Level, Plumb, Secure the System

Owned by Aleeshya Broome, created
Last updated: Jul 10, 2024
4 min read

Table of Contents
03. Skeleton Fundamentals

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This page explains the steps to take for leveling, plumbing, and securing a system skeleton. This explains the process for off-the-floor systems. For floor-based systems, refer to the floor-based page. Prior to beginning this process, ensure you completed all steps to build the system skeleton.

 

Page Contents

Skill Requirements
Tools & Hardware
Process Steps
Related Training Materials
Next Steps
Certification
Tips from the Field
Terms & Definitions

Types of Installation: Off-the-Floor, Wall Bed

Installer Level Required: Jr. Apprentice Installer

Products Required: TFL Material

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Tools Required

Stud Finder

Drill Driver/Impact Drill

4' Level

3/16” Drill Bit

 

 

Hardware Required

2 1/2” Screw

Metal EZ Anchors

 

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Process 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.

 

  1. Ensure all top, bottom, and middle fixed shelves have been installed.

  2. Level system from the high spot in the room. Slide your level across the top of the system and adjust the partition suspension brackets accordingly.

  1. Plumb the system from front to back and left to right using a 2 or 4-foot level to ensure it is square.

  • Place a 2 or 4-foot level on the front of each partition.

  • Use the adjustment screw on the suspension bracket until the horizontal bubble is centered on the level.

  • Place a 2 or 4-foot level on the side of each partition.

  • Move the bottom of the partition left or right until the horizontal bubble is centered on the level.

    • If there is a wall on either side of the system preventing you from placing a level, plumb the system from the inside of the partitions.

    • If there are fixed shelves preventing you from placing a level, remove any applicable shelves.

If partitions are longer than 6 feet, check for plumb in two spots: high and low.

When prepping the partitions, ensure corner brackets are installed on the partitions.

  1. Check for studs.

  • Use a stud finder and skim across the wall where the corner brackets sit to see if there are studs.

    • If there is a stud: Use a 2.5” screw and secure the bracket to the wall.

    • If there is no stud: Mark the location, pre-drill a hole through the corner bracket using a 3/16” bit, and install a metal EZ anchor through the corner bracket into the hole.

  1. Close the corner bracket caps.

  • When everything is secure, close all caps and press firmly to ensure they are closed.

  • If the corner bracket does not close, create a slight bend in the cap using your finger.

  1. Tighten the front (in/out) of the suspension bracket to the wall.

  2. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 for all partitions.

  3. Snap on suspension bracket covers over all suspension brackets.

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Related Training Materials

Skeleton Fundamentals
Floor-Based Systems
PPE Matrix

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Next Steps

Complete the Installation
Touch-Up and Quality Check System
Cleaning the System & Jobsite
System Delivery

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Certification Steps:

  1. Plastic corner brackets with metal angle has been inserted and attached to the partition(s).

  2. System is level and plumb to the space and wall.

  3. Brackets have been secured to the walls.

  4. Plastic caps have been closed.

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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.

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Terms & Definitions

Level

The wall or system is horizontally straight.

Plumb

The wall or system is vertically straight.

Skeleton

The foundation of a wall-hung or floor-based system.  This typically consists of rail, partitions, fixed shelves, and connecting shelves.

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