Adjustable or Fixed Post Support – How to Measure What You Need

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Jack posts, column supports, adjustable posts, basement jacks, basement support, fixed support posts... Whichever way you want to refer to them, they all imply a construct that is used in structural support, for I-beams, wide flange beams, etc.
There are several common misconceptions involving the proper measurements required to order fixed or adjustable support posts. The temptation to simply measure the available space, then order a round or square tube post and call it a day is huge. However, attempting that will result in an incorrect post almost every time. Many things have to be taken into account, such as plates on the top, bottom, or both. What is the thickness of those plates, holes and hole sizes, wall thickness of the column itself, etc.
Commonly, people tend to order a post by using the dimension on the tube itself – forgetting that there may be plates or adjusters on either end of the post, or even both ends. The most important measurement you can take is the total space available from the bottom of the beam or structure you are supporting, to the floor that the bottom plate or adjuster will be resting on. From that, we need to subtract the thickness of any plates or adjusters, to determine the length of round or square tube required for fabrication. If an adjuster is required, generally one inch is subtracted from the overall length, to allow for some adjustment range, as adjusters have three inches of play.
All of those reasons and more are why Boss Steel custom fabricates each and every support post we sell. We walk the customer, step-by-step, through a post specification sheet, learning of their requirements and sharing our experience and expertise with them along the way. Once the specification sheet is complete, we take the time to repeat the order, and confirm what was requested.
Here is a sampling of just a few of the questions we need to know to ensure a quality result, and to meet your actual post requirements:
1. Top plate required? YES or NO Thickness of plate: ____ Holes in plate? YES or NO Size of Holes: _____
2. Fixed or Adjustable?
3. Painted, Galvanized or Bare?
4. Tube size: _____ Round or Square?
As always, we have found that taking an extra few moments to do it right the first time pays off. With anything involving structure, precise measurement of the correct dimensions required is key. It is not the time to cut corners or “take the easy route”. Boss Steel is here to help you with your needs, and to make sure you get exactly what you require – every time.