Installing a Sail Track Shade Sail

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Installing a Sail Track Shade Sail

So you’ve just received your shade sail, and looking for advice with installation? Or perhaps you’re trying to weigh up the options available to you, let us help! You can follow the written instructions below to complete your DIY installation, or our friendly factory team have made a video showing you EXACTLY how to install your custom made shade sail.

Instructions & Tips

Step 1: Unpack and Prepare the Sail

  • Unpack the sail you’ve received.
  • Remove all electrical tape from the wire grips on both sides of the sail.

Step 2: Insert the Sail into the Sail Track

  • Slide the entire sail into the sail track.
  • Ensure the sail enters with the curved edge (catenary) in the correct direction.
  • The exit point must come out at the correct end of the track.

Step 3: Terminate One End

  • Insert one termination fitting (wire grip) into the end of the sail track to hold the sail in place.
  • Use the rope provided to pull the sail across the track from the opposite end.
  • Pull as hard as you can, then place another screw to hold the sail firmly in position.

Step 4: Secure One End of the Sail

  • At this end of the sail, push the wire grips all the way up.
  • Tighten both wire grips securely on this end only.
  • Leave the opposite end loose for now—this allows movement for final positioning.

Step 5: Prepare the Loose End

  • Leave the wire and nuts completely loose on the other end. This allows the wire to slide in and out as you stretch the sail into position.

Step 6: Stretch and Position the Sail

  • Pull the sail tight into its final position.
  • Begin tensioning the sail by turning the nuts slowly.
  • The goal is to start tightening the sail so wrinkles begin to disappear.

Step 7: Repeat on All Corners

  • Repeat the tensioning process at the next corner.
  • As you tighten, the wrinkles should continue to come out of the fabric.

Step 8: Terminate the Loose End

  • Once the sail is in position and tight, etrminate the previously loose end.
  • Do up the wire grips securely.
  • Turn in all screws until they’re tight.

Step 9: Tension the Edges

  • Begin tightening all turnbuckles around the perimeter.
  • As you tighten, the edge wires will become taut and start pulling the sail into final shape.

Step 10: Final Lock-Off

  • Once everything is tensioned, lock off all nuts securely against the turnbuckles or fixings.
  • Ensure all terminations are properly secured.

Step 11: Tidy the Loose Wire Ends

  • Push any loose ends of wire back into the pockets so they are hidden and tidy.

Instructional Video

Prefer to see someone install a shade sail? Sometimes videos are just better!

Watch the video below to give you a visual step by step guide on how to install a shade sail using the sail track system:

We hope this helps provide you with enough knowledge to install your new shade sail, if you’re needing any further assistance, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 1800 300 319 or contact us online!