How to Use the Vertical Bolt Plate for Shipping Containers
The vertical bolt plate is a heavy-duty fixing plate designed to attach horizontal beams directly on top of a shipping container using the Domino Clamp system. It creates a strong, adjustable fixing point for roof beams, platforms, and solar panel frameworks without damaging the container.
In this guide, we’ll explain how the vertical bolt plate works, how it attaches to a Domino Clamp, and the different ways it can be used for heavy-duty and height-sensitive container builds.
What Can the Vertical Bolt Plate Be Used For?
The vertical bolt plate allows horizontal beams to be bolted directly on top of the container by extending a steel plate upward from the Domino Clamp. This creates a rigid fixing point for timber structures that need to sit above the container roof rather than beside it.
When bolted to a Domino Clamp fixed into the container’s corner casting, the vertical bolt plate transfers loads into the container’s structural frame, rather than into the corrugated walls or roof panels.
It is particularly useful for:
- Heavy-duty roof structures
- Platforms and roof decks
- Flat-roof solar panel frameworks
- Structural beams sitting on top of the container
- Projects requiring precise beam height alignment
How to install and use the Vertical Bolt Plate
The Domino Clamp is fixed into the container’s corner casting. The vertical bolt plate is then bolted to the Domino Clamp using either the M12 set screws and washers, or the countersunk set screws as required.
The remaining bolt holes and slots can be used to attach your construction materials to the rigid stainless steel plate however you require. The plate provides two slotted holes that allow a horizontal wooden beam to be bolted securely using coach bolts (lag bolts) or M12 (½″) set screws.
By rotating or reversing the plate, several installation options are possible.
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Standard upright orientation The plate is mounted vertically above the Domino Clamp using countersunk M12 set screws, giving a neat, flush finish to attach further framing or cladding to the front face if required. . Two height positions are available. The slotted holes at the top allow timber or other materials to be fixed at the required height.
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Reverse upright orientation Functionally identical to the standard upright position, but uses the hex head M12 set screws instead of countersunk fixings. In this way, additional materials can be bolted to the container at the same time.
- Reverse inverted orientation With the slotted holes positioned at the bottom, the plate height can be adjusted on the Domino Clamp to precisely meet the uppermost side of the beam or material being supported. In this configuration, the beam is fixed using the 13mm diameter round holes, providing a solid and repeatable connection.
Heavy-Duty and Height-Adjustable Beam Fixing
Because all vertical loads transfer into the container’s structural corner casting, the vertical bolt plate creates an extremely strong fixing point suitable for roofs, decks, and other heavy-duty applications, allowing for even heavier loads than can be held by the Domino Clamp alone.
This makes it ideal for builds where:
- A beam must sit directly on top of the container
- Beam height needs to be aligned precisely
- Loads are higher than typical side-mounted attachments
- Structural rigidity is a priority
You can read more about how to use the Vertical Bolt Plate when building a roof for your shipping container
Final Thoughts
The vertical bolt plate is a practical solution for attaching heavy-duty horizontal beams and other material on top of a shipping container without modifying the container itself. Its ability to provide a strong, adjustable fixing point makes it particularly useful for roof structures, platforms, and solar panel installations. Made from Stainless steel.
To view specifications and ordering details, visit the vertical bolt plate product page.
Further Helpful Links
To compare the vertical bolt plate with other options, explore our article on
introducing our range of shipping container brackets.
