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P a g e
After you determine the lengths for the headers, it is time to prepare two headers to install the rafter tie brackets on. We have
designed the rafter tie brackets to be auto aligning and simple to locate precisely. Follow these steps for easy rafter tie
placement:
1.
On the ground, place two headers with the top edge of headers facing upward. Butt two headers together and align their
ends flush.
2.
Clamp headers together using a C-clamp or other vice.
3.
Measure and find the center along the header length. Mark a pencil line at the center point on both header top surfaces.
The rafters may be spaced apart 12” or 16”. 12” rafter spacings will shield sunlight longer in the morning as the sun rises in
the sky and earlier in the afternoon as the sun starts to sink in the sky as compared to using 16” spacings. Here, we assume
that you selected 16” spacings for the rafters. Adjust the mark location if you choose 12” rafter spacings.
4.
Measure outward 16 inches, incrementally, and mark a line at each 16” point out from center until you reach the end of the
header on each side.
5.
Separate the two headers by removing the clamp.
6.
Starting with the outer header, place one rafter tie bracket on top of the center-most pencil mark on the outer header, as
shown below. See the “Right View,” below, and make certain the Rafter Tie Bracket is properly oriented towards the inside
area of the pergola. Look through the rectangle slot in the Rafter Tie. Slide the Rafter Tie until you can see the pencil mark
line you marked on the header top surface in the rectangle slot.
