03 Oct How Do You Use Acrow Props

If you need a set of scaffolds and supports that are adjustable, and extremely strong for supporting vertical loads – such as a horizontal beam which is having its supports removed – acrow props are perfect for the job.

But if you’ve never used an Acrow prop before, you may not know where to start – or how to use them properly. In this guide, Australian Scaffold will go over the basic tips you need to know, and give you a step-by-step guide on using Acrow props.

NOTE: The advice in this article is generalized, and it should not be your only guide to using Acrow props. Always consult with a structural engineer to make sure that you’re using the right support for your project, and follow all applicable construction safety best practices.

Acrow Props – A Brief Overview

An Acrow prop, also known as a jack post, is a type of vertical support first invented by Swiss born William de Vigier. de Viger moved to London in 1935, and invented this adjustable Acrow prop vertical support.

Previously, builders used timber supports, which had to be custom-cut and built for each project. In contrast, Acrow props are a vertical support that use heavy-duty screw threads and an adjustable pin to provide a stable, reliable support for loads of up to 3,300 kgs or more.

These props were popularized by British builder Sir Robert McAlpine, and today, they’re still one of the best choices for the vertical support of heavy loads when building or shoring up structures.

Choose The Right Size And Load For Your Acrow Props

The first thing you’ll need to do is choose Acrow props that are the right size, and can support the load of your structure. The most common sizes are:

Size 0 – 1.1 metres to 1.8 metres. Max load: 3,300 kgs

Size 1 – 1.75 metres to 3.12 metres. Max load: 2,540 kgs

Size 2 – 2.0 metres to 3.4 metres. Max load: 2,340 kgs

Size 3 – 2.4 metres to 4.0 metres. Max load: 2,010 kgs

Size 4 – 2 metres to 4.9 metres. Max load: 1,300 kgs

Size 00 Acrow props are less common, but also available from some suppliers. They have a 0.66-1.020m height, and can support loads of up to 3,535 kgs.

Make Sure You Know How Much Support You Need

Make sure that you understand how much weight you have to support with your Acrow props. Underestimating can lead to dangerous situations – or the cascading failure of the entire structure.

Do your due diligence and consult with engineers and experts to make sure you have all the support you need – it’s often best to use a few more Acrow props than you need, just to make sure that you have extra support in case you need it.

Choose A Solid Base – Make Sure It Can Hold The Load

A concrete pad is the ideal material for Acrow props. Working on a timber floor or another type of floor may not be the best choice – consult with a structural engineer to make sure it’s safe.

Steel or hardwood sole plates are often used with Acrow props, to ensure the load is more evenly distributed.

Make Sure The Acrow Props Are Plumb

Acrow props are not designed for horizontal loads. If your Acrow prop is more than 1.5° out of plumb, it’s unsafe. Make sure that you can set your props up in a perfectly vertical position.

Use Needles And Strongboys, If Necessary

If you’re just propping up a beam or another structure which can be supported directly by the Acrow prop from below, you won’t need needles or strongboys.

Strongboys and needles are usually used for masonry. They’re slightly different, but the same process is used for each. You remove some of the mortar and bricks from the structure, providing a gap through which the timber needle (a strong, specialized timber support) or strongboy (a metal plate support) can be run.

Then, the timber needle or strongboy is supported by the Acrow prop, allowing the load-bearing structure below to be disassembled.

Brace Your Props And Check Them Regularly

Since Acrow props do not have great horizontal stability, it’s best to use “lacing”, and use scaffolding poles to attach them together. This helps increase their stability and load capacity.

You also need to check all of your props regularly, to ensure that they are still stable, and have not wiggled loose, and are not more than 1.5° out of plumb.

Know How To Use Acrow Props – With This Guide!

Acrow props are a powerful tool for builders and construction companies of all sizes, and at Australian Scaffold, we have a great selection of high-quality Acrow props, perfect for any job.

If you have any more questions about how to use Acrow props, or you’d like to consult with one of our scaffolding experts to learn more, please give us a call now at 1300 919 905, or contact us online for more information.