The wide downspout bracket is self-locking and simply wraps around the downspout. It has 2 locking positions. The first position allows you to adjust the downspout. When you firmly push into the second position it tightens and wraps securely around the downspout. Holding it firmly in place. Two (2) brackets per downspout (10') is recommended. Should you damage your downspout, you can easily open the bracket to change the damaged downspout. Just take a flat head screwdriver into the holes of the bracket and gently pry it open. The legs protrude 1" so you always get air behind the downspout. You do not put any screws into the downspout itself.