Strongboy Prop Supports: A Complete Guide
Strongboy prop supports, also known as prop heads, are metal masonry supports.
These are ingenious accessories that are designed to work with standard Acrow (adjustable steel) props to temporarily support walls during the fitting of lintels, RSJs, beams, and window or door openings.
Their primary purpose is to enable safe and efficient masonry work without the need for extensive structural disruption.
What Is a Strongboy?
At heart, a Strongboy is a steel bracket that attaches securely to the top of an Acrow prop. It features a horizontal blade that inserts into a mortar-jointed slot or removed brickbed, supporting the wall above and acting as a ledge for the masonry until permanent structural elements are in place
Key specifications include:
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Safe Working Load (SWL): typically around 340 kg per unit
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Maximum Prop Spacing: Typically up to 900 mm
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Max Supportable Wall Thickness: Standard version up to 225 mm; XL version supports up to 300 mm walls
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Maximum Working Height: About 3.0 m
How It Works
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Blade Insertion: Cut a slot in a mortar joint (or remove a brick) at the required height. Use an angle grinder to do this.
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Attachment: Hook the Strongboy onto the Acrow prop, secure via patented locking bar, ensuring it's plumb and level.
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Support: Adjust the prop to bear the load, extracting masonry beneath for lintel or beam installation.
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Distribution: Space Strongboys approximately 750–900 mm apart, depending on load and wall condition.
Proper use dramatically simplifies work saving time, reducing mess, and enabling one-person jobs, but requires strict adherence to loading limits and spacing guidelines.
Advantages
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Efficient: Faster setup compared to installing needles and needles beams.
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Reduced Damage: The insertion is minimally invasive, unlike larger masonry alterations.
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Portable & Cost‑Effective: Lightweight (around 5.8–6.5 kg), easy to hire, and typically around £6–£15/week.
Limitations & Safety Tips
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Load Capacity: The 340 kg limit is easily exceeded if misused or spaced poorly. Do not exceed 900 mm spacing without recalculation.
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Eccentricity Risk: Since the load isn’t centered, the effective strength can decrease, avoid over-tightening props and ensure proper alignment.
Overall Integrity: Use only if walls are sound,damaged or damp masonry may require more supports or told via structural engineering advice.
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Spacing Accuracy: For heavy loads, spacing must be closer (e.g., 243 mm for typical residential load) .
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Professional Consultation: When in doubt, seek structural advice— these devices are for small openings and professional use only.
Conclusion and Summary:
Strongboy prop supports offer a smart, efficient alternative to traditional needling during small openings, lintel or RSJ installation.
Well suited for DIYers and pros alike, these devices rely on correct use, adhering to load limits, spacing, and wall integrity, to work safely.
When used properly, they simplify jobs, reduce damage, and speed up work; but overconfidence or misuse can risk structural damage or failure.
Final Take: Use Strongboys for small-to-medium temporary supports, use multiple units, stick to SWL and spacing rules, ensure masonry is sound, and consult a structural engineer for anything bigger than DIY jobs or load-bearing wall alterations.
This article was written by latestinfoabout.blogspot.com, experts in equipment sales and power tool hire, with the author having 15+ years of experience and knowledge in these industries.
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