Outside bracket (cantilever)
A bracket that projects outwards from the outer standards, usually by 0.73 m for two decks, to create catch platforms, fans or extra storage space.
Also called: cantilever bracket, 0.73 m bracket, two-board bracket, outer bracket, extension bracket
Sometimes the scaffold is simply not wide enough. A roofer needs a wide catch platform at the top in front of the eaves, a protective fan is required low down to shield passers-by, or one lift has to hold a lot of material. The outside bracket solves this by adding a platform on the outer face of the scaffold, typically as wide as the scaffold itself: 0.73 m, enough for two decks.
It projects freely beyond the standards, which makes it the most demanding bracket type. It levers on the outer standard, and without suitable support it would tip downwards under load.
Design and variants
The bracket is a galvanised steel beam of tube or profile with supports for the decks. At the connecting end it has, depending on the system, a hook for the node plate of a frame, a welded half coupler or a wedge head for the rosette. Many have a spigot at the outer end onto which a standard or guard rail post is placed for side protection.
- Standard version with a connection point for a bracket brace to the lift below.
- Reinforced version that, in some systems and with a limited load class, needs no brace.
- Larger projections of about 1.00–1.09 m for three decks or fans, always with support.
Anyone who permanently needs three decks side by side, for example for brickwork, should build a 1.09 m scaffold from the start. The bracket widens a narrow scaffold where needed; it does not replace a wider base system.
Fitting sequence
- From the protected lift, hook or couple the bracket to the outer standard at main deck level and swing it inwards so it is easy to reach.
- Attach the brace, swing the bracket out and connect the lower end of the brace to the standard of the lift below.
- Tighten couplers to 50 Nm or drive wedges home.
- Lay and secure the decks from the protected lift, then fit the post and three-part side protection, or a roof screen on catch platforms.
A tip from practice: place and brace every bracket of a lift before the first deck goes on. Half-finished bays tempt people to step onto an unbraced bracket "just for a moment". Dismantling runs in reverse.
What to check
- Outside brackets increase loads on the outer standard and tie forces considerably. The instructions show which configurations are permitted and where extra ties, such as V-ties, are needed.
- Never omit the brace where the instructions require it.
- Keep the gap between main and bracket decks small or cover it; no ladder access on the bracket.
- Bent beams, cracked welds or a crooked spigot make the bracket unusable. When buying used, match connection, projection and brace fixing to your system and check each bracket for straightness.
Used brackets of several systems are listed under bracket frames.