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Simplified Building Concepts - Kee Klamp, Kee Lite, Connectors, Railings

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Thursday, September 02, 2010

What Size Pipe Should I Use?

Recently we had this question come up on our fourms.  We did some internal research and talked about it as a staff and below is a short guide to what size pipe you should use based on the application.

Size

N.B. O.D.

Example Applications

4

1/2” 0.840”

Very Light Frames

5

3/4” 1.050”

Decorative Accents

Light Frames

Retail Stands and Racks

6

1” 1.315”

Racks (e.g. clothing)

Tent / Shade Structures

Greenhouse Construction

Light Duty Frames

Enclosures (e.g. Sports Netting)

Signage Supports

Retail Stands and Racks

Athletic Training (e.g. Pull Up Bar)

7

1-1/4” 1.660”

ADA Handrail

Standard Handrail

OSHA Guardrail

Medium Duty Frames (e.g Bed Frames)

Awning Frames

Carport

Heavy Duty Racks (e.g. Fire Wood)

Parkour (Gymnastics)

Tables / Benches

Custom Desk

8

1-1/2” 1.900”

OSHA Guardrail

Standard Guardrail

Parkour (Gymnastics)

Heavy Duty Frames (e.g. Solar Panel)

9

2” 2.375”

Extra Heavy Duty Frames (e.g. Storage Shed)

“Overbuilt” Railings

Weight Bearing Racks

Pipe Chart

Our pipe size chart gives you an idea of the relative sizes of pipe.

Posted on 09/02 at 01:30 PM
Product InformationPipePermalink

Wednesday, August 04, 2010

Standalone PVC Clothesline Project

R1-6

Four crazy women (self described) from the mid-west built this structure from PVC to support a clothesline.  If you’re interested in learning about how they did it, then please visit the project page.

Standalone PVC Clothesline

Posted on 08/04 at 06:35 AM
DIYProduct InformationPVCProjectsFramesPermalink

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Duluth Seawall Project – Case Study in Underwater BoxBolt Usage

h-200810-100

Duluth Sea Port is the world’s largest inland port and one of the most important ports on the Great Lakes [ref].  The Duluth Sea Port has an aging sea wall that forms a barrier between the the port and Lake Superior.  The port has embarked upon a renewal project which will place epoxied steel plates on the corroding corrugated  sea wall.

The challenge of this project was of course how to attach the expoxied panels to the old sea wall. The solution: BoxBolt blind bolts.  The BoxBolt allows a connection to be secured to a hollow opening from one side.  This was exactly what was needed to accomplish the attachment of the new sea wall. 

Using BoxBolts the panels could be attached to the old sea wall by drilling a hole in the panel, a hole in the wall, pushing the bolt into the hole and tightening the bolt down.   See the pictures below for a look at the project.

Corroded Wall - Duluth Sea Wall Project

Team members examine the corroded sea wall where the panels will be installed.

 

Wall Panel - Duluth Sea Wall Project

A new panel sits on the dock pre-drilled and ready to be installed.  These panels are lowered by crane into the working area and then secured to the existing sea wall with BoxBolts.

 

Huge BoxBolt - Duluth Sea Wall Project

The galvanized BoxBolts used to attach the sea wall are quite large.  The housing is held in place by a wrench while the bolt is turned, as the bolt turns the nut on the end splays the metal flanges to tighten the panel against the wall.

 

BoxBolt Installation - Duluth Sea Wall Project

A worker inside the cofferdam who is tightening down the BoxBolts that are holding the panels to the sea wall. 

 

BoxBolt Installed - Duluth Sea Wall Project

A freshly attached BoxBolt holding the epoxied panel to the old sea wall. 

 

Completed Sea Wall - Duluth Sea Wall Project

A completed section of the sea wall. The cofferdam removed, the wall is finished and ready to come into contact with the corrosive elements!

Learn More about BoxBolts

BoxBolt™ is an expansion anchor that can be used to make connections to structural sections.

Click here to learn more about the BoxBolt expansion anchor and how it can help you on your next project.

Posted on 07/20 at 09:09 AM
Case StudiesConnectorsPress ReleaseProduct InformationPermalink

Wednesday, July 07, 2010

Kee Klamp Railing vs. Welded Rail: Rusty Uprights

Which would you prefer?

