Short Answer: To complete a dock installation, you'll need dock brackets, post pipes, footpads, support braces, fasteners, and the right tools all matched to your dock type and water conditions.
Tackling a DIY dock build doesn't have to be overwhelming. The key is knowing exactly what hardware you need before you start. Tommy Docks makes that easy, from planning your boat dock system, upgrading your previous layout, to choosing the right brackets and footpads for your shoreline, this guide walks you through every piece of hardware in our catalog so you can get on the water faster and save time.
Normal Duty vs. Heavy Duty Dock Hardware
Every piece of Tommy Docks hardware is built for durability, corrosion resistance, and easy assembly. Our piping uses a galvanized coating that bonds a protective zinc layer directly to the steel, shielding it from moisture, wave action, and the elements for long-term strength. Both grades are non-corrosive and built for maximum security and longevity.
Normal-duty dock hardware (1.66" outside diameter) is best for:
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Light water currents and wave action
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Docking small to regular-sized watercraft
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Water depth under 7'
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Simple dock setups without a platform
Heavy-duty dock hardware (1.9" outside diameter) is best for:
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Strong currents and wave action
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Docking regular to large-sized watercraft
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Water depth over 7'
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Large platform dock sections
Please note that Tommy Docks hardware is not intended for use in brackish or salt waters.
Planning and Preparing for Dock Installation
Before you begin installing your dock, conduct a thorough site assessment by measuring water depth at various points and marking your desired layout with stakes and string or dock sections onshore.
Understanding your waterfront's conditions, including shoreline slope, bottom composition, and fluctuating water gauge height, is essential for selecting the right dock configuration and anchoring system; for instance, floating docks suit deep water and changing levels, while pipe docks are better for shallow, firm bottoms.
Secure all necessary permits by consulting local regulations and homeowners associations to avoid legal issues and fines. Having two people assist improves safety and efficiency, as dock sections can be heavy or awkward to position alone, ensuring correct assembly and anchoring.
Fixed Dock Brackets
Dock post brackets are the backbone of your stationary dock installation. They stabilize the frame, reduce stress at key connection points, and keep everything aligned. Tommy Docks brackets feature zinc-plated mounting hardware packed inside the pipe tube, a rust-protective gray polyester powder coating, and stainless steel adjustment bolts for years of hassle-free adjustments.
Take a look at our fixed dock pipe brackets:
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Bracket Type |
Description |
Normal Duty Link |
Heavy Duty Link |
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“A” Outside Corner Brackets |
Needed for each outside corner of your dock |
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“B” Straight Brackets |
Needed at each joint of straight connecting dock sections, end to end or side to side |
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“C” Inside Corner Brackets (2-way) |
Needed for each two-way outside corner or right-angle connection between dock sections |
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“D” Inside Corner Brackets (3-way) |
Needed at each perpendicular inside-corner connection of three dock sections |
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L-Pin Replacements |
Integral part locking two pieces together for easy installation and removal |
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Hook and Eye Seawall Bracket Set |
Securely attaches dock section to seawall or bulkhead (requires sixteen 7/16" bolts, not included) |
Floating Dock Brackets, Anchor Brackets, & Hinges
Our floating dock hardware is designed differently from fixed hardware because it needs to accommodate fluctuating water levels while keeping the dock securely anchored. This makes choosing the right anchoring system critical for safety and long-term stability, especially in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs where water levels change seasonally.
Take a look at our floating dock hardware:
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Floating Dock Brackets — Polyethylene brackets that bolt two floating dock sections together and double as bumpers to protect both the dock and watercraft. Requires four 7/16" diameter bolts per bracket (not included).
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Floating Dock Corner Bracket Kits — Attach floating dock sections at corners. Designed for ½" carriage bolts (not included). Available in 2" x 6" and 2" x 8" frame sizes.
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Floating Dock Hinges Set — 5" x 5" mounting plates for 2" x 6" lumber, maintaining an approximate 60-degree range of movement. Hole size 3/8", fasteners not included.
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Heavy-Duty Floating Dock Hinge Kits — For all floating dock applications. Designed for ½" carriage bolts (not included). Available in 2" x 6" and 2" x 8" frame sizes.
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Heavy-Duty Floating Dock Anchor Bracket Kits — Attach an anchor to your floating dock. Kit size should match your dock frame. Designed for ½" carriage bolts (not included). Available in 2" x 6" and 2" x 8" frame sizes.
Rolling Dock Hardware
Tommy Docks offers an easy way for DIY dock builders to mobilize their dock system by adding wheels. Our wheel system allows waterfront property owners to safely perform seasonal dock installation or move the location of their dock conveniently to land or storage. Using poly tires designed for durability and smooth rolling over various terrains, including rocky or muddy bottoms, makes this job easier and reduces risk of damage.
Take a look at our rolling dock hardware:
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Roll-in Dock Wheel Kit - Use this kit to convert your dock into a roll-in dock. Suggested and essential tools for use in hard or rocky bottom environments in water depths of 5' or less with a max dock length of 16'.
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Roll-in Dock Axle Bracket - Buy an individual axle.
