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Step 4: Assemble the Support Rods
4a.
Gather a bracing strut, 5” bolt, bolt sleeve, 3/8” nylon insert lock nut, a 3/8” plain nut, two 3/8”
rubber bonded washers, two
3/8” flat washers 3/8”, and two clamp tabs as illustrated below.
4b.
Put a 3/8” flat washer on the bolt next to the head, insert the bolt in either end of the rod, then
place another flat washer on the bolt, and then the plain nut. HAND TIGHTEN the plain nut
so that is it snug against the washer and rod but not fully tightened. It is important that there
are no gaps between these components as illustrated below. It is also important that the
connection is not fully tight so that the rod can rotate on the bolt. A 9/16 deep socket and
drill or impact can be used to turn the nut down quickly, but the final placement of the nut
should be done by hand to prevent over tightening.
