160mm Plastestrip FastFrame Aluminium Single Helping Hand Bracket - FF FIX/BR/160

160mm Plastestrip FastFrame Aluminium Single Helping Hand Bracket - FF FIX/BR/160 is the fundamental structural component of the Plastestrip rainscreen support system. It acts as the primary "anchor" between the building's structural substrate (be it masonry, concrete, or steel frame) and the vertical L or T-rail profiles.

Potential cavity: 168 - 200mm

The Single Bracket is engineered to handle two distinct types of structural loads depending on how it is fastened to the rail:

• Sliding Point (Wind Load): By fixing the rail through the elongated slots in the bracket head, the rail is held securely against wind pressure but is free to expand and contract vertically due to thermal changes. Most Single Brackets in a run are used as sliding points.
• Fixed Point (Dead Load): By fixing through the circular holes, the bracket locks the rail in place. For lightweight cladding systems, a Single Bracket can sometimes act as the "Fixed Point" that carries the dead weight of the panels, though for heavier systems, a Double Bracket is often preferred for this role.

CHARACTERISTICS

• The bracket is designed with a unique head geometry that allows the vertical aluminium rails to be "clipped" into place and held securely before they are permanently fixed. This allows for a one-person installation, significantly reducing labour time on-site.
• Manufactured from Grade 5251 H22 aluminium alloy. This provides an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and ensures the bracket remains corrosion-resistant throughout the life of the building.
• The bracket head allows for up to 40mm of telescopic adjustment. This enables the installer to "plumb up" the rails to create a perfectly flat facade, effectively taking up the tolerances and unevenness of the structural wall behind.
• Supplied with a pre-fitted thermal isolator pad (thermal break). This high-density polypropylene pad prevents "cold bridging," stopping the transfer of heat from the building interior to the external aluminium frame, which is essential for meeting Part L Building Regulations.