Does anyone have complete instructions on assembling a Wesley Allen iron bed? What do I do with the washers?

Question

I have a Wesley Allen complete bed in queen size that I've assembled but I haven't put a box spring or mattress on it yet because I don't know what to do with the washers that came with the rest of the parts. It's an iron bed with no wood anywhere in the design. Where should I use the washers? I'm looking for anyone who has assembled a Wesley Allen complete bed or who works for Wesley Allen or any store that has sold Wesley Allen and who might be able to provide some insight as to how to use these washers. Thanks.

I've scanned the instructions into my computer & I'm hosting them at Image Shack. Go here to see them. http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/2199/img054zv3.jpg

Answer 1

Washers ALWAYS go between bolts and metal to prevent scratching and scraping

Answer 2

Wow, that's a seriously unclear drawing! And I don't see any washers there. Here is a useful article talking about what washers do for a connection. http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mwasher.html

"A humble flat washer is used for many purposes, some proper and some not. The two most common proper purposes are:

To distribute the pressure of the nut or bolt evenly over the part being secured, reducing the chance of damage thereto, and
To provide a smooth surface for the nut or bolt to bear on, making it less likely to loosen as a result of an uneven fastening surface."

A washer also helps prevent fasteners from loosening when there's a transverse load (side-to-side movement).

I don't know how many washers you have. But I suggest you look at the places where the fasteners are applied. I think you would definitely need washers where the headboard and footboard connect to the side rails, because there's going to be a lot of stress and force from different directions. Also, those v-supports are carrying a heavy load being transferred from the bed to the floor, so washers would help there. If I had to choose a place NOT to use washers, it would be in the 'illustration 2' instance.

Order of priority, for usefulness of washers:

1. Illustration 1 and 4.

2. Illustration 3.

3. Illustration 2.

The parts list says you're supposed to have flange nuts. (http://www.allproducts.com/manufacture7/gainhope/6923.html) A flange nut has a built-in washer -- a wider contact surface. If you have only a few washers, you might want to use them wherever ther is no flange nut. Looks like that's at the leg connections.