Hire: Strongboy

Hire Strongboy masonry support brackets from Hall-Fast — the safest, fastest way to support brickwork above an opening while you install a new lintel, RSJ or steel beam. Used in conjunction with a standard Acrow prop, Strongboys eliminate the risk of wall collapse when you're cutting out masonry beneath load-bearing brickwork. Available for daily, weekly and long-term hire, with fast delivery across Nottingham, Mansfield, Sheffield, Leeds, Derby and the surrounding Midlands and Yorkshire regions.

Product code: HFHIRE065

What is a Strongboy and what is it used for?

A Strongboy is a heavy-duty steel masonry support bracket designed to provide temporary support for brickwork above a wall opening during structural alterations. It works by inserting a flat steel blade into a raked-out mortar joint between two courses of brick. The bracket then sits on top of a standard Acrow prop, transferring the load of the masonry above safely down to the floor.

Strongboys are essential kit for any job that involves removing masonry from a load-bearing wall, including:

• Fitting new lintels above doors and windows
• Installing RSJs (rolled steel joists) and steel beams
• Forming new openings in load-bearing walls
• Knock-throughs between rooms
• Bi-fold and patio door installations
• Chimney breast removal
• Repair work to damaged brickwork

Without proper masonry support, removing brick from beneath a load-bearing wall can cause sudden collapse — a serious safety risk and an expensive mistake. Strongboys are the industry-standard solution.

How Strongboys work with Acrow props

Strongboys and Acrow props are designed to be used together as a complete masonry support system:

1. Rake out a horizontal mortar joint above the proposed opening to the depth of the Strongboy blade
2. Hammer the Strongboy blade firmly into the joint so it sits flush against the brickwork
3. Position an Acrow prop directly beneath the bracket on a solid base plate
4. Wind up the Acrow prop until it takes the load of the masonry above
5. Repeat at intervals along the opening (typically every 450mm–600mm) to fully support the wall
6. Safely cut out the masonry beneath and install your lintel, RSJ or beam

Need both? We hire Acrow props and Strongboys together — call us for a combined hire quote.

Always work to the recommendations of a qualified structural engineer when carrying out alterations to load-bearing walls.

Why hire Strongboys from Hall-Fast?

Strongboys see heavy, occasional use rather than daily use — which makes them an obvious candidate for hiring rather than buying. You only need them when you're forming an opening, and the rest of the time they're taking up space in the van or yard.

When you hire from Hall-Fast you get:

• Fully inspected, ready-to-use brackets in good working condition
• Compatible with any standard Acrow prop (we hire those too)
• Flexible hire periods — daily, weekly or long-term
• Fast delivery and collection across the Midlands and Yorkshire
• Expert advice on quantities and prop sizes for your specific opening
• Competitive hire rates with no hidden extras

Key features of our hire Strongboys

• Heavy-duty welded steel construction for serious load-bearing applications
• Flat blade design slides into raked-out mortar joints up to standard depth
• Compatible with all standard Acrow props (Size 0–4)
• High safe working load when used correctly with a sound Acrow prop
• Easy to install and remove — no specialist tools required beyond a hammer
• Eliminates the risk of wall collapse during masonry removal
• Industry-standard solution used by builders, structural contractors and engineers nationwide

When do you need Strongboys?

You need Strongboys (and Acrow props) any time you're:

• Removing a load-bearing wall or part of one
• Forming a new doorway or window opening in existing masonry
• Installing a steel beam or RSJ to span a new opening
• Knocking through between two rooms
• Replacing a failed or damaged lintel
• Removing a chimney breast above ground floor level
• Carrying out emergency propping of damaged or unstable brickwork

If in doubt, always consult a structural engineer before starting work — and make sure you have the right number of Strongboys and Acrow props on site before you remove the first brick.

Strongboy hire across the Midlands & Yorkshire

Hall-Fast supplies Strongboy hire to builders, contractors and renovation specialists across:

East Midlands: Nottingham, Mansfield, Derby, Leicester, Loughborough, Coventry South Yorkshire: Sheffield, Chesterfield, Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham West Yorkshire: Leeds, Wakefield, Bradford, Halifax, Huddersfield

Nationwide delivery is available on request — just give us a call.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Strongboy used for? A Strongboy is used to temporarily support masonry above an opening while you install a new lintel, RSJ or beam. It's hammered into a raked mortar joint and supported from below by an Acrow prop, allowing you to safely remove brickwork beneath without the wall collapsing.

Do I need an Acrow prop to use a Strongboy? Yes. Strongboys are designed to work in conjunction with a standard Acrow prop, which transfers the load down to the floor. We hire both — call us for a combined Strongboy and Acrow prop quote.

How many Strongboys do I need? This depends on the width of the opening, the load above and the recommendations of your structural engineer. As a rough guide, Strongboys are typically spaced every 450mm–600mm along the opening. Our team can advise on suitable quantities for your job.

How is a Strongboy installed? You rake out a horizontal mortar joint above the proposed opening, hammer the Strongboy blade into the joint, position an Acrow prop beneath it, and wind the prop up until it takes the load.

Can I hire just one Strongboy? Yes — we offer flexible hire quantities from a single Strongboy upwards. However, most jobs require multiple Strongboys; speak to our team for advice.

Do you deliver Strongboys? Yes — we deliver across Nottingham, Mansfield, Sheffield, Leeds, Derby, Coventry and surrounding areas, with nationwide delivery available on request.

Is hiring cheaper than buying a Strongboy? For most contractors and homeowners, yes. Strongboys are specialist kit used occasionally, so hiring avoids both the upfront cost and the storage burden of owning them outright.

Need Strongboys on site fast? Call Hall-Fast on 01623 645645 or email sales@hall-fast.com to check availability, get a hire quote, and arrange delivery across the Midlands and Yorkshire. Our team will advise on the right quantity of Strongboys and matching Acrow props for your specific opening.