How to attach wood posts / railing to concrete with Simpson Strong Tie E-Z Base

[@431cruiser]

Nice clear and concise video. For young/ inexperienced people watching, you should always screw nut on until flush with end of a stud before hammering it. It only takes a few seconds and will protect the threads of the stud. It usually doesn't take much force to drive these fasteners in, but at some point you will encounter a stud or bolt that needs a good hit. Hitting the nut instead of the end of a stud is just a good practice/ habit to develop and should stud threads be damaged, they will be corrected when the nut is backed off for installation.

[@marsford2716]

Excellent tip, thanks for saving me time!

[@infinitychamber]

This is one of the best DIY tutorials I’ve ever seen on KZbin, not even kidding! Showing the specific products, manufacturer instructions - hats off man thank you

[@midnightsunturbo]

Simple, straightforward how-to video without BS talks. Subscribed!

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

Nice!

[@RagingOatmeal]

When I put posts in like that I always get a stainless steel screw and drive it into the centre of the beam and leave it proud by 1/4" or so then paint the end real quick then put it in the base. That way it won't suck up water during rainy seasons or when the snow melts.

[@mixedupmenopausaladhd3999]

@@BugJuiceFlavor nice...just like one layer of gravel?

[@evetaylor2765]

Confused?

[@evetaylor2765]

I don't think the wood is touching the ground... Newby here, sorry

[@elmandalorian6671]

Excellent video 📹! Appreciate providing the torque specifications.

[@asds92]

This is an excellent post. I was wondering how I would put up posts in my backyard on my concrete patio without drilling holes and this is the answer. Thank you

[@kduv889]

I am absolutely visual. I could read instructions all day and get nowhere. You just made my day SO much better. Thank you sir!! Not ever ChatGPT could explain it well enough for me so instead she suggested your video to me! Haha 🤣

[@LeslieDugger]

Finally a DIY video that gets to the point

[@ItsKibet]

This is exactly what I need. I have outdoor stairs with no railing that I need to install to meet code. Thank you.👍

[@thekidd8169]

THANK YOU MAN! I’ve been looking to see what I needed to do this project all over the web.

[@Mixwell1983]

Got this exact brace to install a post on one side of a gate. Going to try it out tomorrow.

[@jerrylopez3249]

Straight to the point and informative!! Earned my thumbs up...👍🏼

[@vhilai]

Also might be a good idea to tap it down with the bolt on so it will not ruin the thread.

[@BBB2323BBB]

Perfect level of detail and pace.

[@ActiveAtom]

We use thee bracket they do work well and I am sharing because we have no wood working experience we are metal machinist not wood workers and these brackets are GREAT. He does not lie the post is tough to insert we had to really pound them onto the 4 x 4 posts. Lance & Patrick.

[@luissonoma6255]

How resistant do you think they are to the elements? Because most metal that are at ground level deteriorate fairly quickly and rust up possibly casing them to fail. Is that a powder coat finish?

[@LeatherandLathe]

A solution to this problem would be an electric hand planer or belt sander. Hog off a little material at a time until snug but slides in a bit easier. Also apply a bit of finishing wax. Smooths out the process a bit.

[@mitchclover258]

​@LeatherandLathe wouldnt that affect the woods water resistance

[@davefitzpatrick83]

Awesome explanation! Thanks!

[@BobbyDeneke]

Great video! Explains each step without rushing it. Thanks!

[@donhill1825]

Say "Go ahead and..." one mo time. Good video. Thanks.

[@bijendrakumar5945]

Nice......very useful information. Thank you guys

[@evelynmueller6523]

exactly what i needed to know, thank you for posting this

[@JahariAluvis]

Thanks for the video. I picked up one of these strong tie brackets but didn't know what the make or model was and I needed to know the depth and size of the bolts.

[@AbelMendezSr]

Excellent video just what I was looking for. Thank you.

[@bbkyjohnson]

I’m going to be fighting with a post in the next couple of days with the same bracket. Unfortunately my sidewalk is uneven so it should be a fun time.

[@Darrel_Owen]

Doesn't look bad at all. Great video.

[@mitchclover258]

You know its good when you can follow along and understand the video with the volume off

[@heroknaderi]

Good job I enjoyed watching your install😎😎

[@onewaymichael12]

Looks good, nice finished product.

