QuikBrace Operating Procedures
Once the machine is assembled, checked and tested, set it up for your desired application. We have found that in most situations the QuikBrace is easiest to use when the Push/Pull Head sits on top of floorboards being laid and operated, to pull the boards together. This method allows the unit to simply be slid along the row as you nail the boards in place and keeps it away from any glue on the sub floor. If the QuikBrace does collect any glue clean it off immediately.
TIP You only need to use QuikBrace to clamp when extra force is necessary, not at set intervals or on every board. Conversely, if you need to push many rows at once QuikBrace will do the job.
- Place QuikBrace on top of the boards that are to be installed. Position the Push/Pull Head over the board you are clamping so that the board grabbers are just over the edge. The board grabbers will locate above the tongue.
- Now using the handle, slightly tilt the machine towards the sub-floor to assist the spike block biting into the sub floor. While tilting use the control valve lever to apply a small amount of pressure, this will assist the spikes to grip more.
- Once the spike block has gripped firmly, stop tilting the machine and apply the necessary pressure through the control valve to squeeze the boards together. You may notice the spike block lifting / tilting as the clamping pressure is applied. In this case put your foot on top of the spike block to hold it in position. This also allows the spikes to penetrate deeper into the subfloor providing a tighter grip. When the boards are squeezed together tight nail them to the subfloor.
Adapting For Direct Stick To Concrete
When using QuikBrace on a concrete sub-floor the spike block cannot be used in the same way as for a wooden sub-floor. There are two suggested approaches that you can take, to use QuikBrace on concrete sub-floors.
TIP Although the QuikBrace spikes do not work on concrete slabs, they can work on floor levelling compounds. We have successfully used the QuikBrace spikes on Kiesel Polyflor Floor Levelling Compound.
Creating Your Own Anchor Points
- Plan out where you will need anchor points prior to installation and sealing the slab (for example, one metre from your first row).
- Snap a chalk line and drill 10mm diameter holes spaced about 1.5 metres apart.
- Insert steel pins of at least 10mm diameter into these holes. You can then use a suitable piece of timber or other material leaning against the steel pins to brace off.
Creating A Temporary Wooden Sub-Floor
This method uses a timber board as a temporary sub-floor over the top of the Concrete Base.
- Lay a length of board on the floor out from the opposite wall. This board can then be used by QuikBrace to anchor the Spike Block.
- The temporary sub-floor can then be moved along the boards with QuikBrace to push/pull the boards together.
- As you progress with the laying of the floorboards you will need to trim the temporary sub-floor (or replace it with a smaller board) so you have the space to lay more boards.
TIP Keep the main boards together with nailed offcut ties as you work.
You will save so much time with the QuikBrace™ – it will completely transform the way you work. You only need one person to do what would normally take the work of two. The other person now can be readily used more productively.Not only that, but the accuracy and quality of the work when QuikBrace™ is used is first rate, and allows you to get the job done faster and on budget. No more gaps, no more frustration, no wasted time.