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Roll-in-Dock Locking Collar - Buy an individual locking collar.
Having two people assist during dock installation is recommended to ensure safety and efficiency, especially when positioning and assembling dock sections, as teamwork helps reduce risk and makes the job faster and more manageable.
Dock Footpads & Auger Feet
The right footpad keeps your dock posts anchored to the lake bottom and prevents settling over time. Matching your footpad to your lake bottom type is essential so you can mix and match if conditions vary by depth.
Take a look at our footpads:
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Footpad Type |
Description |
Normal Duty Link |
Heavy Duty Link |
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Standard Footpads |
Ideal for solid lake bottoms, attach to the bottom of each post pipe for stable support. |
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Muck Footpads |
Designed for mucky lake bottoms, provide a wider base to prevent sinking, attach to post pipe bottoms. |
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Auger Foot |
Suitable for soft lake bottoms, screw into the lakebed for secure anchoring, attach to post pipe bottoms. |
Support Braces, Pipe Guide Kits, & Pipes
Support braces provide structure and stability for your dock system by opting for the best posts, braces, and adjustable legs. Using adjustable legs is crucial, as they make it easy to level and adjust the dock for stability allowing you to make precise adjustments to the dock's height and alignment without having to get into the water. Our top-notch pipes give you the hardware you need to secure your dock, even in rougher water conditions.
Comparative Chart of Dock Hardware Components
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Component |
Purpose/Use |
Normal Duty Specifications |
Heavy Duty Specifications |
Notes |
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Support Braces |
Connect and support dock posts below waterline |
60” length, suitable for water depth > 60” |
60” length, suitable for large platform sections |
Provide extra stability in deeper water or large platforms |
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Fixed Dock Pipes |
Create vertical structure of fixed docks |
Sizes: 4', 6', 8' & 10' (some shippable) |
Sizes: 4', 6', 8' & 10' (some shippable) |
Length calculated as water depth + 18” plus extra for drilling and auger feet |
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Floating Dock Pipe Guide Kits |
Upgrade floating docks with pipe, auger, sleeve bracket, safety cap |
Kits available in 6', 8', and 10' lengths |
Same as normal duty |
Compatible with wood and metal docks; 10' kits special order and non-shippable |
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Bolts (Stainless Steel) |
Secure framing sections |
2” bolts for aluminum frames |
4” bolts for cedar frames |
Use bolts specific to frame type for maximum stability |
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Winch Leveling System |
Leveling without getting into water |
Fits dock post pipes up to 2” diameter |
Same as normal duty |
Facilitates smooth installation, adjustment, and removal |
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Tools |
Aid in assembly and maintenance |
Drop-In “T” Handle, Auger Wrench |
Same as normal duty |
Essential for easy removal, replacement, and breaking through lake-bed materials |
This chart summarizes the key hardware components available in both normal and heavy-duty options from Tommy Docks, highlighting their purpose, specifications, and special notes to assist you in selecting the right parts for your dock installation project.
Bolts
High-quality fasteners are a key component of any dock installation. Tommy Docks offers specific fasteners for our aluminum frame and cedar dock frame sections.
Take a look at our bolts:
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2” Stainless Steel Bolt - Use these ultra-strong bolts for firmly securing aluminum dock frame sections only.
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4” Stainless Steel Bolt - Use these extra-long bolts to add stability when fastening your cedar frame dock sections together.
Winches
A winch is an irreplaceable dock-building tool, allowing you to level your dock without getting in the water. Our innovative leveling system can be used with one of our dock floats to make installation, adjustment, and removal of sections as smooth and seamless as possible.
Take a look at our winches:
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Winch Leveling System - Use this winch to level your dock. Fits over up to 2” dock post pipes.
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Leveling Hook - Buy a replacement leveling hook for your winch kit.
Tools
Having the right dock-building tool kit makes installing and maintenance easier. Keeping replacement parts on hand for repairs, and regularly inspecting your dock, especially after winter, helps ensure it stays safe and functional.
Take a look at our basic tools:
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Drop-In "T" Handle — Quickly removes dock panel sections from the frame for maintenance or replacement.
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Auger Wrench — Drives auger feet through muck, clay, and other lake-bed materials for a solid dock foundation.
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Removal Tools — Essential for safe and easy disassembly and removal of dock sections during seasonal installing or relocation.
Seasonal Considerations and Maintenance
Seasonal dock installation allows you to remove your dock during harsh winters to prevent damage from ice and fluctuating water levels. Using rolling dock hardware with poly tires and removal tools makes this process easier and safer.
After winter storage, inspect your dock for signs of wear, loose connections, or damaged parts. Timely repairs and replacement parts help maintain security and safety throughout the season.
Ready to Start Your Dock Installation?
Whether you're building from scratch or upgrading an existing setup, Tommy Docks has everything you need for a successful DIY dock installation. Choose from our complete dock packages, design a custom dock, or shop individual hardware to round out your build. Have questions?
Contact us online or download our product catalogs and guides to help you plan your project. We're here to help you get on the water safely and enjoy your waterfront all season long.
