Securing Beds with Cast Iron Bed Rail Fasteners
Bed Rail Fasteners are produced from cast iron which is molded into shape with traditional methods. Before starting: Test fit male and female connection pieces together. If necessary small adjustments can be made with minor filing.
Two sizes:
Installing Bed Rail Fasteners
Male Hook Plates
- Male connector is screwed directly (surface mounted) to the inside of the bed rails..
- Surface mount male connector to inside of bed rails, centering it vertically.
- Flange should be even with end of bed rail.
- Male connector has a cast flange. A saw cut groove should be cut to accept the flange.
- Screw size should be the largest diameter which will fit the holes.
- Length of screw should be almost the thickness of the bed rails.
- By fitting and screwing these rail fasteners directly against the bed rail the male plate is stabilized and movement is minimized.
Female Connection Plates
- Mortise into bed posts.
- Mortises should be slightly inside of the center line as the end of the male hook plate is not directly centered on the end of the bed rail.
- After the male connectors are installed on the bed rails attach the female connectors to them to determine placement for female connectors on bed posts.
- The rail is often placed slightly to the inside of center on the bed posts.
- Common height for modern beds is approximately 8" from floor to bottom of box spring. Height is often higher for older beds.
- Trace outline of female connector to mark position. Be sure it is straight.
- Mortise-out traced area to approximately 1/2" depth.
- Screw into position.
- Once installed Female connector should be flush with bed post.
