Scaffolding Couplers 2022

Scaffolding Coupler Ultimate Guide 2022

1. What is Scaffolding Coupler

Scaffolding couplers are scaffold connectors and fittings used to fix scaffold tubes and pipes in position. Scaffolding couplers are also called scaffolding clamps, scaffold fittings, scaffolding pipe fittings, scaffold tube clamps, scaffold connectors, scaffold joints, scaffold knuckles, etc.

Scaffolding couplers are always used to connect round scaffolding pipes. The scaffolding pipe diameter decides the scaffolding coupler sizes. That is why you can find scaffolding couplers in sizes of OD48.3mm, OD42.7mm, OD60.3mm, OD76m, O89mm, etc.

Among them, the OD48.3mm scaffolding coupler is the most common size of construction scaffolding fittings.  Because standard tube clamp system scaffold tubes are 48.3mm outer diameter.

OD42.7mm scaffolding clamps are used to connect between two frame scaffolding verticals. Because traditional scaffolding frames are made of OD42mm scaffold tubes.

OD60mm and OD76mm scaffolding couplers are used in shoring frame systems, propping scaffolding, etc. These scaffolding components are made of OD60mm and OD76 scaffold pipes.

OD89mm scaffold clamps are required for the USA companies’ scaffolding construction.  They are used to connect the bridge posts in sidewalk scaffolding construction.

According to the scaffolding coupler function in construction, you can find different types of scaffold couplers:

• Scaffold Double Coupler (Right Angle Clamps)
• Scaffold Swivel Coupler (Rotation Clamps)
• Scaffold Single Coupler (Putlog)
• Scaffold Sleeve Coupler (Joint Box)
• Scaffold Joint Pins (Inner Joints)
• Fixed Girder & Swivel Beam Clamp (Gravlock)
• Forged & Pressed Scaffold Ladder Clamp
• Scaffold Board Retaining Coupler (BRC)
• Limpet Camps (Pank Clamps)
• Toe Board Clips
• Fence Coupler
• Half Clamp

Among all scaffolding couplers, the common 5 scaffold clamps are double couplers, swivel couplers, sleeve couplers, BRC couplers, and beam clamps. They are required in all types of tube clamp scaffolding construction.

2. Scaffolding Coupler Features

1. 1. Can take heavy duty load in construction with up to 4.0mm thick scaffolding poles
   2. Freely scaffold intervals according to the project conditions
   3. Scaffolding couplers are durable reusing for a long time
   4. Versatile to erect any shape of scaffold for any industry and construction
   5. Anti-corrosion with galvanizing surface
   6. Cheaper and Save Cost
   7. Easy transportation and stock
   8. Compatible with all scaffoldings

3. Coupler Scaffolding VS System Scaffold

Scaffolding is a type of construction material used to form scaffold frames and scaffold towers for temporary and permanent support in the application of concrete formwork and shoring, building construction&staging, maintenance & repair, indoor and outdoor temporary structure, etc.

Basically, there are two main types of scaffolding used for temporary and permanence support. One is coupler scaffolding. Another one ismodular scaffold systems.

Coupler scaffolding is a construction scaffolding jointed by scaffolding couplers and scaffolding pipes. Thus it is also called tube and coupler scaffold.

In the coupler scaffolding, the scaffolding pipes are connected and fixed by scaffolding couplers at a right angle or any angles.

with the help of the scaffolding couplers and fittings, scaffold pipes and tubes can be erected in the function of vertical standards, horizontal ledgers, diagonal braces, horizontal braces, scaffold transoms, etc.

Special scaffold parts are able to be fixed onto the scaffold mainframes too by the scaffold fittings. For example, you can use the board retaining couplers to fix scaffold boards on scaffolds horizontally to avoid the walking board moving. Scaffold fence couplers joint two scaffold fences together.

Coupler scaffolding forms the scaffold frames and temporary shoring conveniently and easily. You just need to cut the scaffolding pipes and tubes into the required lengths. Then use the scaffold couplers and clamps to form any shapes of scaffolding.

In coupler scaffolding construction, scaffold intervals are customized according to your building shapes and ground conditions.

