How to install Hills Double Folding Frame clothesline?

[DaniF]

Hi,

We are struggling installing this clothesline we just purchased. 

I wanted to follow the instructions of mounting the wall brackets 2200mm apart, but my husband wanted to mount the brackets further apart as he measured the rods and they were longer. 

One large debate later we went with following the instructions and have been left with this. Are the poles supposed to be at 90 degree angles? If not, how do we fix this the best way without holes being left in our brick wall and has anyone else found a discrepancy in measurements for this product? 

 

 

ny advice on how to fix it without holes being left showing in the brick and also has anyone else found a discrepancy in measurements? 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @DaniF,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your question.

It is difficult to tell what is going on without seeing everything together in one photo. Is it possible to get a wider-angle shot of the clothesline when it is both down and up?
 

If the top left screw on the left-side bracket and the top right screw on the right-side bracket are 2200mm apart, then things should line up. If they don't, there may be part of the frame that is not sitting together correctly or there may be an issue with the sizing.

Check to ensure all the joins are sitting correctly as a slight misalignment at these joins can throw the shape out. Installing and tensioning the lines can also help with this.

Using the vertical mortar lines as a reference, the right bracket looks to be slightly out of plumb, which can certainly affect things.

Unfortunately, if this is the cause of the issue, the only way I can see to fix the issue is to remove the clothesline, move it over slightly and reinstall it, making sure all the holes are level and plumb with each other.

You can use Dulux Avista Brick Red Cement Colouring mixed with mortar to fill any holes.

Once you've provided some wider shots, I'll happily assist further if required.

Jacob

[DaniF]

Hi Jacob, 

Thank you very much for the response.

Here are a couple more photos using wide angle - best I can get as there is a fence behind me. 

Do you know how long the poles should be? They are 2270mm which is why my husband wanted to go further than 2200mm apart (which I have double checked and that is the spacing of the screws as it sits now

 

 

   

[JacobZ]

Hi @DaniF,

I trust that it is longer than it should be, but I would expect much more deformation if it was 500mm too long. Can you measure the front of the frame and show me exactly how long it is? 

Looking at the manual for the Hills 26m Woodland Grey Double Folding Clothesline, and the installation from further back, you and your husband have done everything correctly. This makes me think there are 2 possibilities.

The first is that the corner connections are not seated properly. Try tapping the corners of the frame to see if there is any movement. If it is a seating issue, then this should correct the problem. I would also try installing the clothesline as the inbuilt tensioner will help pull the frame together tightly which could correct any seating issues.

If you give this a try and have no success, I suspect you have been supplied with horizontal bars that were meant for a different model of clothesline. I note that Hills produce a very similar Double Folding Frame Clothesline which is 2.4m wide as opposed to the 2.2m of your model. If the width is closer to 2.4m, I suspect this is what has happened.

If this is the case, there are two options I can see to rectify the issue. 

The first is to remove the horizontal bar and head back to the store of purchase with your receipt. Ask to speak with a manager, explain the situation to them and request a replacement part. They should be able to swap it out with the correct part from a different box. If you'd like assistance with this I am more than happy to help.

The second option is to take the horizontal bars out and cut them with a hacksaw. If you already own a hacksaw, this would be a quick and easy way to rectify the problem. As they sit inside the corner connection, the cut will not be seen, so it may be easier for you than heading back in store.

Please let me know what you think and don't hesitate to reach out if you'd like me to assist with anything moving forward.

Jacob

[DaniF]

Hi Jacob,

Thank you very much for your advice. I wrote the wrong figure initially but edited to 2270mm after.

We took your advice and took off the ends of the rods and all seems to be much more aligned now 😊

Thank you! Appreciate your help. 

Dani