Rivet racking units have unique designs that employ interlocking rivets rather than permanent welding or fastening bolts. Hence, rivet racking systems are very easy to set up.
Rivet racks are used in different environments, such as in residential settings and warehouses. Ideally, installing a rivet rack is a simple procedure that does not require specialized technical skills; you can do it by yourself. With the correct tools and materials, you can install a rivet rack fast and save on labor costs.
In this article, we will discuss the process of installing a rivet racking unit in a warehouse.
Order the Rivet Rack Materials
Primarily, you it would help to get a reputable shelving and racking company from which to order the rivet racking units. As such, you should ensure that you place your order and confirm that every part of your rivet rack shelving is delivered. Generally, a complete rivet rack system must have the vertical posts, horizontal beams, and decking platforms (shelves).
Collecting the Necessary Tools
Installing a rivet racking system requires simple tools that are readily available in a local convenience store. Basically, you need a rubber mallet, tape measure, and a spirit level.
A rubber mallet mainly allows you to hammer in the rivet joints without damaging the decking platforms or the frame structure. A tape measure enables you to accurately measure and ensure that everything is positioned precisely as it should be, while a spirit level helps you confirm the evenness of the decking platform.
Selecting a Suitable Storage Location
It is crucial to select a suitable location before you start assembling your rivet racking unit. Ideally, a good storage location should be accessible, levelled, and moisture-free. Additionally, the floor needs to be structurally sound in order to carry the rivet racking unit and its load.
Assembling the Uprights (Vertical Posts)
Vertical posts are the foundational structures of the entire rivet rack shelving. Fundamentally, how well you assemble the uprights will determine the structural integrity of the entire boltless rivet rack. Furthermore, the uprights help transfer loads from the rivet rack to the floor.
First, use the tape measure to set out the location and place the uprights evenly spaced positions. Then, proceed to measure and confirm that all the uprights are of the same height; a corner will offer a perfect anchor point from which to set out the rivet racking unit when you are working in tight spaces.
Attach the Horizontal Beams
The horizontal beams of a rivet racking unit have evenly spaced slots (holes) that connect seamlessly with the rivets on the vertical posts. As such, you should drive the rivet pins on the uprights through the holes on the horizontal beams. You may use the rubber mallet to drive the beam holes through the rivet pins until they are firmly secured.
Level the Beams
The horizontal beams should be flat to prevent deformation so, use the spirit level to check the evenness of the beams. Disconnect the rivet connections and place them in the next pin (up or down) if the beams are slanting in one direction. Also, measure the diagonal distance of the opposite to ensure the opposite sides of the rack are equal.
Installing the Decking Platforms
You can start installing the shelves once the beams and vertical posts firmly secured. Ideally, the decking platform has rivet pins that fit perfectly in the holes on the horizontal beams.
Thus, ensure that you secure the rivet connections safely by tapping them gently with the rubber mallet. However, some rivet shelves come with additional supports and shelf clips that enable you to enhance the shelf-beam connection.
Once the shelves are in place, confirm whether each one is levelled and make adjustments where necessary. You may adjust the height of the shelves to accommodate bulkier goods by fitting the beam over another rivet pin.
Check for Stability
Checking the stability of the rivet rack frame involves shaking it for wobbling, which is a clear indicator of loose connections or uneven fixing. As such, tap the loose rivet connections with the rubber mallet to ensure every connection fits firmly.
Load Your Rivet Rack
Finally, it is time to test your rivet rack shelving unit. Load the rivet rack carefully and gradually once everything is in place. It is best to start with lighter materials and slowly increase the weight. However, refer to the manufacturer’s guide for weight recommendations.
Conclusion
Rivet racking units are essential storage solutions that help open up your storage space vertically. As such, it would help to identify the specific needs of your storage facility and get a rivet rack shelving that best aligns with them.