That is why coupler scaffolding is also called convenient scaffolding. Though it is the traditional scaffolding(born decades earlier than modular scaffold), it is still popularly required globally wide. Column scaffolding, circle scaffolding, staging scaffolding, side scaffolding, suspended scaffolding, inside and outside scaffolding, protection scaffolding, formwork scaffolding, and shipbuilding scaffold are always formed by the coupler scaffolding.

Coupler scaffold arrangement should meet up construction safety rules and guide anyhow.

Scaffold systems are a type of modular scaffolding.  Components and parts of the scaffold systems are prefabricated. Each system scaffold component and part are with welded/bolted locks, pins, clips, fasteners, and accessories. Thus modular scaffolding system no needs extra scaffolding couplers or fittings. There are 6 different types of scaffolding systems:

1. 1. Ringlock Scaffolding System
   2. Kwikstage Scaffolding System
   3. Cuplock Scaffolding System
   4. Scaffolding Frames
   5. Crab Scaffolding System
   6. Quick Lock Scaffolding System

4. Scaffold Couplers Weight and Bearing Load

4.1 Double Coupler Load Capacity and Weight

The double coupler can hold weights more than 30 KN (meet up EN74 Class B standard). It is a scaffolding coupler used to fix scaffold tubes at the right angle(90 degrees). That is why scaffolding double coupler is also called right angle(90 degrees) scaffold coupler or fixed clamps.
Scaffolding double couplers are used to joint scaffold standards, and scaffold ledgers in the tube coupler scaffolding construction.
The most used scaffold double coupler is OD48.3mm. Other sizes of OD48.6mm, O42mm, OD60mm, OD76, and OD89mm double couplers are available too.
The different sizes of scaffold double couplers are used to connect different diameters of the scaffolding poles(or scaffold pipes). All scaffold double couplers are finished in hot dip galvanized or zinc plated.
In addition, bolt and nuts can be hot dip galvanized too if needed to make the scaffold double couplers more durable.

Weight of Different Types of Double Coupler

No.	Double Coupler	Types	Size(mm)	Weight	Finishing
1	BS1139 Forged Double Coupler	British Type	48.3×48.3	1.05 KG	Galvanized
2	BS1139 Pressed Double Coupler	British Type	48.3×48.3	0.85 KG	Galvanized
3	Double Coupler 48x60mm	British Type	48.3×60	1.35 KG	Galvanized
4	Double Coupler 40x60mm	British Type	40×60	1.45 KG	Galvanized
5	Double Coupler 48x42mm	British Type	48.3×42	1.25 KG	Galvanized
6	EN 74 Germany Double Coupler	Germany Type	48.3×48.3	1.32KG	Galvanized
7	USA Double Coupler 48×48	American Type	48.3×48.3	1.55 KG	Galvanized
8	USA Double Coupler 48x89mm	American Type	48.3×89	2.35 KG	Galvanized
9	AS1576 Double Coupler	Australia Type	48.3×48.3	1.25KG	Galvanized
10	Italian Type Double Coupler	Italian Type	48.3×48.3	1.35 KG	Galvanized
12	JIS A 8951 Fixed Clamps	Japanese Type	48.6×48.6	0.65 KG	Galvanized
13	KSD 3501 Fixed Clamps	Korean Type	48.6×48.6	0.65 KG	Galvanized

4.2 Swivel Coupler Bearing(Load Capacity) and Weight

Swivel couplers can hold weights of more than 20 KN (EN 74 ClassB) and 14 KN (EN74 Class A). It is a type of loading-bearing scaffold coupler used to fix two scaffold tubes at any angle in the scaffolding construction.

In construction, the swivel couples and clamps are always used to attach scaffold diagonal braces onto the tube clamp scaffold.

Swivel coupler sizes are based on your scaffold tube diameter. The OD48.3mm are the most common sizes for the scaffold swivel coupler. It is used to joint the standard scaffolding pipes and scaffold poles with a diameter of 48mm.
Other sizes for the scaffold swivel coupler are available too. Including 42mm, 60mm, 76mm, 89mm, etc.
These non-standard sizes of scaffold swivel couplers are used to connect traditional scaffold frame systems with OD42mm vertical poles, heavy-duty shoring frames with OD60mm verticals, and sidewalk sheld construction bridge legs(bridge post).
OD76mm and OD60mm scaffolding swivel couplers are also called prop couplers. It is used to connect scaffold props with OD60mm and OD76mm outer tubes.

