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The Ultimate Guide to Scaffold Tubes
The Ultimate Guide to Scaffold Tubes
Steel scaffold tubes are essential components within the construction industry and are used for their strength and durability. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about scaffold tubes and what they are used for.
What is a scaffolding tube?
A scaffold tube is a hollow tubular piece of galvanised steel that is strong and durable, also referred to as a pole or pipe. They are available in multiple lengths and are essential for building temporary scaffold structures that allow users to access areas safely at height.
What length do scaffold tubes come in?
Scaffold tubes are typically available in 5ft, 6ft, 8ft,10ft, 13ft, 16ft, and 21ft lengths. However, they can be cut down to different sizes if required. Browse our full range of new & used galvanised scaffold tubes in all standard lengths.
What is the inside diameter of a scaffold tube?
The inside diameter of a standard scaffold tube is 48.3mm.
What is the minimum thickness of a scaffold tube?
The minimum thickness of a scaffold tube is 3.2mm, which is a high-yield tube; however, a standard scaffolding tube is 4.0mm thick.
How are tubes used on a scaffold structure?
The tubes create the scaffold framework and are connected using couplers and clamps to form the temporary platform. Below, we detail how scaffold tubes are used within a structure.
Standards: These are the vertical uprights or legs of the frame that take and transfer the weight of the scaffolding to the ground. Base plates, on which the tube is placed, are used along with timber sole boards to help spread the load.
Ledgers: These are tubes placed in a horizontal position across the length of the structure to create the scaffold lifts and support the working platform. They are fixed to the standards using double couplers, and the transoms using putlog couplers (singles).
Transoms: They span across the two ledger tubes, which support the scaffold boards that create the working platform. A transom tube is usually 5ft or 6ft long.
Rakers: This tube connects to the front of the scaffold and is diagonally placed on the ground to provide increased stability and lateral support.
Diagonal braces: Are essential to a scaffold because they stabilise the structure. The top of the brace is primarily fixed to the ledger tube using a double coupler; they are placed in a diagonal position and secured at the bottom using a swivel coupler. However, they can also be fixed double to double on non-working lifts.
Handrails: These tubes provide fall protection on a working platform and are fixed around the perimeter of boarded lifts to help prevent users from falling.
What are scaffold tubes made from?
Scaffold tubes are made from galvanised steel because this metal offers strength and durability.
How long is the longest scaffold tube?
The longest length of scaffold tube is 21ft (6.4m).
Are scaffold tubes galvanised?
Yes, steel scaffold tubing is galvanised, where a protective zinc coating is applied to the tube to prevent rust and corrosion; this helps preserve the tube and protect it against long periods of exposure to the elements.
Do scaffold tubes rust?
Scaffold tubing can rust when not correctly treated or protected. Steel is susceptible to corrosion when exposed to moisture and oxygen, so scaffolding tubes are hot-dipped (galvanised) with a zinc coating. However, they may still rust if the tubes have not been adequately maintained or are exposed to extremely harsh conditions for long periods.
What are scaffold tubes used for?
They primarily create scaffold structures and working platforms to access hard-to-reach areas for construction, maintenance, renovations, inspections, and film and television production projects. However, they can also be used for creating other structures, which include:
- Children climbing frames and other climbing equipment like monkey bars and fireman poles.
- Handrails for industrial-style staircases and landings.
- Racking for storage, including canoes, bikes, equipment, and scaffolding.
- Supports for trees.
- Framework for creating signage and banners at events, summer fates and festivals.
- Stands for large outdoor art exhibitions.
- Single tubes can be used as a flag pole or washing line.
- Gym equipment like pull-up bars and supporting a body training system.
- Framework for creating shaded areas for animals/livestock in fields.
- Furniture framework for bedframes, chairs and tables.
- Guardrails on jetties.
- Market stall frames.
- Plus much more
As you can see, a steel scaffold tube is hugely versatile and is popular due to its durability and longevity.
What is the British standard for scaffold tubes?
