Kee Klamp^® Fittings

Frequently Asked Questions

• • What is the difference between guardrails and handrails?
    The two are often used interchangeably, however, guardrail is used at the perimeter of an edge or fall hazard and acts as a barricade or protection against the fall. A handrail is also used to prevent a fall, however, it is generally used on a sloped surface, such as a stair or ramp.
  • How much weight should handrails support?
    Handrails and the top rails of stair rail systems shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 n) applied within 2 inches (5 cm) of the top edge, in any downward or outward direction, at any point along the top edge.
  • How many steps are required for a handrail?
    Handrails are required when a stair rises more than 30 inches above the underlying surface. A handrail is required on stairs of four or more rises.
  • What are the OSHA requirements for a handrail?
    OSHA states that guardrail must reach a height of 42 inches (give or take 3 inches) above the walking-working surface and withstand a force of 200 lb at any point in a downward or outward direction. Should the force cause the railing to dip below 39 inches, the railing is not OSHA compliant. Parapets or railings that are pre-existing are acceptable at a minimum of 36 inches under OSHA code 55 Federal Register 13360, siting that replacing the parapet or railing would introduce unnecessary risk to the workers replacing it. In addition, if there is no parapet or wall that reaches 21 inches in height the installed railing will require midrails, screens, solid panels, or similar.
  • What is the maximum height of a handrail?
    The top of the handrail should not be less than 76 cm (30 inches) or greater than 94 cm (37 inches) from the walking surface.
  • How strong are Kee Klamp fittings?
    A Kee Klamp^® fitting (size 5 to 9) can support an axial load of 900kg (*2000 lbs) per grub screw with the grub screw tightened to a torque of 39 Nm.
  • How long will Kee Klamp last outdoors?
    Our galvanized fittings are designed to last 30+ years in outdoor environments. Some 60+ year old fittings can still be spotted in State and National Parks across the US, including Niagara Falls and the Adirondack region of New York.
  • What happens if I damage a Kee Klamp structure?
    Simply untighten the set screw of the affected area and replace with a new fitting. No cutting, welding, or threading required!
  • What are Kee Klamp components used for?
    With Kee Klamp components, you can build various tubular structures such as railing, racking, retail store fixtures, soft contained play systems, awning, fencing, machinery framework, and 1001 other applications.
  • In what countries are Kee Klamp components available?
    Kee Klamp components are available in over 60 countries worldwide. Contact us for information on your nearest distributor.
  • Will Kee Klamp railings rust if used outdoors?
    Kee Klamp fittings are galvanised to BS 729 (ISO 1461) and ASTM A153 which can last for over 30 years. Kee Klamp grub screws are treated with our Kee Koat^® corrosion protection. The fitting recesses are also coated with our factory applied, ThredKoat^® (patented),corrosion resistance.
• • How do I keep the fittings from being tampered with?
    Grub screw inserts are available to deter tampering with a finished Kee Klamp Structure.
  • How do I install Kee Klamp?
    The basics of installing Kee Klamp Structures is simple – an hex key is all that is needed to tighten the set-screw and lock the fitting in place. From there any structure or railing system can be build, which is why we commonly refer to them as “tinker toys for adults.” For product-specific installation instructions please view the resource section of that product page.
  • Are there Kee Klamp fittings available to modify or extend an existing tube structure?
    Yes, Kee Safety has designed several add-on components for retrofitting existing tubular structures. Please call or email us with your specific need.
  • What about the fittings being tampered with?
    Grub screw inserts are available to deter tampering with a finished Kee Klamp structure.
  • What is the recommended torque for the grub screws?
    When constructing with Kee Klamp components we recommend that you tighten the grub screw to 29 lbs./ft. or 39 Nm. This is approximately "hand-tight."
  • What size hex key is used with Kee Klamp fittings?
    Size 4 fittings use a 3/16" (4.76mm) A.F. (Across Flat) hex key, while Sizes 5 and 6 use a ¼" (6.35mm) A.F. hex key. Sizes 7, 8, and 9 fittings use a 5/16" (7.94mm) A.F. hex key.
• • Are Kee Klamp components available with alternative finishes?
    Besides the long lasting galvanised finish, Kee Klamp components can be powder coated to any RAL colour.
  • Can different sizes of tube be used when building tubular structures with Kee Klamp components?
    Yes, Kee Safety has designed several of its fittings with multiple sized barrels to allow for the utilisation of different sizes of tube when building tubular structures.
  • Which sizes of tube can I use with Kee Klamp fittings?
    Most styles of Kee Klamp fittings are available for nominal tube sizes 17.5mm OD to 60.3mm OD.
  • Are Kee Klamp fittings available with alternative finishes?
    Besides the long lasting galvanised finish, Kee Klamp fittingss can be powder coated to any RAL colour.
  • Can different sizes of tube be used when building tubular structures with Kee Klamp fittings?
    Yes, Kee Safety has designed several of its components with multiple sized barrels to allow for the utilisation of different sizes of tube when building tubular structures.
  • What are the structural design specifications when building with Kee Klamp fittings?
    An independent laboratory has tested Kee Klamp fittings on terms of load capacity and vibration resistance. Using these results, we have developed a series of structural design guidelines that must be followed when building with Kee Klamp fittings. These can be found in the Kee Klamp Catalogue.
  • What type of tube can be used with Kee Klamp fittings?
    Kee Klamp fittings are designed to suit steel tubing to BS EN 10255 (ISO 65), from 17.5mm to 60.3mm outside diameter.
  • Which sizes of tube can I use with Kee Klamp fittings?
    Most styles of Kee Klamp components are available for nominal tube sizes ½" I.D. (13.5mm OD) to 2" I.D. (60.3mm OD).