Weight of Different Types of Swivel Coupler

No.	Swivel Coupler	Type	Size (mm)	Weight	Finishing
1	BS1139 Forged Swivel Coupler	British Type	48.3×48.3	1.20 KG	Galvanized
2	BS1139 Pressed Swivel Coupler	British Type	48.3×48.3	1.00 KG	Galvanized
3	Swivel Coupler 48x60mm	British Type	48.3 x 60	1.45 KG	Galvanized
4	Swivel Coupler 60x60mm	British Type	60 x 60	1.72 KG	Galvanized
5	Swivel Coupler 76x48mm	British Type	48.3 x 76	1.75 KG	Galvanized
6	Swivel Coupler 89x48mm	British Type	48.3 x 89	2.75 KG	Galvanized
7	Half Swivel Coupler 89mm	British Type	89mm	2.15 KG	Galvanized
8	Swivel Coupler 42x42mm	British Type	42×42	1.35 KG	Galvanized
9	Swivel Coupler 42x48mm	British Type	48.3 x 42	1.45 KG	Galvanized
10	EN 74 Germany Swivel Coupler	Germany Type	48.3×48.3	1.45 KG	Galvanized
11	America (USA) Swivel Clamp	American Type	48.3×48.3	1.75 KG	Galvanized
12	Italian Type Swivel Coupler	Italian Type	48.3×48.3	1.55 KG	Galvanized
13	AS1576 Swivel Coupler	Australian Type	48.3×48.3	1.35 KG	Galvanized
14	JIS A 8951 Swivel Clamps	Japanese Type	48.6×48.6	0.65 KG	Galvanized
15	KSD 3501 Swivel Clamps	Korean Type	48.6×48.6	0.65 KG	Galvanized

4.3 Scaffold Sleeve Coupler Load Capacity and Weight

The sleeve coupler is allowed to hold a weight of 9.0 KN(slip force) in scaffolding construction according to EN74 Class B.
The scaffold sleeve coupler is a type of scaffolding coupling used to joint two scaffold tubes end to end from outside of the scaffolding tubes. That is why it is also called a scaffold joint box.
The scaffold sleeve coupler size is always 48mm. That means scaffold sleeve couplers are used for OD48mm scaffolding pipes only. If you want special sizes, need to open new molds.
Scaffold sleeve couplers are a type of pressed steel scaffolding coupler, not drop forged. It is manufactured and formed from steel plates. According to the steel plates’ raw material thickness, there are 3.5mm and 4.0mm scaffold sleeves for your choosing.
3.5mm scaffold sleeves are the normal duty scaffolding couplers. It is the most used scaffold clamp in British and European standard construction.
4.0mm scaffold sleeves are a type of heavy-duty scaffolding coupler. It can take more weight and is used in high load requirement construction.
Both scaffold sleeve couplers conform to BS1139/ EN 74 scaffold standards.

Weight of Sleeve Coupler

No.	Items	Type	Size&Spec mm	Weight	Finishing
1	Sleeve Coupler – N	BS1139&EN74	48×3.5mm	1.15 KG	Galvanized
2	Sleeve Coupler-H	BS1139&EN74	48x 4.0mm	1.00 kG	Galvanized

4.4 Putlog Coupler Load Capacity and Weight

The shape of the putlog coupler is like a pig ear. There are single putlog couplers and double putlog couplers in scaffolding.
The commonly used putlog coupler is a single putlog. That is why the putlog coupler is called scaffold single coupler too. A double putlog coupler is also called a scaffold wrap over coupler.
The allowed slip load of the putlog coupler is 1.07-2.11KN (BS1139).
In construction, the putlog coupler joints scaffold putlogs or transoms onto scaffold ledgers at 90 degrees (right angle).
It is used to attach scaffold boards onto the scaffold transom too. Putlog coupler is one of the most used scaffold clamps that gives safety support for scaffold staging and work platform in the scaffolding structure.
Scaffold putlog couplers standard is BS 1139 standard. Wellmade manufactures and tests the scaffold putlog coupler according to BS1139 too.
According to the types of scaffold putlog covers, there are two types of scaffold putlog couplers:

• Pressed putlog coupler
• Forged putlog coupler

Putlog Coupler Scaffold Weight

No.	Items	Type	Size	Weight	Finishing
1	Drop Forged Putlog Coupler	BS1139	48mm	0.65 KG	Galvanized
2	Pressed Putlog Coupler	BS1139	48mm	0.63 KG	Galvanized

