Vandal Stop Product Installation Guide

Proper installation is crucial for the security, longevity, and warranty validity of your Vandal Stop products. Please review these guidelines carefully before beginning installation.

Critical Mounting Hardware Requirements

Appropriate hardware is essential for secure installation and to maintain warranty coverage against vandalism. Unless specifically stated otherwise for a particular product, the following guidelines apply:

General Hardware Specifications:

Diameter: 3/8” diameter mounting hardware is required for all primary mounting points.
Engagement Depth: A minimum of 3” engagement depth into the structural wall material (e.g., stud, concrete, block) is required.
Depth Exception: If 3” of depth is not achievable due to the inherent limitations of the wall material (e.g., thinner partitions, some hollow block scenarios), then the maximum secure depth possible for that particular approved mounting type must be achieved.
Number of Fasteners: Utilize at least four (4) mounting holes/fasteners for most products. Narrower items, such as certain soap dispensers, may be an exception and allow for the use of two (2) mounting holes on their centerline if designed as such. Always use all provided mounting points on the product.

Not Approved for Warranty Coverage	Approved for Warranty Coverage against Vandalism

Surface-Specific Mounting Guidance:

Concrete & Cinder Block Walls:
- Appropriate 3/8” diameter anchoring hardware designed for concrete or cinder block is necessary (e.g., heavy-duty sleeve anchors, wedge anchors, lag shields with lag screws, or concrete screws).
- Ensure anchors are rated for the load and achieve the specified engagement depth.
Wood Frame with Sheetrock Walls:
- Whenever possible, anchor directly into wood studs using 3/8” diameter lag screws or other appropriate wood fasteners.
- Many Vandal Stop products are wider than standard 16” stud spacing, meaning not all mounting holes may align with two studs. In such cases:
  - New Construction: It is **required** to install 3/4” plywood backing securely between studs. This provides a solid, continuous mounting surface for all hardware.
  - Existing Construction (Retrofit):
    - Secure to at least one wood stud with appropriate 3/8” fasteners.
    - For mounting points not aligning with a stud, it is **required** to use robust 3/8” diameter toggle bolts, heavy-duty hollow wall anchors (e.g., Snaptoggles®), or similar solutions that securely engage the backside of the sheetrock and are rated for significant pull-out strength.
Metal Partitions or Walls:
- Use 3/8" diameter bolts with nuts and washers.
- Back-to-back through-bolting is strongly recommended, especially if theft is a concern (see "Securing Your Installation Against Theft" below).

Important Warning Regarding Hardware & Warranty:

To maintain full warranty protection against vandalism, your installer MUST use the specified 3/8” diameter mounting hardware appropriate for your wall type and achieve the required secure engagement.
Using undersized (e.g., screws smaller than 3/8" diameter) or incorrect hardware types (e.g., standard sheetrock screws directly into drywall without proper anchoring, backing, or into studs) for the primary load-bearing points **may void your product’s warranty coverage against vandalism.**
Standard sheetrock screws alone are NOT sufficient for secure mounting or warranty coverage.

Why We Don't Include Mounting Hardware:

Vandal Stop Products does not include mounting hardware by default. Our products are installed in a vast array of surfaces—including wood, concrete, cinder block, sheetrock, and metal partitions—and each scenario demands specific types of 3/8" diameter fasteners.

Providing a universal hardware pack to cover all these possibilities with the correct 3/8" heavy-duty hardware would be cost-prohibitive and wasteful. While we do offer a limited selection of common hardware options for purchase on our website, we generally recommend that for the most cost-effective and application-specific solutions, you procure the appropriate 3/8" mounting hardware from your local hardware store or preferred builder supply.

Securing Your Installation Against Theft

While our products are built for toughness, we always recommend that customers consider additional security measures, especially in areas prone to theft or tampering.

Most (though not all) of our products typically have at least one mounting hole that is obscured or protected when the unit is closed and locked, offering a deterrent.
For enhanced security, consider using:
- Anti-theft fasteners: Security screws or bolts that require specialized bits for removal.
- Thread-locking compound: Applying a product like Loc-Tite® (or similar) to the threads of your mounting hardware can prevent them from being easily unscrewed.
- Through-bolting: For hollow walls or metal partitions, using bolts that pass completely through the wall and are secured with nuts and washers on the backside is a very effective anti-theft measure.

Approved for Warranty Coverage against Vandalism AND Theft

Warranty Note on Theft: Our standard product warranty **does not cover the theft** of products stolen off the wall. Proper installation with robust hardware is your first line of defense. For customers seeking an added layer of protection and potential warranty extension against theft, we offer specialized **Vandal Stop Theft-Proof Security Mounting Hardware Kits.** These kits feature unique security fasteners. Please refer to the kit's documentation or contact us for details on any associated theft protection warranty.

Lock Information

Padlocks: If your Vandal Stop product model is designed to be secured with a padlock, **we do not provide the padlock.** Most of our customers have existing keyed-alike padlock systems. Standard padlocks can be purchased as an accessory from our website or any local hardware store.
Integrated Cylinder Locks: For products that feature an integrated keyed cylinder lock (e.g., many of our soap dispensers), **keys are provided with the unit.**
- We strive to key all units with cylinder locks alike for your convenience when multiple units are part of the same order.
- However, due to occasional changes in lock suppliers based on availability and product improvements, the exact key type or lock mechanism may vary over time.
- If you require replacement keys or encounter issues with older locks due to such a change, please contact us. We will do our best to assist you in finding a solution, which may include options for new compatible locks if keys for an older style are no longer obtainable.

Installation Process & Support

Specific, step-by-step installation instruction sheets are generally **not included in the product packaging.** We believe the straightforward design of our products, combined with the expected competence and experience of professional installers, typically makes detailed printed instructions for every minor variation unnecessary.

However, we understand that unique site conditions or installation challenges can arise. If your installer encounters any difficulties, requires clarification, or needs guidance during the installation process, please do not hesitate to **contact Vandal Stop Products directly.** Our team is available to provide support and advice to ensure a secure and successful installation.

Disclaimer: Proper installation is the responsibility of the purchaser and their installer. Vandal Stop Products is not liable for damage, injury, or warranty invalidation resulting from improper installation or the use of incorrect/insufficient mounting hardware. Always ensure installations comply with local building codes and standards.