[@pianobar7801]

very helpful, thanks.

[@johnnynewburgh9745]

just bought this bracket I wish they would have flange on 4 sides ... I need to use where there is gate on fence and do not know if it will work or need to switch hinges to opposit post. thanks for video

[@Abmartinez977]

Good instructions in how to install a post on concrete 👍🏼✌🏼 Thanks

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

Thank you

[@FatherOfTheParty]

Another reason to leave the nuts on when you drive the bolts into the concrete is so you don't mess up the threads on the bolt.

[@shawn576]

I think he means put the nut at the bottom of the threads rather than the top. The nuts will simply hit the concrete and now allow the bolt to go any deeper.

[@jkk120689]

I messed up my thread by not keep it at the tip of the bolt. Couldn't get the nut off

[@raankokaanzaki3562]

Excellent! Thanks for the video and demonstration. Just what I was looking for! :) Cheers!

[@JamesArdus]

What would you do if the Simpson EZ base does not allow the 4x4 pvc sleeve to fit over the base. This is on an outdoor shower kit and the one I installed in Florida worked fine about 6 years ago, but it looks like either Simpson of the sleeve manufactures changed dimensions as nothing fits over the Simpson base. Thanks.

[@Northerncacti2021]

Great video. This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank man!

[@tommysmith9411]

Thank you

[@REVerbtalk]

Why are their so many woodprix pricks posting? Who cares about your premade bought designs. CLS... great stuff man! Looks rock freakin solid. I love those ties.

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

Thanks man. Damm woodprix

[@incognitotorpedo42]

Yeah, WTF is it with these woodprix trolls?

[@malkamusik]

I report them when I see them. It's spam.

[@stoneyj1a1]

Good work, but those are expensive. Anything cheaper?

[@timb5913]

Home Depot sells 7 dollar brackets that do the same thing

[@hammerain93]

You should mention what to do if the concrete is not level. If the post sits in the base with a factory end on the post, it won't be level, and cutting the top level will just make an unlevel post with a level top. Fun problem to solve with a miter saw and square.

[@user-nm9vh7lf2t]

Cheap home depot socket wrench does wonders 👌

[@mzwisdom7504]

Perfect great work. Thanks for sharing, you did a awesome job.😉

[@JorgeHernandez-ib1px]

Great video! Can these be used on a 6-foot post? Thanks for the help

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

It depends on the application.I wouldn't use these for a 6 foot fence.They might work for a gate but definitely wouldn't use it for a 6' section of offense.

[@JorgeHernandez-ib1px]

I wanted to build a 6 ft stand alone gate door with 2 4x4 6ft post using 2 brackets. I'm thinking it might not be able to hold the weight. thanks for any feed back!

[@tharais]

@@D.I.Y._All-in-One From Simpson's spec sheet: Post bases do not provide adequate resistance to prevent rotation about the base and therefore are not recommended for non-top-supported installations such as fences or unbraced structures. Warning The E-Z Base and E-Z Spike products should not be used for solid fences in excess of 4' in height or that are unprotected from wind forces. These products are not rated for uplift loads, and should not be used with posts for overhead structures or any other structure that requires resistance to wind uplift loads. Notwithstanding the terms of the Limited Warranty, Simpson Strong-Tie does not guarantee, represent or warrant that this product will prevent or reduce damage caused by corrosion, or any seismic, wind, atmospheric, or other load-producing event. Which also leads me to believe that these would not be approrpriate for hand railing. The expansion bolt to concrete connection wouldn't be strong enough for the IRC load testing requirements.

[@albertmontes11]

Thanks!! Very informative!!!!

[@bubravi]

Great video, I am thinking of installing an EV charging unit(15 lbs) on the 4*4 pole(6 foot), could you let me know what anchors /screws I should be using? Perhaps, any recommendations/suggestion for the installation would be appreciated!

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

anchors size should be around at least 3"with 1/2" thickness

[@davelemberg5602]

I'm about to repair a fence post doing this exact method. Just curious, why did you use 3/8 instead of the 1/2 the Simpson Strong Tie recommended? Does is matter?