4.5 Beam Clamp (Girder Coupler) Load & Weight

The British scaffold beam couplers are called girder couplers, gravlock couplers or gravlock girder clamp, SK scaffold fittings, etc.
Japanese&Korean beam clamps are called scaffolding C clamps too. British standard scaffold beam couplers are manufactured and tested according to AS 1576 standard. The allowed bearing load is 30 KN according to the standards.
Japanese standard scaffold C clamp beam coupler is tested according to JIS A 8951 standard.
Both standard scaffold beam clamps are used to connect between scaffold beam and scaffold main structure.
Scaffold beam clamps include fixed beam clamps, swivel beam clamps, and extended beam clamps.
A normal British standard scaffold beam clamp can fix a max of 51mm flange thick of scaffold beams to the scaffolding.
If you want to use a scaffold beam with a flange thickness of more than 51mm, you need to choose the extended beam couplers. The extended gravlocks can fix 81mm flange thickness scaffold beams.
Japanese and Korean types of scaffold beam clamps can attach a max 36mm flange thickness scaffold beam to the scaffolding structure.
Scaffold fix gravlock couplers are used to fix scaffold beams to the scaffolding structure at 90 degrees. While swivel beam clamps fix scaffolding beams to the scaffolds at any angles.

Scaffold Beam Coupler Weight

No.	Items	Type	Size	Weight	Finishing
1	AS 1576 Fixed Beam Clamps	British Type	48.3mm	1.50 KG	Galvanized
2	AS 1576 Swivel Beam Clamps	British Type	48.3mm	1.60 KG	Galvanized
3	Extend Beam Clamp	British Type	48.3mm	1.78 KG	Galvanized
4	USA Fixed Beam Clamp	American Type	48.3mm	1.55 KG	Galvanized
5	JIS A 8951 Fixed Beam Clamp (C Clamp)	Japanese Type	48.6mm	1.00 KG	Galvanized
6	KSD 3501 Fixed Beam Clamp (C Clamp)	Korean Type	48.6mm	1.00 KG	Galvanized
7	JIS A 8951 Swivel Beam Clamp(C Clamp)	Japanese Type	48.6mm	1.00 KG	Galvanized
8	KSD 35o1  Swivel Beam Clamp(C Clamp)	Korean Type	48.6mm	1.00 KG	Galvanized

4.6 Scaffold Plank Clamps and Weight

The scaffold plank clamp is one type of scaffolding coupler used to fix scaffold boards to the scaffold structure.
The scaffold plank clamp sizes are manufactured according to the height(thickness) of your scaffolding boards
There are 2 types of scaffold plank clamps for tube coupler scaffolds:

1. Board Retaining Coupler(BRC)
2. Limpet Clamp

Board retaining coupler is also called the BRC coupler. It is a British standard scaffolding board clamp.
The BRC coupler with one side connects on OD48.3mm scaffold tubes. Another side connects to scaffold boards. Before the BRC coupler manufacturing, you need to confirm the height of the scaffold boards. Because the height of the BRC coupler needs to be adjusted to meet up your scaffold board’s thickness.
The popular scaffold board thickness(height) is 38-50mm in tube and coupler scaffolding. Thus the BRC coupler height will be matched up with the 38-50mm scaffold boards.

The Limpet clamp is a type of lightweight scaffolding plank clamp. The weight is only 0.36KG. The limpet clamp size is standard. It can fix a max 58mm thickness scaffold planks.
Both plank clamps are manufactured and tested according to the BS1139 scaffold standard.

The scaffold plank clamps application guide can be found in the following two photos.

Scaffold Plank Type and Weight

No.	Items	Types	Plank Height	Weight	Size
1	Forged Board Retaining Coupler	Forged	38-50mm	0.60 KG	OD48mm
2	Pressed Board Retaining Coupler	Pressed	38-50mm	0.60 KG	OD48mm
3	Limpet Clamp	Light Weight	38-58mm	0.35 KG	OD48mm

4.7 Scaffolding Inner Joint Pin Coupler and Weight

Opposition to scaffold sleeve coupler, scaffolding inner joint pins joint scaffolding from the inner diameter of the scaffold tubes. So we call it inside scaffold joiners.

