Upgrade your project with our premium 42.4 mm galvanised steel tube, featuring a robust 3.0 mm wall and manufactured to EN10255 (S195 grade) for long-lasting performance. Available in 1 m, 1.5 m, 2 m, and 3 m lengths, these tubes offer excellent corrosion resistance and seamless compatibility with all 42.4 mm tube clamp fittings. Perfect for handrails, barriers, racking, retail displays, furniture frames, playground equipment, disabled-access ramps, and agricultural builds. *Please note this tube is not suitable for scaffolding.*
Key features & specifications
- Outside diameter: 42.4 mm.
- Wall thickness: 3.0 mm.
- Inside diameter: 36.4 mm.
- Standards: EN 10255 (formerly BS 1387, medium series).
- Material grade: S195.
- Finish: Hot-dip galvanised steel – minimum 50 micron coating.
- Weight: Approximately 2.73 kg per metre / 5.46 kg per 2 m length.
- Ultimate tensile strength: 405.3 N/mm².
- Excellent corrosion resistance: Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Complete your handrail system.
We also stock a full range of galvanised steel handrail tubes in other popular sizes, including 33.7mm x 3mm and 26.9mm x 2.5mm, as well as standard new 48.3mm scaffold tubes and a wide selection of compatible 42.4mm tube clamps for easy, weld-free assembly.
Product FAQs
Which size tube clamp fittings do I need for this tube?
The D48 (or Size 8) is a standard size fitting used across most tube clamp systems, including Key Clamp, Q-Clamp, and Interclamp. These fittings are designed for tubes with an outer diameter of 42.4mm. This size is widely used in modular framework applications, such as handrails, guardrails, and other structural systems.
Is this tube the same as the “42mm tube” everyone talks about for handrails?
Yes – the 42.4mm outside diameter tube is the UK and European industry-standard size for modular handrailing systems using tube clamps. It is often referred to simply as “42mm tube”.
Can I use this tube outdoors permanently?
Absolutely. It is hot-dip galvanised to a minimum 50-micron coating and meets EN10255 standards, providing excellent long-term corrosion resistance in outdoor and even coastal environments.
What is the actual outside diameter – is it 42mm or 42.4mm?
The correct outside diameter is 42.4mm (±0.4mm tolerance). It is universally called “42mm tube” in the trade, but the precise measurement is 42.4mm, which matches perfectly with all 42.4mm/Size 8 clamps.
How much weight can a handrail made from this tube support?
A handrail made from 42.4mm × 3.0mm tube, when properly installed with suitable tube-clamp fittings and correct spacing (typically 1.5 to 2 meters apart), can support a minimum load of 0.74 kN/m, as required by British Standard BS 6180:2011 for commercial and public-area use. This load requirement may be higher depending on the design and application. With proper installation and materials, this setup ensures the handrail meets the required safety and durability standards for public and commercial spaces.
Can I weld this tube?
Yes, it is weldable S195 mild steel, but be aware that welding will burn off the galvanisation at the joint. Welded areas should be cold-galvanised or painted with a zinc-rich paint afterwards to restore corrosion protection.
Is this tube structural or just decorative?
It is fully structural – manufactured to EN10255 S195 with a minimum yield strength of 195 N/mm² and ultimate tensile strength of 405.3 N/mm².
Is this tube safe for children’s playground equipment?
Yes – the 42.4 mm galvanised steel tube is widely used throughout the UK for playgrounds, goal posts and climbing frames when installed to EN 1176 standards.
Q & A
42.4mm x 3mm Galvanised Steel Handrail Tube
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