Pro Tips: Essential Tools for a Flawless AmeriGlide Rave 2 Installation

Installing your own AmeriGlide Rave 2 stairlift is a great way to save on installation costs, and the process is fairly straightforward if you have the right tools and know how. As an experienced technician, I can tell you that having your tools ready and organized before you start will saves you time, frustration, and a lot trips to the toolbox.

While AmeriGlide ships the unit with a few specialty tools, you will need a standard mechanics set to complete the job safely and efficiently. Here is the definitive checklist of exactly what you need and why you need it, organized by each step of the installation.

1. The Prep & Track Assembly Tools

Before you anchor anything to your stairs, you have to piece the rail sections together.

• 3/16-inch Hex (Allen) Key: Used to connect and secure the rail sections.

• Alternative Pro Tip: Use a 3/16-inch hex bit socket on a 3/8-inch drive ratchet. It provides much better leverage than a standard L-key and speeds up the process significantly.

2. Bracket Placement & Adjustment Tools

Once your rail is sitting on the stairs, it is time to position your support legs (brackets).

Tech Rule of Thumb: Place your first bracket on the very first step and the last bracket on the last or top step (never on the actual landings). Place the remaining legs evenly, making sure there are no more than 3 steps between any two brackets. Remember: Always place two foot brackets directly between the rail splice for maximum stability.

• 1/2-inch Deep Socket: Along with your 3/8-inch drive ratchet.

• 1/2-inch Wrench: Used in tandem with the socket to loosen the upper and lower foot brackets so you can slide them into position, and later lock them down tight.

Recommended Hardware:

Amazon Basics 46-Piece 3/8-Inch Drive Socket Set

3. Securing the Brackets to the Stairs

Once you are completely happy with the placement and alignment of your rail, it is time to fasten the legs permanently to the stairs. Every single leg requires 4 screws.

• 10mm Socket: Standard depth works wonderfully here.

• 8-inch Ratchet Extension: Do not skip this. You need a long extension on your 3/8-inch ratchet to comfortably reach past the bracket frames and drive the mounting screws straight into the stairs.

4. Carriage & Leveling Tools

With the track secured, you will slide the motorized carriage onto the rail. First, remove the rail end cap and slide out a few of the gear teeth for clearance.

• AmeriGlide Provided Torx & Allen Tools: These arrive in your shipment box. Use them to remove the factory end cap screws and eventually tighten the positioning screw that keeps the gear teeth locked tight.

• 1/2-inch or 14mm Deep Socket: You will need one of these sizes (depending on the exact hardware revision) to adjust the front and back bolts. This is how you perfectly level the chair so the rider enjoys a flat, comfortable ride.

5. Final Assembly (No Specialized Tools Needed)

Mounting the seat and the footrest onto the carriage is incredibly intuitive. The components are designed to slip into place easily without requiring any specialized mechanical tools.

To wrap up, simply slide your gear teeth back into the rail, re-secure the end cap using the provided factory tools, plug in the smart charger, and your AmeriGlide Rave 2 is ready for action!

Recommended Hardware:

MENTOL 20-Piece 3/8-Inch Drive Allen Hex Bit Socket Set