Traditional Welded Rail

Kee Klamp Railing

photo 4768555809_0664969c9c_z

Welded rail that is embedded into concrete typically has a rust problem for a number of reasons:

Kee Klamp railings mitigate corrosion in a number of different ways:

  • Welding remove the galvanization from the railing making it more prone to rust.
  • Kee Klamp railings keep the galvanization intact and can even be powdercoated to a specific color
  • Embedding a piece of steel pipe into concrete causes rusting because concrete is porous and contains moisture.  This moisture contacts the pipe and traditionally causes rusting around the base of embedded uprights.
  • Kee Klamp railings use base flanges that sit on top of the concrete surface.  This method keeps the pipe out of the concrete and reduces the opportunity for corrosion.
  • The welding processes can take several days, leaving the pipe open to the elements, possibly leading the pipes filling up with water.
  • Kee Klamp railings install quickly and easily and usually are finished the same day that they are started.
   

After 4 years, not a Spot of Rust

4769194428_9f45044236_z 4769194718_3170617919_z

The railing pictured above was installed 4 years ago and as you can see there is no rust that has appeared, nor even the signs of rust beginning to show.

See more comparisons between welded railing and Kee Klamp railings.

Posted on 07/07 at 07:45 AM
HandrailSafety RailProduct InformationPermalink

Friday, March 05, 2010

Making an Inexpensive Pipe/Pole Monitor Mount

Recently we posted a completed computer gaming chair from Don Sturrock.  I am in the middle of a project (details coming soon) where I want to mount a monitor to a horizontal pole.  I remembered Don’s project and asked him how he attached his monitor.  He was kind enough to share the details and a few pictures.  I thought others would be interested on how to attach a monitor to pole or pipe, so here are the details:

Inexpensive Pipe Monitor MountInexpensive Pipe Keyboard Mount

Details from Don

 

For my monitor I used two flat 3"x5" nail plates from Home Depot and a 6" long piece of alderwood 1x4. I attached the nail plates to the 1x4 with six #4 x 3/4" screws and then lined up the monitor mount holes onto the plates, drilled them out, painted it with RustOleum Flat Black Enamel and used the screws from the monitor to attach to the plates (see pic). The metal clamps have a good bite on the pipe so I feel the monitor is secure (22" monitor).

I also sent a pic of the underside of the keyboard. you can see the velcro that attaches it to the 16" long 1x4 alderwood and the plastic clamps (sorry for the fuzzy picture).

Downsides of this Approach

In looking at this mounting approach, it may be inexpensive but there are probably some downsides to be recognized

     
  • Not sure how this will work on a vertical pole – Don mounted to a horizontal pole (that’s what I’m planning on doing.)  I’m not sure how this would hold if mounted on a vertical pole or pipe.
  •  
  • Scratches up the pipe – Judging from the pictures, adjusting the monitor (because of the bite of the clamps) scratches up the pipe pretty good.  If you’re doing something that has to have really clean look then this might not work for you.

 

The Alternatives

A decent pipe mount looks like it’s going to cost you a couple of dollars.

All pricing as of March 5, 2010.

                                                                                                                               
Triple-Pivot Monitor Bracket Clamps onto a Pipe or Pole

Triple-Pivot Pipe-Mount Monitor Bracket Kit, Pipe Clamp (fits 1.5" dia. pipe)

$50.00 – looks plastic not sure about durability

   
Direct Pole Monitor Mount - Silver

Direct Pole Monitor Mount – Silver

$119.00 – I know someone who has used these satisfactorily.

   
image Pole Mount Monitor Arm       
     
$69.00 – not sure what pipe size this will work with (I’m going to find out)
Ergotron - Pole mount kit     
     
$52.92 – Picture is sketchy, not sure about the function or the quality
CCTV Garage VTLCD PMT LCD Monitor Swivel Pole Mount

CCTV Garage VTLCD PMT LCD Monitor Swivel Pole Mount

$36.48 – This one looks promising.

(here it is even cheaper)

   
CHIEF MANUFACTURING : KPP110S : Chief KPP110S Flat Panel Pivot/Tilt Pole Mount

Chief KPP110S Flat Panel Pivot/Tilt Pole Mount

$72.99

 

   
Chief Dual Swing Arm Pole LCD Mount - KPD-110

Chief Dual Swing Arm Pole LCD Mount - KPD-110

$161.49

   

 

Speak Up.. add you 2 cents.

If anyone else knows of (or has an idea about) how to inexpensively attach a monitor to a pipe or pole, then please leave a note in the comments or shoot me an email: chris – at – simplifiedbuilding.com

Posted on 03/05 at 09:59 AM
Customer IngenuityDIYFunIndustrial DesignInspirationProduct InformationPipeProjectsDesksPermalink

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Need a Tool Vest for Tinkering? Try this one on for size.

