How To Install an Austral Fold Down Clothesline

How Do I Install My New Austral Fold Down Clothesline?

Installing a new Austral clothesline at home is easier than you might think—especially when you're equipped with the right instructions, tools, and expert tips.

Whether you’ve purchased a folding frame clothesline to save outdoor space or are replacing an older model, following the official Austral folding clothesline installation instructions ensures your line is secure, balanced, and long-lasting.

This guide simplifies the process, drawing from Austral’s official manual and highlighting key details like bracket placement, line tension, wall clearance, and more. Let's walk through how to professionally install your Austral folding frame clothesline for optimal performance.

Download the official Austral Fold Down Installation PDF

Table of contents

Why Choose an Austral Folding Frame Clothesline?

Austral is proudly Australian-made and owned, offering durable Austral folding frame clotheslines built to suit all home types and outdoor spaces. The Austral folding frame is a popular choice thanks to:

Space-saving folding design
Galvanised steel frames and powder-coated finish
Smooth arm and strut operation
UV-stable polycord lines
Compatibility with wall and post mounting

Whether you're mounting to a wall or need a free-standing setup with ground-mount kits, Austral clothesline installation is flexible and reliable.

Video - How to reduce the width of an Austral Fold Down Clothesline

What You’ll Need Before You Begin

Before you install your new Austral clothesline, make sure you have:

Tools & Materials:

Electric drill and bits
Measuring tape
Spirit level
Pencil for marking
Screws and wall plugs (for masonry installation)
Adjustable wrench or spanner
The supplied fittings (brackets, bolts, arms, strut, and cord)

Step-by-Step Folding Frame Installation Instructions for Your New Austral Clothesline

The following instructions apply to most Austral folding frame clotheslines, including the Compact, Standard, Addaline, and Slenderline models.

Select the Installation Location

Choose a wall or space that allows the frame to fully extend and fold down freely. Make sure the area:

Is flat and structurally sound
Offers clearance for the arms and brackets
Has direct sunlight for faster drying
Has enough vertical clearance to hang longer items

Tip: The clothesline height should be approx. 1800mm from the ground.

Mark Your Wall Bracket Positions

Use the wall brackets to mark the drilling points on the wall.
Ensure both sides are perfectly level using a spirit level.
Spacing between the wall brackets should match the full width of your Austral frame.

Refer to the installation instructions page in the PDF for exact model measurements.

Drill Holes and Attach the Wall Brackets

Drill into the wall at marked points.
Insert wall plugs if mounting to brick or masonry.
Secure the brackets using screws and washers.

Ensure the brackets are firm and do not move when you apply pressure.

Attach the Folding Frame to the Brackets

Slide the folding frame clothesline arms into the installed brackets.
Use the provided bolts or pins to fix the arms in place.
Make sure the frame moves freely up and down.

Install the Strut and Locking Mechanism

The strut is the tension bar that supports the arms when upright.
Attach it securely using the fittings provided.
Test the folding function by lifting the frame and hearing the strut lock into place.

Thread and Tension the Polycord Line

Thread the polycord through all holes in the frame, weaving through the pattern shown in the instructions.
Keep line tension consistent across all rows.
Tie off securely once complete.

Pro Tip: If the line sags after first use, it may need to be retensioned after a few days.

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Folding Clothesline Folding Instructions

Once installed, your Austral folding clothesline is designed to fold up and down with ease.

To fold the unit down, lift the front of the frame gently until the strut disengages, then guide the arms downward until the frame rests flat against the wall or posts.

To raise it again, simply lift the front frame until you hear the locking strut click into place.

These folding clothesline folding instructions ensure you can operate the unit safely and smoothly, without putting pressure on the lines or brackets. Always make sure all the lines are clear before folding the frame.

Need a Free-Standing Option?

If you can’t mount your Austral folding clothesline to a wall, the Austral Ground Mount Kit lets you install it as a free-standing unit in soil or concrete.

Standard kit for soil
Plated kit for concrete (bolt-down)

You’ll still follow the same steps above—just use the post mounting measurements included in the guide.

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What If I Need Help?

Austral recommends professional help if:

Your wall surface is fragile or uneven
You're unsure about measurements or mounting strength
You require a customised install in a tight or covered space
You want guaranteed warranty coverage

The Clothesline Store offers installation services that take care of the entire process for you—from delivery to setup.

The CLothesline Store Professional Services

Our team follows all Austral clothesline installation instructions to the letter.

Click here to book professional installation

Maintaining Your Austral Clothesline

Once installed, regular maintenance will help extend the life of your folding frame clothesline:

Wipe down all the lines and arms monthly
Check brackets and bolts yearly
Retension the cord if it sags
Don’t hang overly heavy or wet items that exceed line rating
Cover the unit in harsh weather (if recommended)

Final Thoughts

Installing your new Austral clothesline fold down clothesline is simple with the right tools, location, and instructions. Follow the official guide to ensure your folding clothesline performs optimally, whether it's wall-mounted or free-standing. With durable Australian engineering, easy folding design, and options for any space, Austral clotheslines are a reliable choice for modern homes.