The British standard for steel scaffold tubes is BS1139 or BS EN10219 for high-yield galvanised steel tubes.
Can you cut steel scaffolding tubes?
Yes, scaffold tubes can be cut, and it is often required to adjust the tubing length to fit specific projects. You can cut scaffolding tubes using a circular saw, hacksaw, cutting torch or disk cutter.
When cutting a tube, please ensure you wear the correct PPE and are in a ventilated area.
How strong are steel scaffold tubes?
These high-quality tubes have been designed to withstand heavy loads and various conditions. The working tensile load of a steel scaffold tube is around 79kN, which is around 8 tonnes.
What is the steel grade of a scaffold tube?
The standard grades used for steel scaffolding tubes are:
- The 4mm hot dipped galvanised tube is graded S235GT, suitable for general purposes with moderate strength.
- The 3.2mm high-yield galvanised tube is graded S355jOH, higher-strength steel with improved mechanical properties.
The choice of steel grade will depend on the specific requirements of your project, such as the expected load and environment.
Is it a scaffold tube or pole?
A tube or a pole is the same thing. Scaffolders refer to them as tubes, but others call them poles or pipes; there is no difference.
What is the load capacity of a scaffold tube?
A single scaffold tube with a 48.3mm diameter and nominal wall thickness of 4mm has a load capacity of 79kN.
How should scaffold tubes be stored?
Ideally, scaffold tubes should be stored in a dry, sheltered area. Scaffold companies create racking to store tubes off the ground and in size order, or stillages can be used to store them on-site safely.
How much do 4mm thickness scaffold tubes weigh?
Steel scaffolding tubes with a wall thickness of 4mm weigh approximately:
- 5ft: 6.65kg.
- 6ft: 8.16 kg.
- 8ft: 10.64kg.
- 10ft: 13.30kg.
- 13ft: 17.68kg.
- 16ft: 21.76kg.
- 21ft: 28.56kg.
How heavy is a 3.2mm thick scaffold tube?
A 3.2mm scaffolding tube is more lightweight than a 4mm thick tube. Here are the approximate weights:
- 5ft: 5.4kg.
- 6ft: 6.48kg.
- 8ft: 8.64kg.
- 10ft: 10.8kg.
- 13ft: 14.04kg.
- 16ft: 17.28kg.
- 21ft: 22.68kg.
*Please note all weights and measurements are approximate*
How many scaffold tubes are in a bundle?
Scaffolding tubes are sold in bundles of 61.
How do you join scaffolding tubes?
Scaffold tubes can be joined using the following fittings:
- Scaffold sleeve: This is fixed to the outside of 2 scaffold tubes to connect the tubes end to end.
- Expandable joint pin: This is inserted into the ends of 2 scaffold tubes, and as you tighten using the turning screw, it expands inside to hold the tube securely; however, this fitting is not load-bearing.
- Single couplers: These are typically used to connect 5ft and 6ft scaffold tubes used as transoms to horizontal ledger tubes.
- Double couplers: Can be used to attach horizontal tubes (ledgers) or handrails at a 90-degree angle to standards (vertical upright legs).
- Swivel couplers: These attach tubes at a 360-degree angle, primarily connecting diagonal bracing and sway braces on a scaffold structure.
Can you drill through a scaffold tube?
Yes, you can drill through a steel tube. However, you need to check that you are using the correct drill bit designed for metal use, like a cobalt or titanium-coated drill bit, as they are much more durable. Ensure you wear protective equipment, as sparks or bits of metal can fly around when drilling.
What is the difference between scaffolding and tubular scaffolding?
There is no difference between both; they are just terms used to describe scaffolding constructed using tubular metal components.
How safe are scaffold tubes?
If scaffolding tubes are used correctly and scaffolds are erected safely, these components are highly durable, strong, and safe.
To finish…
We hope we have covered everything about a steel scaffold tube within our guide. So, when you see a scaffolding construction, take a moment to appreciate the humble scaffold tube, the unsung hero of a scaffolding structure.
