Instructions for webbing edge
Always attach points without adjustment first (points that have no turnbuckles or adjusters and mount directly to the fixing eye). In these pictures, there are 3 points without adjusters. You should be able to attach the first one or two points by hand. To attach the rest of the points you will need to use a strong piece of braided cord or rope – loop this around the dee ring, then through the fixing eye (as shown in fig 3 & 7). The rope can then be tensioned by hand or using a tensioning device (load ratchet or winch etc). In this case a load ratchet has been used and is anchored to nearby poles. Once the point has been connected the temporary rope can be released/removed and shackles or locknuts tightened.
When attaching a point that has a turnbuckle adjuster, always remember to extend the turnbuckle to full length first. After all points have been attached, the turnbuckles can then be tightened until the shade sail is flat and tight. Remember to always use a thread grease on the turnbuckle threads as this helps prevent them from cross-threading when tightening under load. The key to a good fit is to get the webbing as tight as possible with even tension on all sides. Just remember the tighter it is - the longer it will last and the better it will look!
Instructions for wire edge
Loosen or remove wire grips, allowing the wire cable to move freely inside the sail hem. Always attach points without adjustment first. These are the points of the sail which have no turnbuckles or adjusters and mount directly to the fixing eye. You should be able to attach the first one or two points by hand. To attach the rest of the points you will need to use a strong piece of braided cord or rope – loop this around the D ring, then through the fixing eye (as shown in fig 3 & 7).
The rope can then be tensioned by hand or using a tensioning device (load ratchet or winch etc). Once the point has been connected, the temporary rope can be released/removed and shackles or locknuts tightened with a crescent or shackle key.
When attaching a point that has a turnbuckle adjuster, always extend the turnbuckle to full length first.
After all sail points have been attached, tighten up the turnbuckles about half the anticipated distance. The wire cable can now be pulled tight by hand and clamped off using the wire grips. Finish tightening turnbuckles until both wire and fabric become snug.
It may be necessary to release the turnbuckles and re-adjust the perimeter wire to get the correct ratio between the wire cable and the fabric.
The key to a good fit is the relationship between wire tension and fabric tension – if the perimeter wire is too tight the sail will sag in the middle, or if the perimeter wire is too loose the edges will be limp and too much pressure will be applied to the fabric at each corner of the sail.
Instructions for track edge
Always attach the track side of the shade sail first. Insert the bolt rope edging into the alloy sail track. Position this edge at its correct location.
Use small screws to hold this edge in its correct location. The screws are also used to hold tension along this edge - these are placed where shown in fig 3.
We allow 1% stretch for the bolt rope, so fix a screw at one end then apply tension along this edge using the eyelet or webbing loop sewn to the sail before fixing the next screw.
Attach the other sail points as per standard wire edge shade sail. Once all points have been attached you then connect the wire cable to the fixing eyes at either end of the sail track using the wire rope thimbles and grips.
Continue to tighten as per standard wire edge shade sail.
Remember: the key to a good fit is the relationship between wire tension and fabric tension – if the perimeter wire is too tight the sail will sag in the middle, or if the perimeter wire is too loose the edges will be limp and too much pressure will be applied to the fabric at each corner of the sail.
It is best if you file around the opening of the alloy track to stop the bolt rope snagging when inserting it. Silicon spray helps the bolt rope edging slide along in the alloy track.
We can:
