What are Scaffolding Clamps?
Scaffolding clamps are metal connectors used to secure steel pipes to realize different functions. They are also known as scaffolding couplers, scaffold fittings, scaffold tube clamps, scaffold pipe clamps, scaffold connectors, and scaffold joints. They are the most fundamental and essential components in tube and coupler scaffolding systems.
Components of Scaffolding Clamps
Different scaffolding may have different components, but most of them have the following basic parts:
Clamp Base
The clamp base is the foundation of the clamp, typically used to support and secure other parts of the scaffold clamp. It comes into contact with the scaffold tube, ensuring the stability and safety of the clamp.
Clamp Cap
The clamp cap is the upper part of the clamp, which is movable. It is usually used to cover and protect the internal structure of the clamp. It works in conjunction with the clamp base to ensure a tight connection and stability.
• Bolt
The bolt is a fastener within the clamp, used to secure the various parts of the clamp together. It typically passes through the clamp base and clamp cap, and is tightened with a nut to ensure a secure connection.
Nut
The nut is used in conjunction with the bolt to fasten the clamp components together. It is typically used with the bolt, and is tightened by rotating the nut to secure the bolt.
Rivet
The rivet is another type of fastener, used to secure certain parts of the clamp together. It is fixed in the metal parts of the clamp through cold or hot pressing, providing additional fastening force and stability.
Washer
The washer is used between the bolt and nut. Its main function is to increase the contact area between the bolt and nut, reducing pressure and preventing direct damage to the metal surface of the clamp. Washers can also prevent loosening of the bolt and nut, improving the stability and safety of the connection.
What are Suitable Pipe Diameters for Scaffolding Clamps?
48.3mm Scaffold Tubes
48.3mm steel tubes are the most common scaffold poles in all scaffolding systems. Therefore, most clamps are designed to connect 48.3mm tubes.
42.7mm Tubes
42.7mm tubes are commonly used in the manufacturing of frame scaffolding, which is widely used in the United States. Thus, clamps suitable for 42.7mm tubes are required.
60mm & 76mm Tubes
These tubes are mainly used in shoring frames and scaffolding post shores. Clamps with 60mm & 76mm diameters are used to secure these tubes.
89mm Tubes
In sidewalk sheds, the most commonly used sidewalk bridge legs are made of heavy-duty steel tubes with a diameter of 89mm/3.5”. The corresponding clamps are 89mm in size.
Types of Scaffolding Clamps
Based on Production Process and Materials, scaffolding clamps are divided in three types:
Forged Clamps
Forged scaffolding clamps are typically made of malleable cast iron or cast steel. The forging process involves shaping the metal material into the desired clamp shape under high temperature and pressure, thereby increasing the material's density and strength. This process makes forged scaffolding clamps highly durable and capable of bearing heavy loads.
Stamped Clamps/ Pressed Steel Clamps
Stamped scaffolding clamps are usually made of carbon steel. The stamping process involves placing metal sheets into a stamping die and applying pressure to deform them into the required clamp shape. This process allows for the efficient production of large quantities of clamps, offering cost-effectiveness and high production efficiency, although they may not be as strong or load-bearing as forged clamps.
Casting Clamps
Casting scaffolding clamps are typically made of cast iron or cast steel. The casting process involves pouring molten metal into a mold and allowing it to cool to form the desired clamp shape.
Based on Function:
Right Angle Clamps
Right angle clamps, also called fixed couplers, double couplers, are the most commonly used scaffold connectors, used to connect tubes at a 90-degree angle. They have good stability and load-bearing capacity and are typically used to form the basic framework of scaffolding, ensuring structural stability and safety.
Swivel Clamps
Swivel clamps allow scaffold tubes to be connected at various angles, providing flexibility for complex structures. These clamps can rotate, allowing tubes to be connected at any angle, increasing the adaptability and flexibility of the scaffolding.
Putlog Clamps/ Single Couplers
Putlog clamps are a special type of clamp, usually used to connect scaffold tubes to walls or other structures. Their design resembles a pig's ear, providing additional support and stability.
Beam Clamps
Beam clamps, also called gravlock clamps, or girder couplers, are used to connect scaffold tubes to beams, ensuring the stability and safety of the beams. They are typically used in scaffolding structures that require beam support.
External Clamps/ Sleeve Couplers
External clamps are used to connect scaffold tubes to external structures, such as the outer walls of buildings or other external support structures.
Board Retaining Clamps
Board retaining clamps are used to secure wooden or metal boards on scaffolding, ensuring the stability and safety of the boards. They are commonly used on scaffold work platforms to provide a safe working environment.
Ladder Clamps
Ladder clamps are used to secure ladders or other climbing equipment on scaffolding, ensuring the stability and safety of the equipment.
Surface Treatments for Scaffolding Clamps
Electroplating/ Electro Glavanized
Electroplating is the most common surface treatment for scaffolding clamps. It involves forming a metal coating on the clamp surface through an electrochemical reaction. This treatment is cost-effective and provides rust and corrosion protection. Electroplating can be divided into blue-white zinc plating, white zinc plating, and color zinc plating.
Hot-Dip Galvanizing
Hot-dip galvanizing is the best surface treatment for corrosion resistance. It involves immersing the clamp in molten zinc to form a thick zinc coating, which can withstand extreme weather and provide the longest service life. This treatment is more expensive. Hot-dip galvanizing can be divided into shiny galvanizing and gray galvanizing, with German-style clamps often opting for gray galvanizing.
Painting
Painting is another surface treatment method, involving spraying a layer of paint onto the clamp surface to provide corrosion protection and decorative effects. This treatment is relatively low-cost and offers an economical option. Different colors and types of paint can be chosen to meet various needs.
How to Ensure the Quality of a Scaffolding Clamp?
Material Quality
Ensure the clamp is made of high-quality materials from reputable suppliers, avoiding the use of scrap materials.
Dimensional Tolerance
The dimensions and tolerances of the clamp must meet industry standards to ensure a tight fit with scaffold tubes. This includes conducting roundness tests and anti-slip tests.
Surface Treatment Quality
Inspect the quality of the clamp's surface treatment, such as electroplating or hot-dip galvanizing.
Mechanical Performance Testing
The clamp must undergo mechanical performance testing to ensure it can withstand expected loads and stresses.
Safety Standards
The clamp must comply with international and national standards, such as EN74 and BS1139, which ensure the safety and reliability of the clamp.
Applications of Scaffolding Clamps
Scaffolding clamps have a wide range of applications across various industries and projects:
• Construction
Suitable for high-rise buildings, bridges, dams, and other large construction projects.
• Municipal Engineering
Used in road and bridge construction and maintenance of municipal facilities.
• Industrial Applications
Temporary support and work platforms in the manufacturing and maintenance of aircraft, ships, power plants, boilers, storage tanks, petrochemical facilities, and shipyards.
• Transportation
Used in railway vehicles, highways, high-speed rail, and port and shipping projects.
• Large Cultural and Sports Events
Used to construct temporary facilities such as grandstands and stages for large events.
Conclusion
The above introduction provides an overview of what scaffolding clamps are, including their components, types, suitable tube diameters, surface treatments, and applications. Tuopeng Scaffold specializes in providing and exporting various types of clamps. With over 15 years of production experience, we can offer you the best quality and prices. Our clients are located worldwide, and we welcome your inquiries.