Key clamps and tubes are available in different diameters. Our assortment includes five different key clamp diameters and the corresponding tubes. Not all diameters are equally suitable for every construction, so it's important to carefully consider which diameter to use. The diameter determines, for example, how much weight the construction can bear. In this blog, you'll find a brief overview of the available diameters and their common applications.
How to choose the right Key Clamp Diameter?
The correct key clamp diameter is determined by carefully assessing the project you are undertaking. For instance, a small clothing rail requires a different diameter compared to a large canopy. The combination of your project, the weight it needs to support, and the desired aesthetic will determine the ideal key clamp and tube diameter for your project. Below, we’ve provided an overview of key clamp diameters and their most common uses.
Tip: Use a sheet of paper and roll it into the diameter size to visualize how the tube and key clamp will look.
Available key Clamp Diameters
-
26.9 mm
Commonly used for clothing rods and curtain rails. Also suitable for store fittings and shelving units that do not need to be very robust. -
33.7 mm
The most commonly used key clamp diameter. Ideal for furniture such as coat racks, clothing racks, and fitness equipment. -
42.4 mm
Often used for hand rails, advertising frames, shelving units, and tables. -
48.3 mm
Commonly used for handrailing, advertising frames, shelving units, canopies, solar panel structures and other load-bearing constructions. -
60.3 mm
Suitable for heavy load-bearing structures, such as canopies with larger spans, masts or container frames.
How to measure a tube diameter
Measuring the diameter of a steel tube is generally unnecessary since all our webshop products are sorted by diameter. However, if you have a tube on hand and need to determine its diameter and which key clamp would fit, you can measure the outer diameter using a caliper or tape measure. If you can only measure the circumference, you need to divide it by pi (approximately 3.14) to get the diameter.
Common Constructions and Recommended Diameters
Below are some common constructions along with the recommended tube diameters:
Handrailing
Key clamp tubes are ideal for constructing handrails in both indoor and outdoor settings. Whether it's for staircases, walkways, ramps, or safety barriers, they offer a durable and modular solution. For most handrailing applications, a 42.4 mm diameter is recommended, as it provides a sturdy grip and solid structural support. In areas where extra strength or height is needed, such as industrial settings or outdoor stairs exposed to weather, 48.3 mm tubes are a reliable choice.
Furniture
Many furniture projects use steel tubes and key clamps, such as tables, desks, coat racks, cabinets, TV stands, clothing racks, stair railings, and more.
The most commonly used diameter for furniture is 33.7 mm. This key clamp size is perfect for furniture due to its subtle thickness, making it ideal for interior design. A 33.7 mm tube can handle moderate weight, making it suitable for items like cabinets or coat racks. For minimalistic furniture that doesn’t need to bear much weight, a 26.9 mm tube diameter is suitable. For larger furniture, such as dining tables, a 42.2 mm diameter is recommended for a sturdier look.
Advertising and banner frames
Banner frames are often made from steel tubes due to their sturdy and durable structure. The most commonly used diameter for advertising frames is 42 mm diameter.
For large freestanding banner frames placed outdoors, tubes with a 48 mm diameter are ideal. For smaller frames or indoor use, a 33.7 mm diameter is sufficient.
Canopies & pergolas
Key Clamps and Steel Tubes are also popular for constructing canopies. Galvanized steel tubes are often used due to their strength and weather resistance. For most canopies, we recommend a 48.3 mm diameter. For larger canopies requiring extra strength, 60.3 mm tubes are suitable.
Questions?
If you have any questions after reading this blog, feel free to call or email us for advice. Want to know how to calculate the correct tube length? In this blog, we explain how to easily determine the right length.
