the wall.

    1. Place the rail back on the wall.

    2. Insert Toggle bolt into each toggle anchor and begin screwing it in by hand

    3. Do not overtighten the bolts in the toggles.  Tighten them until the rail touches the wall.

  1. Cover the rail.

    1. Place the rail cover on the rail.  If you have multiple pieces, cut rail cover in order for the seam to be centered and hidden behind partition, ensure they are in the correct places based on length.

    2. Snap on the cover and ensure it is secure.

  1. Wipe down rail cover of any marks.

  1. Vacuum the floor and ensure there is no dust or debris below where the system will sit.


Plaster

  1. Stage rail

    1. Confirm dimensions on the BOM and elevation.

    2. Lay each piece of rail on the ground in front of where they will be installed and in the order they will be installed in.

    3. Double check the measurements.

    4. If installing multiple pieces of rail, the seam between two pieces should not fall directly behind a partition.

  2. Confirm height of rail

    1. If floor-based system: Measure your partition height to confirm there are no discrepancies between the sizes on the elevation and the actual size of the partition.

    2. If wall-hung system: Use the height dimension provided in the elevation. If it is not provided, refer to the Design Zone Height.

  3. Mark lines on the rail using a pencil.

    1. Measure the top of the system determined in Step 2 above the highest spot of the floor. Then, make a light horizontal mark 2 1/4” below the calculated height using a pencil. If the top fixed shelf is thicker than 3/4”, you will need to deduct 2 5/8”.

      1. If you are installing a wall-hung system and you have used the provided rail height measurement, you do not need to deduct 2 1/4”.

    2. With a level and pencil, draw the line around the room wherever there is to be rail.

      1. Do not draw lines outside where the rails are to be installed. If you have drawn the pencil line longer than the rail measurement, gently use a rag and water to wipe the pencil mark off the wall. Do not use an eraser.

  4. Pre-Hang the rail

    1. Find the center of the rail.

    2. Using a 1 ¼” screw, attach the rail to the wall.  Put the screw in the center of the rail to hold it in place.  This is not to secure the rail, but rather to hold it in place while the other anchor locations are identified. 

  5. Locate studs and mark for screw/toggle attachment points.

    1. Mark the location of all partitions in the space; this will ensure you are installing the rail with strong attachments around the partitions.

    2. Using a stud finder, skim the wall and find the studs. Mark the stud locations directly on the rail with a marker.

    3. Measure the component width and mark the location of your partitions on the rail.

    4. Review all markings and ensure there are no more than 16 holes between each screw or toggle. If there is going to be, add a toggle in the middle.

    5. If the last hole on the rail section does not align with a wood stud, the section must be supported by a toggle bolt through the second or third hole from each end.

      1. Do not use a toggle bolt through the endmost holes

  6. Drill for and insert plastic toggles.

    1. Remove rail from the wall.

    2. Mark toggle hole locations and drill with 1/2” spade bit.

    3. Collect dust from drilling.

    4. Insert toggle bolt into the hole, orienting it so when pulled tight, the bar will sit vertically behind the wall.

    5. Tighten the center retainer and snap off the plastic legs.

  7. Secure rail to the wall.

    1. For all stud attachment points, use a 1/8” bit and drill a hole until you are through the plaster.

    2. Place the rail back on the wall.

    3. Insert a toggle bolt into each toggle anchor through the rail and begin screwing it by hand.

    4. After all toggle bolts have been properly started, fully tighten them to the rail section. Do not overtighten the bolts in the toggles.  Tighten them until the rail touches the wall.

    5. Secure the rail with 2.5” (minimum) screws to each stud on the wall.

      1. Refer to local jobsite requirements if a 2.5” screw is not able to be used.

  8. Cover the rail.

    1. Place the rail cover on the rail.  If you have multiple pieces, cut rail cover in order for the seam to be centered and hidden behind partition, ensure they are in the correct places based on length.

    2. Snap on the cover and ensure it is secure.

  9. Wipe down rail cover of any marks.

  10. Vacuum the floor and ensure there is no dust or debris below where the system will sit.


Concrete

  1. Stage rail

    1. Confirm dimensions on the BOM and elevation.

    2. Lay each piece of rail on the ground in front of where they will be installed and in the order they will be installed in.

    3. Double check the measurements.

    4. If installing multiple pieces of rail, the seam between two pieces should not fall directly behind a partition.

  2. Confirm height of rail

    1. If floor-based system: Measure your partition height to confirm there are no discrepancies between the sizes on the elevation and the actual size of the partition.