You can find the following four different types of scaffolding joint coupler

1. Forged Inner Joint Pins BS1139
2. Pressed Inner Joint Pins BS1139
3. JIS & KSD Bone Joints (For 48.6mm GI Scaffolding Pipes)
4. Joint Pin with Rivet (For Rivet Pipe Scaffolding Only)

Scaffolding Joint Clamp Types and Weight

No.	Items	Types	Sizes	Weight	Finished
1	Forged Scaffold Inner Joint Pin	BS1139 British Type	48.3mm	1.10 KG	Galvanized
2	Pressed Scaffold Joint Clamp	BS1139 British Type	48.3mm	0.68 KG	Galvanized
3	Scaffold Bone Joint	JIS A 8951 Japan Type	48.6mm	0.65 KG	Galvanized
4	Joint Pin with Rivet	KSD 3501 Korea Type	48.6mm	0.50 KG	Galvanized

4.8 Scaffold Ladder Clamp  BS1139 and Weight

Scaffold ladder clamps are scaffolding couplers used to attach scaffolding ladders to the tubular scaffold structure.
There are drop forged types and pressed steel types of scaffolding ladder clamps. All types of scaffold ladder clamps can fix scaffolding ladders easily and safely in the tube clamp scaffold construction.
In the construction, you can use the scaffolding ladder couplers to fix steel scaffold ladders or aluminum ladders.
Wellmade scaffold ladder couplers are manufactured and tested according to BS1139 standards.

Forged and Pressed Ladder Clamp Size and Weight

Code	Items	Size	Weight
WFL	Forged Ladder Clamp Scaffold	OD48.3mm	0.68 KG
WPL	Pressed Ladder Clamp Scaffold	OD48.3mm	0.50 KG

4.9 BS1139 Scaffolding Toe Board Coupler and Weight

The scaffold toe board coupler is a type of scaffolding coupler and clamps used to fix timber or steel toe boards to the scaffolding structures.
There are different types of scaffold toe board couplers. L plate type, as well as double side toe board couplers.
In construction, one side of the scaffold toe board coupler connects with scaffold tubes 48.3mm (horizontal or vertical). Another side of the board coupler connects to the timber or steel scaffold toe boards.
Using the scaffold toe board clamp makes the scaffolding construction much safer to avoid articles dropping down from the work platform.
It is a type of important scaffold fittings in side protection scaffolding too. In the side protection scaffolding, the scaffold toe board couplers work with a safety net to ensure the safety of scaffolders and workers.
Wellmade manufactures scaffold toe board clamps according to BS1139 standards.

Code No.	Items	Types	Size	Weight	Finishing
WTBC	Pressed Toe Board Clamp	BS1139 British Type	48.3	0.50 KG	Galvanized
WDBC	Double Sise Toe Board Couler	BS1139 British Type	48.3	1.0 KG	Galvanized

4.10 BS1139 Scaffolding Fence Couplers and Weight

Scaffold fence couplers are scaffolding fittings used to joint two fence barriers together.
Fence coupler fittings are double clamp scaffolding. In construction, they connect two verticals/poles of the scaffold fences side by side.
Wellmade manufactures the fence scaffold clips from high-strength steel plates. The fence coupler sizes are designed according to the outer diameter of the scaffold fence verticals.
The most popular fence coupler size is OD42mm. While other sizes are available by opening new molds.
Wellmade manufactures scaffold fence couplers according to BS1139 standards. You can find E-galvanized (zinc-plated) or hot dip galvanized fence coupler scaffold for your construction.

Fence Coupler Scaffold Size and Weight

Code No.	Item	Type	Size mm	Weight	Finishing
WFC	Fence Coupler Scaffolding	Pressed Coupler	OD 42	0.5 KG	Galvanized

4.11 Universal Clamp Scaffold and Weight

Universal clamps are scaffolding couplers with long bolts and two V clips. That is why we call them to scaffold V clamps too.  The long bolts of universal clamps are in the size of M12x125mm(L).
Universal clamps are multipurpose used scaffold clamps in the tube&coupler scaffold systems. In manufacturing, the scaffold universal clamps are pressed from high-strength steel plates.
Wellmade supplies you both zinc plated and hot-dip galvanized universal couples for your construction.

