When carrying out structural alterations, ensuring safe and stable support is critical. Whether you're removing a load-bearing wall, installing an RSJ, or creating a new opening, choosing the right temporary support system can make all the difference in safety, efficiency, and ease of work.
With the introduction of the Prop Pal system at Alliance Tool Hire, we now offer a modern alternative to traditional Strongboys. Here’s how to choose the right system for your project and the key rules of thumb for safe propping.
Understanding the Difference: Strongboys vs. Prop Pal
Both Strongboys and Prop Pals are designed to provide temporary support when working on brickwork, openings, and structural walls. However, they work in different ways.
Strongboys: The Traditional Approach
- Best for: Supporting a double or single skin, brick or block cavity wall up to 225mm (9”), from either the inside or the outside of the building during lintel installation or minor alterations.
- How it works: Slots onto the top of an acrow prop, allowing it to support the weight of a wall above an opening.
- Limitations: Must be placed close to the wall, which can get in the way of work.
When to Use a Strongboy:
- When creating doorways or window openings in single skin walls.
- When supporting small sections of masonry.
- When access is not an issue, and the prop can be placed directly against the wall.
- Minimise damage and repair work because it fits between courses, you don't have to damage the brickwork above or remove a brick beneath the level you wish to work.
Prop Pal: The Advanced Alternative
- Best for: 100% support for both inner and outer leaf walls during major structural alterations.
- How it works: A steel needle system that slots through an aperture the size of a metric brick, allowing props to be positioned away from the wall.
- Key advantage: Frees up space, making it easier to install beams, lintels, or carry out major wall removals.
When to Use a Prop Pal:
- Support cavity walls evenly and more securely due to its strength resulting in little or no deflection.
- Minimal disturbance to walls, ceiling and timber floors can be left intact.
- When needing more working space beneath the supported section.
Key Features of Prop Pal:
- Secure locating plates to lock props in place.
- Certified load capacity of 1050kg.
- Jacking support system for precise adjustments.
- Made from S275 structural steel for strength and durability.
Prop Pals are particularly useful in domestic extensions and renovations, where space is limited, and traditional Strongboys might obstruct work.
Height & Positioning: Rules of Thumb for Propping Safely
Regardless of the system you choose, correct positioning and height are critical for safe and effective support.
How High Should You Prop?
For Strongboys:
- Position as close to the underside of the masonry as possible.
- On sound brick or blockwork maximum distance between props 3ft or 900mm.
- Never exceed a working height of 3m from a firm base for standard Strongboys.
For Prop Pal:
- Up to 600mm Wall Thickness Support.
- The maximum spacing for any needle support is 900mm.
- Ensure full engagement of locating plates to lock the system in place.
Choosing the Right System for Your Project
| Requirement | Strongboy | Prop Pal |
| Lateral force on the props which can cause them to bend. | Yes | No |
| Secure fastening to internal floors. | No | Yes |
| Thickness of wall support. | 225mm | Up to 600mm |
| Space for working beneath the opening. | Limited | Full access |
| Maximum load capacity. | 340kg per Strongboy | 1050kg per Prop Pal |
Strongboys area cost-effective solution, but for major structural alterations, Prop Pal offers a safer, more versatile, and less obstructive alternative.
Safe & Efficient Propping with Alliance Tool Hire
Choosing the right temporary support system is crucial for safe and efficient structural work. With the introduction of Prop Pal, we now offer an advanced alternative to Strongboys, providing:
- Stronger support for larger openings
- More working space for easier beam installation
- Certified load capacities for structural safety
Need advice on the best propping method for your project? Speak to our team at Alliance Tool Hire today!