    2. If wall-hung system: Use the height dimension provided in the elevation. If it is not provided, refer to the Design Zone Height.

  3. Mark lines on the rail using a pencil.

    1. Measure the top of the system determined in Step 2 above the highest spot of the floor. Then, make a light horizontal mark 2 1/4” below the calculated height using a pencil. If the top fixed shelf is thicker than 3/4”, you will need to deduct 2 5/8”.

      1. If you are installing a wall-hung system and you have used the provided rail height measurement, you do not need to deduct 2 1/4”.

    2. With a level and pencil, draw the line around the room wherever there is to be rail.

      1. Do not draw lines outside where the rails are to be installed. If you have drawn the pencil line longer than the rail measurement, gently use a rag and water to wipe the pencil mark off the wall. Do not use an eraser.

  4. Pre-Hang the rail

    1. Find the center of the rail.

    2. Using a 1 ¼” screw, attach the rail to the wall.  Put the screw in the center of the rail to hold it in place.  This is not to secure the rail, but rather to hold it in place while the other anchor locations are identified. 

  5. Locate and mark attachment points.

    1. Mark the location of all partitions in the space; this will ensure you are installing the rail with strong attachments around the partitions.

    2. Measure the component width and mark the location of your partitions on the rail.

    3. Each rail section must be supported through the second or third hole from each end.

    4. There must be an attachment point within 3 holes right or left of each partition.

    5. Review all markings and ensure there are no more than 16 inches between each attachment point. If there is going to be, add a point in the middle.

  6. Secure rail to the wall.

    1. Using a 3/16" masonry bit for concrete, predrill the marked locations. Refer to the table below for the correct size bit depending on the tapcon screw size.

    2. Attach the rail using tapcon screws, starting from the middle and working your way to the ends

Tapcon Screw Size

Masonry Bit

Tapcon Screw Size

Masonry Bit

3/16”

5/32”

1/4"

3/16”

  1. Cover the rail.

    1. Place the rail cover on the rail.  If you have multiple pieces, cut rail cover in order for the seam to be centered and hidden behind partition, ensure they are in the correct places based on length.

    2. Snap on the cover and ensure it is secure.

  2. Wipe down rail cover of any marks.

  3. Vacuum the floor and ensure there is no dust or debris below where the system will sit.


Related Training Materials

Prepare for Installation
PPE Matrix


Next Steps: Prepping & Hanging Partitions


Certification Steps:

Hanging System Rail (Drywall, Plaster):

  1. Studs have been located for the length of the rail.

  2. Toggle spots have been located for the length of the rail.

  3. There is a screw or toggle every 16” along the length of the rail; and within 3 holes on a side of each partition.

  4. Rail is secured tight to the wall.

  5. Rail is hanging level on the wall.

  6. Rail cover is wiped down and the floor underneath is vacuumed.

  7. Rail cover is installed with seams hidden behind partition(s).

Hanging System Rail (Concrete & Cinderblock):

  1. There is a tapcon screw every 16” along the length of the rail; and within 3 holes on a side of each partition.

  2. Rail is secured tight to the wall.

  3. Rail is hanging level on the wall.

  4. Rail cover is wiped down and the floor underneath is vacuumed.

  5. Rail cover is installed with seams hidden behind partition(s).

Hanging System Rail (Steel Studs):

  1. Toggle spots have been located for the length of the rail, maximizing number of studs.

  2. There is a toggle every 16” along the length of the rail; and within 3 holes on a side of each partition.

  3. Rail is secured tight to the wall.

  4. Rail is hanging level on the wall.

  5. Rail cover is wiped down and the floor underneath is vacuumed.

  6. Rail cover is installed with seams hidden behind partition(s).


Tips from the Field
Tips submitted by fellow installers and leaders in the field. These optional tips are intended to make this install process simpler.

Click here to submit your own tip from the field.


Terms & Definitions

BOM

Bill of Materials; the parts list

Elevation

The CAD Design Plan created by the Design Consultant with the client.


BOM Codes
The purpose of this section is to provide guidance when confirming details on the BOM. This list includes all individual parts typically associated with this process.

SRC

Suspension Rail Cover

SHR

Suspension Rail

The codes in the table above are directly from the Corporate CAD database and may not reflect all codes included in the Supported Franchise Database or Independent Franchise Databases.

 

Questions? Please e-mail Aleeshya Broome (albroome@calclosets.com)