Guide to building Solid Sole and Split Sole Raker Shores with clear steps for measurements, bracing, and securing structures.
Solid Sole Raker Shore
Steps:
- Measure and Prepare Materials
- Measure the height to the insertion point (where the shore will support the wall).
- Cut the wall plate and sole plate (both 4×4 lumber) to size.
- Temporarily fix the plates together at a right angle.
- Attach Gusset Plates
- Attach gusset plates to both sides using 13 nails (65 mm).
- Leave a gap of 1–1.5 cm between the edge of the gusset plate and the lumber.
- Construct the Raker
- Create the raker at a 45° or 60° angle.
- For 45°, attach a 60 cm cleat to the wall plate using 13 nails.
- For 60°, attach a 75 cm cleat to the wall plate using 20 nails.
- Secure the top of the raker to the wall plate with gusset plates on both sides, using 13 nails (65 mm).
- Attach gusset plates to the lower end of the raker (both sides) with 5 nails, without nailing to the sole plate yet.
- Create the raker at a 45° or 60° angle.
- Set Up the Raker
- Place the raker against the structure. If the raker exceeds 3.3 m in length, attach midpoint braces (2×6 lumber) with 5 nails (90 mm) on both sides.
- Leave a 3 cm gap at the lower end and attach a 60 cm cleat to the sole plate using 14 nails (90 mm). Insert a wedge.
- Anchor the Sole Plate
- Install a 4×4 sole plate anchor and drive stakes (pickets) into the ground:
- 2 stakes for paved surfaces.
- 4 stakes for soil.
- Insert a wedge between the sole plate and the anchor and tighten it securely. Tighten the wedge at the raker’s base as well.
- Install a 4×4 sole plate anchor and drive stakes (pickets) into the ground:
- Repeat for Additional Rakers
- Create and position a second raker. Maintain a maximum spacing of 2.4 m between rakers.
- Add Bracing
- If the insertion point exceeds 2.4 m, add horizontal bracing at the top, middle, and bottom.
- Install X-bracing between rakers for added stability.
- Finalize
- Tighten all wedges at the base.
- Nail gusset plates to the lower part of the raker and secure midpoint braces to the raker.
Split Sole Raker Shore
Steps:
- Measure and Cut Materials
- Measure the height to the insertion point and determine its location.
- Cut the wall plate (4×4 lumber) to size.
- Construct the Raker
- Decide on a 45° or 60° angle:
- For 45°, attach a 60 cm cleat with 13 nails.
- For 60°, attach a 75 cm cleat with 20 nails.
- Secure gusset plates to both sides of the cleat and raker with 13 nails each.
- Decide on a 45° or 60° angle:
- Prepare the Base
- U-shaped base: Use for 45° rakers on soil.
- Trough base: Use for 45° or 60° rakers on paved surfaces (e.g., asphalt).
- Steps to Create the Base:
- Cut a 4×4 piece to 45 cm. Attach gusset plates to both sides with 8 nails (65 mm).
- Insert the raker’s lower end into the base, and tighten a wedge. Nail both sides of the raker to the gusset plates using 5 nails each (65 mm).
- Create two sets of bases.
- Install Braces
- Measure from the wall plate to the raker.
- Cut and attach bottom braces and midpoint braces (2×6 lumber) with 5 nails (90 mm) on both sides.
- Attach the bottom brace 30 cm above the base of the wall plate.
- Final Assembly
- Position the second raker. Insert wedges at the base and tighten.
- Secure all gusset plates with 5 nails (90 mm) each.
Additional Notes:
- Solid Sole Raker Shore: Suitable for construction sites and disaster response to support walls or structures.
- Split Sole Raker Shore: Flexible for various ground conditions (e.g., soil or asphalt).
This guide ensures proper support for walls and structures in emergency or construction scenarios.
References National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)