Scaffold Universal Clamp Weight

Code No.	Items	Type	Weight	Finishing
WUC	Scaffolding Universal Clamp	BS1139	0.50 KG	Galvanized

5. Heavy Duty Medium Duty & Light Duty Coupler Scaffolding

Scaffolding couplers with high anti-slip and distortion strengths, so they can be applicated in light duty, medium duty, and heavy-duty scaffolding.
Light duty tubular scaffolding use 1.8-2.4mm scaffolding pipes and lightweight pressed steel scaffolding clamps like JIS(Japanese standard) fixed clamps, JIS swivel clamps, JIS Beam clamps, etc.
Medium duty tube coupler scaffolding is formed by 3.0-3.2mm scaffold tubes and pressed steel British scaffolding clamps like BS1139/EN74 pressed right angle clamps, pressed swivel clamps, etc.
Heavy-duty tubular scaffolding is formed by 4.0mm scaffold tubes and drop forged double couplers, forged swivel couplers, forged beam clamps, putlog, etc.

6. Eight Basic Parts of Coupler Scaffolding

• Vertical Scaffolding Standards
• Horizontal Scaffold Ledgers
• Diagonal Scaffold Braces
• Intermediate Scaffold Transoms
• Adjustable Jack Bases
• Scaffold Ladders
• Scaffold Boards
• Scaffold Beams

7. Scaffold Planks for Coupler Scaffolding

You can use timber scaffold planks or steel scaffold boards in coupler scaffolding.
Timber scaffold board scaffolding is connected by board retaining couplers.
Steel scaffold boards can be with hooks or without hooks. Hook-on scaffold boards can sit directly on the coupler scaffold ledgers and transoms. While steel planks without hooks need to position by scaffold board clamps too.
scaffold plank sizes for coupler scaffolding include 225mm, 230mm, 240mm, 210mm, 250mm, 300mm, 320mm, 400mm, 420mm, 450mm, 19″, 500mm, 600mm, 610mm, 620mm.

8. Scaffolding Coupler Test Videos

Following are the videos showing how Wellmade tests our scaffolding couplers in our daily production and quality control.
According to scaffolding standards of EN 74, ANIS, AS1576, JIS 3444, and KSD 3501, all scaffolding couplers need to meet up slip test and distortion test requirements to ensure the load capacity and strengths in construction scaffolding.
Wellmade has complete scaffolding test facilities in its own test house. We proceed with daily tests in our test house to ensure all scaffolding couplers from Wellmade are qualified and exceed the scaffolding standard requirement.
So every scaffold couplers and clamps from Wellmade are qualified and safe using in construction.

• 1. Drop forged double coupler test video

• 2. Sleeve Coupler Test Video

9. How to Assembly  Scaffold Coupler and Scaffold Tubes

Following is the video show how scaffold couplers joint together with scaffold tubes in construction.

10. Scaffolding Couplers Buying Guide

10.1 How to Choose Forged, Pressed, and Cast Couplers for Your Construction

According to the scaffolding manufacturer procedures, there are 3 types of scaffolding couplers: Drop Forged Scaffolding couplers,Pressed Steel Scaffold Clamps,and Cast Iron Scaffolding Couplers

Drop Forged Scaffolding Couplers

Drop forged scaffolding couplers are forged from high-strength steel round bars. The manufacturing process:

1. Heating the Round Bar to a High Temperature to Make the Steel Bar Easy to Form
2. Forming The Steel Round bars to Shape Scaffold Coupler Covers and Bases by Molds
3. Cutting, Drilling the Scaffold Coupler Covers and Bases
4. Assembly Scaffold Bolts and Nuts
5. Roundness Test and Safety Load and Slip Test

Pressed Steel Scaffolding Couplers

Pressed Steel Scaffolding Couplers are manufactured from high-strength steel plates.

