Handrail Gates and Hinges
Frequently asked questions
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Why use key clamp handrails?
Key clamp handrails are the best way to keep your workplace safe and secure.
Whether it’s helping your customers to avoid slips on stairways, or safeguarding workers during goods deliveries, a professional key clamp handrail system should be one of the first additions to your site.
Best of all, with Ezi Klamp, it couldn’t be easier to install your new key clamp handrail system. Simply read this buyer’s guide, then let our expert key clamp handrail suppliers take the stress out of ordering. All you have to do is send us a quick sketch or site dimensions – then relax as we work out all the fittings you’ll need for your made-to-measure key clamp handrail design.
There’s a good reason why key clamp handrail systems are used in sites across the UK. Key clamps are simply the strongest, most efficient and adaptable way to connect steel tubes and create a rock-solid everyday handrail. For a busy site manager, a key clamp handrail system means fewer accidents, reduced risk of insurance claims – and complete peace of mind.
Alongside that, with a key clamp handrail system, you can skip the time, expense and paperwork of a specialist welder. All that’s needed for installation is a standard Allen key and an employee to tighten the fittings – letting you get your site back up and running fast, while your competitors close for business to arrange an on-site welder and hot works permit.
There’s no limit to the things you can make from key clamps. With Ezi Klamp’s Bristol factory offering a complete range of fixtures and fittings – and our team of experts always on-hand with advice – our commercial and domestic customers have used key clamp handrail systems for:
- Carports & shelters
- Display stands
- Exhibition stands & traders stalls
- Garment rails
- Signage
- Storage racking
- Support structures
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How durable is a key clamp handrail system?
Once your key clamp handrail system is installed, you’re all done. Our key clamp fittings are constructed from corrosion-resistant galvanised steel and meet BS EN 1562 and BS EN 1563 standards, so they’ll survive heavy use and weather conditions, keeping your site secure for years to come. The added protection of galvanised steel – plus the fact that if a part ever does fail, it’s easy to order and install a replacement – means key clamp handrail fittings typically last seven times longer than the welded equivalent.
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What key clamp handrail components do I need?
It’s your site – and we’re ready to work with your spec. As the UK’s specialist key clamp suppliers, Ezi Klamp draws on our complete range of fittings and connectors to design a bespoke key clamp handrail system for even the largest multi-level sites. No other handrail system is so user-friendly and flexible.
You can trust Ezi Klamp to pick out the ideal key clamp components, whether that’s long tee fittings or sharp acute angles for a steep stairway. Meanwhile, our personal service gives you total flexibility. We offer a choice of steel tube diameters (26.9mm to 60.3mm), cut our standard 6.4m/3.2m-length tubes to suit you, and can even finish with polyester powder-coating in the RAL colour of your choice.
Order from Ezi Klamp and expect a smart, clean-finish key clamp handrail system that meets all the relevant building and safety regulations.
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What do I need to install a key clamp handrail?
Fortunately, key clamp handrail systems don’t require much equipment. Use our key clamp checklist below to make sure you have everything you need.
- An allen key (supplied free of charge with your order).
- Something to cut the tube with – ideally a metal cutting chopsaw, but a reciprocating saw, angle grinder or hacksaw can work too.
- A spirit level – magnetic is best
- An SDS drill
- An impact driver – useful for installing concrete fixings
- A tape measure and marker pen
Watch our video on how to install a key clamp handrail, or let us do the legwork and arrange installation for you. Get in touch for a quotation on this.
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Does my handrail system need to be DDA compliant?
If installed at a school, hospital or other building accessed by members of the general public, then yes, the handrail design is required by law to be compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). Please note that standard key clamp handrails are not DDA compliant – that is a different type of handrail (a DDA handrail system).
Read more about DDA compliance here or send your drawings, sketches or photographs to sales@eziklampsystems.com for a price on a DDA compliant handrail system.
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At what height should a handrail be installed?