[@sweetvuvuzela4634]

Use resin mix instead of the bolt anchors and studs and bolts so they can be undone later

[@funkmonster]

Sweet Vuvuzela blah blah opinion opinion

[@sweetvuvuzela4634]

Funkentelechy Razzamatazz for sure blah blah🥳

[@mrobvious1100]

Nice video I have a quick question. I am installing a 3' long railing at the top of my basement steps so my grand kids don't fall into the stairwell.. Are tapcons reliable? I understand they may not be as strong as these expandable anchors, but will they do the job if I put 4" long tapcons in the concrete

[@Nfl233]

Do you think this would work for three posts on 6' wood fence? My property line runs to my driveway, so I will have to put three posts in concrete

[@martinluther2372]

Thanks for video! Good job

[@alpha.dog.training.BC2022]

Can I use this method and for the fence panels in between? Like the typical fence. Not sure if the panels are going to be too much weight

[@joshsoorlin579]

thanks gonna use these very bases, now i dont have to browse for what hardware to use

[@12northchad25]

Would the hardware anchors work on ashphalt as well? My driveway is not made out of concrete.

[@Cheekaka]

So I have a project of adding 2 4"x4"x8' posts in the yard to connect string lights from my existing covered patio. I'm guessing this method wouldn't be strong enough?! Either this method or getting 11' posts and burying it 3' in concrete....suggestions welcomed!

[@kbar1590]

Looks a little umm industrial. That’s a lot of hardware showing coming off of someone’s front porch, but I’ll give it to ya. It looks solid enough

[@TheWelsman13]

That was my question. Can you cover it with some aluminum flashing or something?

[@Warkive]

Agreed. That base with the bolt attachments doesn't look finished enough for a front porch imo.

[@95countach]

Looks like your concrete slab may not be very level. How do you make sure the post is vertically plum?

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

Metal washers can be used as shims for leveling.

[@GoferZeroSix]

We are getting a 4 inch slab poured for our patio and I ripped out my old cedar fence posts because I didn't want them encased in the new concrete. A few of my posts have rotted at the surface over the years because of wet ground in the rainy season and I didn't want to break concrete if those posts ever needed to be replaced. Because of wind rating concerns, my neighbor claims there are no metal brackets out there that are made to support a 4x4 wooden fence post for a standard 6 foot shadow box wood fence. I really don't want to reduce the size of the patio pour and leave a 12 inch gap without concrete just to dig new holes in the ground. So, are there any brackets out there like the Strong Tie E-Z Base that will work for this? The only wind we ever get is when a bad storm rolls through and do not get constant winds.

[@CarrotCompany]

I have done all this but the anchor is not secure. When the post is added, it wobbles both left and right and forward and backward. Aren't there pads that go under the steel anchor between the steel and the concrete to add friction that keeps the post from "rocking"?

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

Is the post moving inside metal base or entire base moving ? If base is moving it sounds like you need bigger anchors you will probably still have a tiny bit of movement even with bigger anchors but it should be plenty sturdy for most uses especially after attaching railing/cross members etc. Its not going to be as solid as burying post in concrete.

[@rf4215]

or your anchors are not tight. wrong size drill bit used in the concrete for the anchor you installed. Or you simply haven't tightened the anchor bolts?

[@nasarazam]

I am trying to do this for a Pergola. How do you make sure that the post is perpemdicular. The concrete base may not alway be flat. Is there some technique of using shims etc, and what type of shims? Thanks much

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

You can use large washers on the bottom of the base, and they will work as shims.

[@cof6289]

Hi, im using the same exact base frame, same anchors, same thickness, how deep did you drill into the concrete?

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

To depends on the size of the anchor if it's a 3" anchor then drill 3 1/2" inches deep if it's a 2 1/2 " anchor drill 3" deep

[@miguelmora7611]

Thanks for the video!

[@danielweinstein7189]

How strong is this post anyways. Does it wobble. Come off easy. If someone fell on the railing will it hold up.

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

There's a little bit of movement to it. But if someone fell against it it would hold them up. As long as everything is installed properly

[@seheabol]

Where you attached the post to the connector, Did you only screw one side? It looks like the other side wasn’t accessible. Is that okay?

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

The post can secure to the base on all 4 sides, so as long as it secured to at least 2 sides its fine.

[@RiverRokz]

great video!! i will be doing this soon.

[@kchilz32]

How did you reach the Phillips screws facing the concrete step side?