Pressed scaffold coupler manufacture processes include:

1. Punching & Forming the High-strength Steel Plate into a Shape of Scaffold Clamp Covers and Bases
2. Drilling Holes and Cutting
3. Assembling Scaffolding Couplers with Bolts and Nuts
4. Roundness and Load Capacity Test

Cast Iron Scaffolding Couplers

Cast iron scaffolding couplers are traditional Chinese standard scaffold couplers. The manufacturing process:

1. Pouring Melted Liquid Iron Into Scaffold  Coupler Molds
2. Shaped Cast Iron Scaffold Clamps
3. Cutting and Drilling Holes
4. Assembly Bolt and Nuts

How to choose the type of drop forged, pressed steel, and cast scaffolding couplers

With forged coupler covers or forged coupler bases, 8.8 class bolt, and nuts, the forged scaffolding couplers are the strongest scaffold coupler. They are always used in heavy-duty tubular scaffolding systems. If you are going to use BS1139 and EN 39 standard scaffold tubes in OD48.3×4.0mm size for your construction. You need to use drop forged scaffolding couplers.
From the manufacturing process and raw material differences, you can find the forged scaffolding the most stable and more durable scaffold couplers that can work under all conditions and atmospheres.
Thus forged scaffolding couplers are the best scaffolding coupler among all the three types of scaffold clamps.  That is why it is also the most common scaffold clamps in global wide that most big scaffolding companies, construction companies, contractors, and formwork companies prefer drop forged scaffold couplers.

For drop forged scaffolding couplers, you can find various types, include forged double coupler(fixed clamps), forged swivel clamps, forged fixed and swivel girder couplers, and forged putlog(single) couplers, forged board retaining clamps, etc.

For pressed steel scaffolding couplers, there are British type and Japanese/Korean type pressed steel scaffold couplers.

British (BS1139/EN74 standard) pressed scaffold couplers are used a lot for 3.2mm (Type 3) wall thickness British standard pipe scaffolding. It is a type of medium-duty tube scaffolding system compared to a 4.0mm tube coupler scaffold.
Japanese and Korean standard (JIS & KSD) scaffolding couplers and clamps are mostly pressed steel types. They are lighter in weight than the British standard pressed steel scaffold couplers.
For example, JIS fixed clamp is 0.65KG while the BS1139 British fix coupler is 0.85 KG.
Japanese(Korean) standard scaffold couplers are used in JIS 3444 pipe scaffolding system. The pipe scaffolding are using 1.8-2.4mm GI scaffolding pipes in the construction.
So if you want a light weight scaffolding, you can choose JIS/Korean standard scaffold clamps.
Some scaffolding clamps like scaffold sleeve couplers are always pressed steel type. There are no drop forged sleeve couplers.
Cast iron scaffold couplers are the cheapest scaffolding clamps. There are simple in manufacturing and the cost is less than the forged and pressed steel scaffold fittings. Some countries like Ethiopia and Bangladesh prefer cast iron scaffold couplers to save construction costs.

10.2 How to Choose Scaffolding Coupler Sizes

If you do not know how to choose scaffolding coupler sizes. There is a simple way to solve it. You just need to know what is the diameter of your scaffolding poles or scaffold tubes. If your scaffold the tube outer diameter is 48.3mm, you can choose OD48.3mm scaffold couplers. The same way to decide OD42mm, OD60mm, OD76mm, and OD89mm scaffold couplers.

10.3 EN74 Class A and EN74 Class B Scaffold Couplers

In BS1139 and EN74 standards, you can find 2 classes of scaffolding couplers. Include

• Class A Scaffolding Coupler
• Class B Scaffolding Coupler

Basically, Class A is lighter duty than Class B scaffold couplers in weight-bearing. Class B scaffold coupler allows more load(KN). For construction design, most companies ask Class B for double couplers. While for swivel couplers, Class A is acceptable.

10.4 Choose Hot Dip Galvanized Or E-galvanized Couplers?

For anti-corrosion purposes, you can ask for hot-dip galvanized scaffolding couples or E-galvanized(zinc-plated) finished clamps.

E-galvanized Scaffolding Couplers

E-galvanized(electro-galvanizing) scaffolding coupler is also called cold galvanized or zinc plated scaffold clamps. Compare to hot dip galvanized scaffolding couplers, E-galvanized scaffolding clamps with less zinc on the coupler surface. The cold galvanizing process decides the zinc can not protect the scaffolding coupler from corrosion as well as the hot dip galvanizing. That is why zinc-plated scaffolding couplers will start rusty after 1-3 years.

