Install Fasteners on Wood Bed Frames
When installing always test fit the four pairs of parts before starting. Mortise oval post pieces into headboard and footboard posts of wooden beds. Rail pieces are surfaced mounted to the wooden side rails.
Male Hook Plates for Bed Rail
- 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.
- If the male connector has support buttons small holes must be drilled to accommodate these buttons. This is important as these buttons relieve stress on screws. Buttons must fit tightly in wood.
- 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 for Bed Post
- 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.