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

Just drill some new holes on the sides and add screws there.

[@kchilz32]

@@D.I.Y._All-in-One thanks

[@JF-kb6bl]

Would this method be ok to use to support an 8 foot tall post? The post will also be supported via roof beams

[@vivalavega01]

Could this hold the weight of a fence?

[@robertschwartz3675]

What I don't understand is the bolts are in wth just a couple of taps. Is that secure enough? Can the entire thing be pulled out?

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

They are anchor bolts They are designed to get tighter when pulling the bolt up. They have a sleeve that surrounds bottom of bolt and bolt has a tapered end.

[@samuelligo7234]

How much standoff does this bracket give you? IE how far off of the concrete is your post so as not to let the endgrain suck up water?

[@1234565678dgf]

Hey guys, love the content here. I am thinking about doing a diy FENCE project and was hoping that with your expertise ya'll could shed some light on whether or not it'd be ok/smart or just plain stupid to use this anchor for my fence post but....set it up like a "cast-in-concrete" fence anchor with the right screws and bolts? Anyway, let me know. Thanks.

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

I don't think these brackets would be suitable for a an entire fence.

[@1234565678dgf]

@@D.I.Y._All-in-One me too. I opted not to do it and am doing it differently. But the content i am learning is amazing

[@bassh8me1]

I just put up a stand alone frame 5' wide x 8' deep x 7' tall four 4x4 posts using the Simpson ZMAX Galvanized post anchors and thing wobbles horribly. These anchors are not good at all. There is no way this can be safe. How sturdy would these EZ Base anchors make my structure?

[@cai0]

If the concrete floor is not perfectly levelled, the post won't be at perfect 90° angle. How can we correct this? Thanks

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

Use washers under bracket to shim base on one side. Base tabs can also be slightly bent to accommodate slopes.

[@cai0]

@@D.I.Y._All-in-One thank you! :)

[@Kuggar]

Thanks very much!

[@broncoramfan]

What size screws did you use to secure the post to the bracket?

[@garykniseley4870]

What size screws did you use to secure the 4 x 4 post to the bracket? Thanks and helpful video.

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

1.5" exterior screws. Optionally you could use structural rated 1.5" long screws as well.

[@mrobvious1100]

And definitely go with a torque or a square drive and never mess with Phillips

[@terryjones8360]

Great job! Too bad they don't make a nice looking cover for the ugly bolts sticking up.

[@thefaz012]

This is great. I have an existing fence surrounding the concrete slab that my pool was set in. Except the posts were attached to the sides of the concrete slab, so now the fence is loose and about to fall over. Question - how far in from the edge of the concrete should the ties be placed?

[@jacobmardian2059]

No closer than 3 inches.

[@c50ge]

Also put the nuts on before striking with a hammer, the nut will protect the threads.

[@GolfBattleGuy]

Nice video but that railing is gonna give me a splinter lookin at it.

[@herbert6611]

I did the same thing but for some reason the masonry drill bit wont go in deep into the concrete. I did manage to go as deep as I could and the anchor went in but when I tried to tighten the nut with the ratchet the anchor just spins and won't let me tighten the nut and one of the anchors just came out 🤦🏻. HELP!

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

You might need to get a heavier duty hammer drill to get deeper in the concrete

[@andysierra5657]

Wonder if you could use this for a mailbox post into concrete ?

[@dennfox1464]

Building a carport over ashphalt, could you use Simpson Strong Tie E-Z Base on that?

[@asdf9890]

What the hell was even the point of the old metal rails?! All I see is something to catch your leg in as you fall off the stairs.

[@David-um4dy]

Lmao

[@David-um4dy]

Can this hold up a 120lb punching bag? Just 1 post anchored from the ground

[@David-um4dy]

@@BugJuiceFlavor I actually tried it but made tweaks where I have it drilled up against the wall as well for extra support and it's holding up very well. Without the extra support it wouldn't work out though.

[@jeremiahyeahheah506]

Can I mount a 9ft 4x4 in this bracket to my concrete patio slab. Attach one corner of a rectangular shade sail to that post and would it be strong enough?

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

No unfortunately I think you would need something with more support.

