How to Hide Floats Under a Dock
Floats are buoyant devices that are used to keep docks steady. Without them, docks are too turbulent to walk on and may throw you into the water or knock you down. They also prevent changing water levels from lowering and raising the dock. Over time, floats become stained and are unsightly. Even if they do not become stained, some people prefer to install the floats underneath the dock to make it more aesthetically pleasing. You can hide the float by installing them underneath the dock sections.
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Things You'll Need
- 9/16-inch socket wrench
- Long rope
- 3/8-inch by 1 1/4-inch hex bolts
- Diamond washers
- Bushings
- Torque wrench
Instructions
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1
Select a float installation kit that is simple to install and doesn't require a lot of tools or skill. There are many to choose from that require very little in the way of installation.
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2
Install float connectors onto the dock float sections. Look for float section sockets on the dock to attach the floats to. Use a socket wrench to attach the connectors into the sockets with the bolts, washers and bushings provided with your kit.
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3
Connect two or three float sections to the dock. Fasten the dock with the bolts, washers and bushings, as above. Install as many float sections as you would like, depending on your size preference for the dock.
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4
Tighten the bolts with 25 pound-feet of torque with a power wrench.
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5
Place the dock into the water. Use both hands to bring the float under a section of the dock. Snap the float into the air chamber under the bottom of the dock's float section by pushing it into the water and under the section. You may only need one float for every float section on the dock.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a float under every dock section if you expect it to hold heavy loads.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