This may be a bit much for the average DIY person, but if you’re an above average DIY master or you work as an electrician or in a tool wielding trade, this may just be the item you need at the top of your Christmas List (No seriously, don’t put it on a list, if you like it, just buy it.. but for your own sake don’t obligate someone else to get it for you… I digress).  Now available from our sister site: Simplified Safety

 

 

This tool vest from Vest-Tech is a serious tool carrying piece of clothing.  Made by electricians, for electricians and other trades people who are slaves to the old fashioned tool belt.  The Vest-Tech tool vest makes your work more comfortable, efficient and even safer. 

Posted on 10/07 at 03:09 PM
DIYPress ReleaseProduct InformationSafetyPermalink

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Attach Handrail Uprights to Floor Grating

Until now, there have not been many options to attaching a handrail to a steel grating floor.  You can weld, but that can be costly and dangerous. You can build an offset handrail that attached to the side of the structure, but installation can be difficult.  We have a new fitting and grating clip which make attaching handrail uprights to steel, aluminum or fiberglass grating even easier. The trick is to use a 262 fitting, with a G Clip GM.  Using these two components allows you to connect handrail bases to floor gratings in a simple and straight forward manner from one side of the surface.

See the pictures below for an overview.  See our fitting page and G Clip page for more information on those components.

 

1. Insert the bottom half of the G Clip from the tops side of the grating

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

2. Connect the grating clip to the grating with the bottom fastener

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

3. Slide the 262 Fitting onto the bolt on the clip.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA 

4. Fasten the fitting to the clip with standard nuts and washers.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

 

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA          

5. Slide in your upright pipe and tighten the set screws.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

That’s it!  In several minutes you’ve created a connection that is as strong as a weld, but is not prone to rust and requires no specialized labor to install. 

If you’re interested in constructing a handrail on steel grating, please see our handrail resource page and then contact us

Posted on 06/25 at 08:11 PM
ConnectorsProduct InformationOSHAPermalink

Friday, June 12, 2009

Now Offering more Grating and Flooring Fasteners

We have expanded our offering of grating clips, g clips and steel flooring fasteners to include some new products:

Copy of g-clip-gg

G-Clip Bar Grate Fasteners

G-Clips (short for grating clips) are easy to install clips that hold down steel, aluminum or fiberglass grating.  The idea is simple, through the usage of simple tools, clip instead of weld your bar grating to a steel work environment. 

 server

Grate-Fix – Another Clamp for Steel Aluminum and Fiberglass Grating

Comparable to products from those from struct-fast, the Grate Fix uses a different method to attach the grating to the steel work.

New High Tolerance versions of the steel floor fasteners are also now available. 

Posted on 06/12 at 03:08 PM
ConnectorsProduct InformationPermalink

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Custom Safety Gates Available

custom-gate

Providing safe entrance and exit for designated areas is an important part of worker safety. A safety gate lets the worker know when they are entering and existing a safe zone.  Our Safety Gates are now available in custom sizes and configurations.  If you need a custom gate, please contact our sales engineers for more assistance. 

Posted on 02/11 at 02:18 PM
Product InformationSafetyPermalink

Monday, January 12, 2009

Add Security and Aesthetics to Kee Klamp Fittings

Kee Safety has released a new anti-theft rivet that can be hammered into the set screws.  The device prevents people from tampering with the fitting and also provides a clean aesthetic look. 

Rivets_001 Rivets_002

The aluminum drive rivets are easy to install, requiring no special tools. The drive rivet is set by striking the pin with a hammer, driving the pin flush with the rivet head and expanding the back side of the rivet.

 

 Rivets_005 Rivets_004

Posted on 01/12 at 09:31 AM
Product InformationPermalink

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

KeeGuard Goes Green with New Recycled PVC Counterbalances


keeguard_green-600

Fall protection equipment just got a little bit “green”.  Kee Safety has released a new counterbalance for its roof top railing system that is made from 100% recycled PVC.   In addition to being “green” the new counter balances are more ergonomic to carry (less weight, integrated handles), safer to walk around (reflective strips and integrated tread) and available in various colors (grey, orange, and custom). 