[@jeremiahyeahheah506]

@@D.I.Y._All-in-One that's what I figured. I'll have to go with My original plan. Cut out the corner of the slab, dig a 42" hole with my post hole digger and concrete it. Thanks for the quick response!!

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

That will work for sure.

[@huckmulligan1609]

How do you plumb the posts with these brackets?

[@LeatherandLathe]

Start with square footings. If not possible, minimal shimming can achieve a true vertical. Another solution is taking a little material off the 4x4 to give wiggle room. Once fastened it doesn't move. For good measure, I drive in a shim of there's any gapping.

[@onepiece4life380]

Can this bracket be used for 4x4x10 pergola? On concrete?

[@WB8ERJ]

Great video - thanks! I am curious though since I live in Ohio, what about water getting underneath and down into where the hole is for the wedge bolt? Seems to me that freezing / thawing of any water in the holes would eventually crack the concrete. Would it be reasonable to put some kind of calk or roofing sement at the base of the threads to keep water out?

[@luissonoma6255]

I doubt it. What did you go with?

[@gedionsamuel2256]

@@luissonoma6255Late but maybe epoxy?

[@luissonoma6255]

How strong is each post? Strong enough to hold an aluminum awning and maybe be hurricane proof? I'm in South Florida and looking to put up an awning because of this heat.

[@vinceblight6422]

i'd move

[@luissonoma6255]

vince blight I’m stuck in this shit hole for a while. I’ve been using pop up tents from Harbor Freight that last a month. 🤦🏿‍♂️

[@richsouthall1937]

So, a regular drill will not work?? Must be a hammer drill??

[@ChuubbyKID]

Can I use 1/2 in anchors? Or would you say just use the ones your are using ?

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

Yes as long as they fit inside the bracket holes.

[@mixedupmenopausaladhd3999]

Simpson’s instructions actually call for 1/2” at least for the EZ Bases I’m looking at from Home Depot

[@bigsterms]

How come you used 3/8 wedge anchors when it says to use 1/2 inch on the Simpson ez base?

[@dandowodzenka8864]

3/8" x 3" is what he was using because 1/2" zinc ones don't come in 3"...I think its like 3 1/4" and up. Most likely he didn't have a thick enough surface to drill a hole 3 1/2' - 3 3/4" deep for 1/2"...so 3/8" was the next size down. They should still hold well for general use like a railing.

[@bryanthompson12]

@@dandowodzenka8864 Thanks!!!

[@russ92x1]

Would these brackets be strong enough to support 4x4x8 posts to be used for a sun shade?

[@luissonoma6255]

I'm in the same boat. What are you going to do? I haven't looked around yet but if they are too pricey I will just bury the posts into the ground. Possibly 12ft post that will be buried at 33 percent. That will give me my 8 ft clearance with 4ft in the ground surrounded by 50 pounds of concrete. I'm going to put up a 12x20 aluminum awning so it won't be so heavy. A post every 6 Ft should be fine.

[@monroe2245]

I'm doing this now on week old concrete slab but have been told that l need to be at least 4inches from edge to avoid cracking (?)

[@TheAelsayed]

Question, can you do this into Asphalt? Thanks great video

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

Yes but it will not be near as strong.

[@dandowodzenka8864]

You can if you epoxy fill the holes

[@zross8471]

cool video.

[@dexwolfgang1487]

Can this be done for roof weight for example porch roof?

[@jasonkyler-yano8505]

Thanks for the helpful video! What size hug screws did you use to secure the post to the base? I read 1/4” but I’m wondering about depth.

[@D.I.Y._All-in-One]

I use structural screws like this. www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2322090.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xsimson+structual+%2310.TRS0&_nkw=simson+structual+%2310&_sacat=0

[@rowikbotello5575]

You can use 1/2 x 4in as well for more stability and firmness when you drill for an anchor you add 1/4 in depth what you can do is place your anchor on your drill bit and mark its lenght with a marker so when you drill you know how much of the bit has to go in once you toghten the bolt up anchor opens up and locks on

[@SeattleTgrind]

did the front posts wobble when pushed? I am having that problem with these post bases

[@adamwinters9576]

Those stairs look like an icy death trap to hell...

[@LaserrSharp]

Can I run a pipe across two posts like this and use it as a pull-up bar and a place to hang my punching bag?

[@bryanthompson12]

Saved my marriage