Installing shutter spikes involves carefully inserting them into the pre-drilled holes in your shutters and gently hammering them into the building until secured.
Installing shutter spikes is a straightforward process for attaching decorative shutters to the side of your house. Shutter spikes are designed for a secure, yet potentially removable, installation into various building materials.
Step-by-Step Shutter Spike Installation
To ensure a smooth installation, follow these steps, incorporating the technique outlined in the reference:
Preparation
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools. While the reference focuses on the hammering step, having the right equipment ensures the job is done efficiently and safely.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Shutter Spikes | The fasteners themselves. |
| Shutters | The items being installed. |
| Hammer | For tapping the spikes. |
| Measuring Tape | To position shutters correctly. |
| Level | To ensure shutters are straight. |
| Pencil | To mark positions. |
Your shutters should have pre-drilled holes where the spikes will be inserted. Ensure the shutter is positioned correctly on the wall before inserting the spikes.
The Installation Process
The core of installing shutter spikes involves a specific two-stage hammering process:
- Insert the Spikes: Insert shutter spikes into each pre-drilled hole on the back of the shutter.
- Partial Insertion: Position the shutter against the wall in the desired location. Gently hammer each shutter spike into the building until all spikes are partly in. This means tap each spike just enough so that the shutter is held against the wall but is still slightly loose, allowing for minor adjustments. Work your way across all the spikes on one shutter during this stage.
- Final Tapping: Once all spikes are partly in and the shutter is aligned, finish tapping all of them in place until the back of the spike head meets the shutter face. This fully secures the shutter to the building.
- Repeat: Continue with this process until all shutters are installed.
Tips for Success
- Check Alignment: Before fully seating the spikes, use your level to ensure the shutter is perfectly vertical or horizontal as intended.
- Gentle Taps: Use gentle, controlled taps with the hammer. Forceful hammering can damage the shutter or the siding/masonry.
- Pilot Holes (Optional but Recommended): For harder materials like brick or stucco, you might need to drill small pilot holes in the building where the spikes will go to make insertion easier and prevent damage. Ensure the drill bit size is appropriate for the spike diameter.
- Spike Type: Ensure you are using the correct type of shutter spike for your specific shutters and building material.
Following these steps ensures your shutters are securely mounted using the shutter spike method.