Typically, a key clamp handrail is approximately 1–1.1m high
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Can I build my key clamp handrail on a slope or staircase?
There’s a wide range of key clamp fittings available to accommodate a slope, ramp or staircase if needed – e.g. ramp fittings adjustable between 0-11° (product codes 201 to 232); angled fittings designed for staircase handrails and steeper slopes; and swivel fittings able to accommodate almost any angle. View the full range here.
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What lengths does the tubing come in? Can you cut to size?
Tubes for key clamp handrails are stocked in 6.4m and 3.2m lengths. Please note that if your order is being delivered via courier, the 6.4m tubes will be trimmed down to 6.0m to fit on the van. We can cut the tube to bespoke lengths, just let us know your requirements.
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How many upright posts will I need?
For a key clamp handrail system, we recommend 1.5m spaces between posts. However, this can change depending on a few different factors, for example, if the handrail is used for edge protection on a drop. For specific advice on your project please give us a ring or send over your drawings and details to sales@eziklampsystems.com.
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What size of tube will I need for my handrail?
Tubes for key clamp handrails come in five different diameters, all suited to different applications. Key clamp actually has a variety of uses besides commercial handrails; see below for a quick guide on sizing and uses:
- Size 1. Not sturdy enough to use as a handrail. Used for:
- Lightweight clothes rails
- Size 2. Used for some handrails (most often where the rail will be used by an elderly person), plus:
- Clothes hanging rails (the ideal size for a clothes hanger!)
- Lightweight furniture
- Size 3. The most common size for handrails – it’s sturdy and also the perfect size for the average person’s hand to hold onto. Used for:
- Lighter weight guardrails
- Furniture
- Size 4. The same size as a scaffold tube. Used for:
- Heavy duty handrails
- Commonly used for guardrails
- Furniture
- Size 5. Very heavy duty – not recommended for use as a handrail; it’s too large for a person’s hand to comfortably hold. Used for:
- Industrial handrail and crash barriers
- Trolley bays
Please note that the dimension used is the outside diameter of the tube.
- Size 1. Not sturdy enough to use as a handrail. Used for:
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What's the finish on the key clamp fittings and tubes? Can I have a coloured finish?
We stock our tube and fittings in a galvanised finish for quick despatch. However, if you need a coloured finish, we can sort this too. Key clamp handrail components can be sent off for polyester powder coating to any standard RAL colour – view the options here.
Please be aware powder coating will extend the lead time by approximately 10 working days.
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Can you deliver?
Yes – no matter where you are in the UK, we dispatch the items for your key clamp handrail promptly for delivery by our couriers. Or, if you’re local to the Bristol area, you may find it more convenient to pop in to our trade counter – all standard items are in stock for collection.
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Can you price from my sketch or drawing?
Yes – if all of the above seems like too much to think about right now, then let us do the thinking for you! Many people aren’t confident with working out the items they’ll need for a key clamp handrail, or just don’t have time, so we provide a take-off service.
Simply email us your sketch, photos or drawings and we will do the hard work for you, working out and quoting for everything you need. Email sales@eziklampsystems.com or call 0117 970 2420 if you have any questions.
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Where can I order a key clamp handrail system?
Right here at Ezi Klamp! With our team boasting over 17 years’ experience, we’re one of the UK’s most respected key clamp suppliers, priding ourselves on taking the legwork out of key clamp handrail design. We’re ready to work with your plans – from a detailed blueprint to a rough sketch – source the right fittings from our Bristol factory and quote you the best possible price.
And when you’re ready to order, trust Ezi Klamp to move faster than our rivals, preparing your key clamp handrail system for prompt nationwide delivery – and even offering next-day delivery if you order before 3pm. It’s all part of our friendly personal service, dedicated to making your project run smooth and stress-free.
Download our brochure to find out more about our great ranges or contact us today to see how we can help your next project on 0117 970 2420 or email sales@eziklampsystems.com.