Find out more about about KeeGuard on our fall protection page and read a detailed brochure about the new PVC counterbalances

ScreenShot001

Related Entries

Posted on 11/19 at 11:27 PM
HandrailKeeGuardOSHAPress ReleaseProduct InformationPermalink

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Kee Mark Warning Line System

Kee Safety has released a new warning line  that utilizes some pipe, a few fittings and recycled rubber bases to create a system that meets OSHA safety standards.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

As with many of Kee Safety's products, the focus is on modularity and durability.  Each component is very durable:

  • Galvanized Steel Fittings
  • Galvanized Rubber Bases
  • Stainless Steel Cable & Connectors
  • Vinyl Coated Cable
  • High Quality Warning Flags

This is not a system that you will have to replace year after year.

Extension kits are available so that you can extend the base kit to any length and configuration.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Contact a sales engineer today to learn more about the Kee Mark Warning Line System.

Posted on 10/23 at 03:04 PM
HandrailOSHAPress ReleaseProduct InformationSafetyPermalink

Saturday, April 05, 2008

Faster BoxBolt Installation with BoxSok

BoxSok Product

To tighten down a BoxBolt, an installer must typically use 2 wrenches to install one bolt - one to hold the outer sleeve stationary, and one to turn the inner bolt.

A Faster Way with BoxSok

The BoxSok adds simplicity to the installation process.  Attached to a regular socket wrench (air powered makes this a snap), it takes the place of both wrenches.  The BoxSok has an outer piece that will hold the sleeve of the BoxBolt stationary, while an inner piece turns the bolt.  This makes what would have been a 4 minute job (per bolt) into a 30 second job. 

 

BoxSok Diagram

A "good" reason to buy an "expensive" socket
  1. Let’s say that the average installer costs $30.00 per hour to have on site (this usually is a very low estimate)
  2. With 2 wrenches, this installer will take approximately 4 min. per bolt to perform the installation, whereas it will take 30 seconds with the BoxSok.
  3. Let’s also say that you are installing 1000 bolts
  4. If you are saving 3 ½ minutes per bolt, this is equal to over 58 hours of labor.
  5. Going back to the original amount that our installer is being paid, this equals $1,740.00 in savings
Other BoxSok benefits consist of:
  1. Less fatigue on the installer
  2. You won’t hold up other aspects of a job while waiting for the bolts to be installed
  3. You will be able to get off of the jobsite faster
Watch BoxBolt and BoxSok in Action
Posted on 04/05 at 10:04 AM
Product InformationTechnical DataPermalink

Monday, December 17, 2007

Rear Projection Screen Kit

p1010009-copy.jpg
This rear projection screen kit debuted at the recent 2007 Fastener Trade Show held at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. It was the hit of the show. Obviously, the value at a trade show is that the exhibitor does not need to rent an expensive LCD panel or even worse yet… try to carry a big flat panel to the show. The ROI payback is less than one trade show. The exhibitor can also use a simple laptop and LCD projector (something that most sales people have access to and travel with nowadays). This screen frame is made with durable 1" anodized aluminum schedule 40 pipe just as you see in the photo. The actual screen is a 36" diagonal (or 22" X 29” rectangle) and has a hologram look to it. The novelty catches the eye of the "show goer" and draws attention to your product line and company. This is also great for portable use on conference rooms, small rooms or even at home. Kit includes frame, screen and base.
Posted on 12/17 at 10:56 PM
Industrial DesignProduct InformationProjectsFramesFurniturePermalink

Monday, December 10, 2007

Kee Klamp fittings, Sustainability and Green Building

"Green" building has become a buzz word in today's building industry. Everyone wants to know how to build with greater respect for the environment. On that note, Kee Klamp fittings have a unique place in the green building industry. Not only is the aluminum line of fittings made from 50% recycled materials, but Kee Klamp fittings are, by their very nature, a reusable component. The Kee Klamp clamping mechanism means that the fitting can be installed permanently or installed again and again. If you are considering using a sustainable building material, consider Kee Klamp fittings, for recyclability and reusability. Here is the official statement from Kee Industrial Products on their Kee Lite (aluminum) fittings:
The range of Aluminum KEE LITE fittings can all be recycled and reused because the quality of aluminum is not impaired by recycling. The high value of used aluminum makes the process economical and within the building and construction sectors, a high recycling rate of 85% is achieved (source: eaa.net). KEE LITE fittings are made from around 50% recycled aluminum and in common with our entire range of fittings, they can be disassembled and used again.
Posted on 12/10 at 08:12 PM
Press ReleaseProduct InformationPermalink
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