Installing Easy Fix Shutters
Now that your Easy Fix shutters have arrived, it’s time to get them fitted. Luckily, you’ll be done in just a few minutes.
What you’ll need
- Allen key (provided)
- Phillips screwdriver
- Small hammer or rubber mallet
- Spirit level
Preparation
Make some space and unpack your shutters near the window. Check that you have received the frame, panels, and hardware kit.
It’s a good idea to flatten out one of the panel boxes to protect your floor during assembly.
You don't need a drill or any power tools to install shutters with Easy Fix.
Step 1 - Assemble the frame
Remove the cover strips and place the frame sides face down on the floor. The frame sides are stamped on the mitred end to indicate which side it is (‘T’ is “top”, ‘R’ is “right”, ‘L’ is “left” and ‘B’ is “bottom").
Once laid, use the plastic hoffman keys to connect the frame sides together. If you need to use your hammer or mallet to tap them into place, cover the area with a piece of cardboard or cloth to protect the frame.
The Easy Fix fixings will be pre-inserted into the frame. Please handle with care due to the sharp point on the end of the fixing (see image).
T-Posts
If you have any vertical T-Posts within your panel configuration (i.e. LTR, LTLTR or LRTLR) they should be fixed in place now using the screws provided. This can be done with a manual Phillips screwdriver.
Step 2 - Position the frame
Take your assembled frame, hold it up to the window, and position it at the front of the recess.
Use the Allen key provided to tighten the Easy Fix fixings. Make sure to evenly adjust each side to keep the frame central in the recess with even gaps.
Step 3 - Hang the panels
Line up your first panel to attach it to the frame. You'll need to ensure the panels are the right way up for your chosen product:
San Jose with Easy Fix - slats close fully when tilted upwards. There is a "mousehole" on the top rail of each panel.
San Francisco with Easy Fix - slats close fully when tilted upwards. There is a rebate on the front of the top rail of each panel.
Once aligned, drop in the hinge pins to connect the hinges and repeat this process for any remaining panels.
Step 4 - Securing the frame and hinges
Once the panels are hung, it’s time to tighten everything up. Check that you’re happy with how the panels are hanging, opening, and closing.
Do a final tighten of the Easy Fix fixings using the Allen key. Try to achieve equal pressure on opposing sides of the frame.
If needed, you can adjust the hinges on the frame until you’re happy with everything. Then, insert the hinge locking screws.
Step 5 - Finishing touches
You’re almost done. Now, pop your cover strips back into the frame.
If you have a T-Post you may need to cut the cover strip to allow for easier installation.
Congratulations! You’ve just installed your brand-new Easy Fix shutters. Now it’s time to sit back and enjoy your stylish handiwork.
Installation FAQs
Check the frame is level and plumb using a spirit level on the front and inside of the frame. It is common for window recesses or frames to not be completely square. You may need to use wedges or shims in this case.
Sometimes if the frame screws are overtightened it can pull the frame out of shape, so you can also try loosening some of the frame screws.
There is an adjustment in the frame hinges, so try sliding them up and down to see if that solves it.
If the panels are dropping at the bottom corners further from the frame, try packing out the lower frame hinges, using the hinge packers supplied, to give it some extra lift.
If the panels are kicking, try pulling or packing the corner of the frame forward to counteract this. Usually, if a panel is kicking out at the bottom, pulling or packing one of the top corners will sort this (and vice versa).
Easy Fix fixings are an innovative 'no-drill' screw that has been specifically designed for use with our classic hinged shutters.
The majority of the fixing sits within the shutter frame. On the outer edge of the frame there is a circular plate with a little metal spike. The spike grips to the fitting surface (usually plaster, plasterboard or wood).
On the inner edge of the frame, within the cover strip channel, there is the head of the fixing. This can be tightened or loosened using just an Allen key (provided). When the fixings are tightened the shutter frame is held within the recess by the pressure that is created.