Hot Dip Galvanized Scaffolding Couplers

Hot dip galvanized are the most durable surface treatment for scaffolding couplers. The zinc thickness on the scaffolding coupler covers and the base surface will be more than 40 micros.
HDG scaffolding coupler life can be 10-20 years. HDG cost is very expensive. That is why HDG scaffolding coupler prices are much higher than the cold galvanized scaffold fittings.
HDG scaffolding couplers are required by a lot of industries, like industrial, commercial, and infrastructural construction, shipbuilding scaffolding, etc.
It is also used in permanent scaffolding construction like maintenance, and repair work for gasoline equipment and pipelines, for oil gas companies.
A lot of onshore and offshore scaffolding projects and marine scaffolding projects required the scaffolding couplers must be finished in hot dip galvanized too to extend scaffolding material life under wet and salty atmosphere.
The zinc thickness for the hot-dip galvanized scaffolding couplers are more than 40 micros. More than the zinc thickness, Wellmade does adhere to test galvanizing quality for both zinc-plated and hot-dip galvanized scaffolding couplers according to CE requirements.  Our scaffolding coupler durability is more than normal scaffold factories. 
it is not as durable as hot dip galvanized scaffolding couplers.

Though the HDG coupler is the most durable scaffolding coupler, most construction companies choose cold galvanizing to save construction costs.

10.5 Choose Quick Threaded Bolted or Normal Bolted Scaffold Couplers?

There are 2 types of threaded scaffolding couplers bolts and nuts: 1) Quick Threaded(Round Threaded) Bolt & Nut 2) Normal Threaded(Acme Thread) Bolt & Nut

The quick-threaded bolts are also called strong/reinforced scaffold coupler bolts. They can take heavier loads than normal type bolted scaffold couplers.
The quick threaded scaffolding couplers and clamps are used mainly in German-type scaffolding couplers. Scaffolding companies like Layher and Peri use quick-threaded bolts for their scaffold fittings.
The quick-threaded bolts are with wider teeth. So can run and screw easily even after hot dip galvanizing(with thick zinc).
Both quick threaded and normal threaded bolts are 8.8 high classes for Wellmade scaffolding couplers.

10.6  Different Country Scaffolding Couplers

Wellmade is the scaffolding coupler manufacturer exported to global 58 countries. Which country are you from and how to choose the right scaffold couplers and clamps for your scaffolding construction? Following are the scaffold coupler buying guides for different countries.

• BS1139 standard scaffolding couplers

BS1139 scaffold coupler is a British-type scaffold tube clamp. It is the most popular type of scaffold couplers globally wide. The reason is the British scaffold fittings are used not only in British and some European countries. But also used in most Asia countries, Middle East Gulf Countries, African Countries, etc.
British standard scaffold couplers are always with 21mm cross nut with washer.
It is also a scaffolding Standard accepted by most countries in the Middle East, Africa, and South East Asia.

• Australian Scaffolding Coupler

Australian type scaffolding couplers are confirmed to AS/NZ 1576 standard. This type of scaffold clamps is not as popular as British scaffold clamps. They are used only in Australia and sometimes in New Zealand.
Australia scaffold couplers are heavier weight and always with a 23mm bolt nut. The 23mm nuts are flange nuts, no need for any extra washers. These are the main difference from British standard scaffold fittings.
Australian standard scaffolding couplers are always drop forged. The AS1576 standard scaffolding coupler types include double coupler, swivel coupler, putlog coupler, girder clamps, etc.

• Germany Type Scaffolding Couplers

Germany Scaffolding Couplers are always drop forged. They are heavier than British standard scaffold fittings. For example, the German type swivel coupler is 1.45KG, While the British type forged swivel coupler is 1.20 KG.
Germany scaffold clamps are conformed to EN 74 Class B. In bolt and nut, German scaffold clamps always use 22mm flange nuts. According to the bolt type, there are quick threaded bolt clamps and acme threaded bolt couplers.

• American Type Scaffolding Couplers

American Scaffolding Coupler: Scaffolding clamps for the United States are the heaviest type of scaffolding couplers among all countries.
The USA scaffolding clamps sizes are various too from 2″ to 3.5″. Especially OD89mm scaffold right angle, swivel, and half couplers for New York City sidewalk shed construction.
All American-type scaffold clamps use 22mm flange nuts. The USA-type scaffold clamps include I bolt scaffold double and swivel clamps. There are also fixed and swivel wedge clamps. The scaffold wedge clamps are used for aluminum scaffold tubes in construction.

• Japanese and Korean Standard Scaffolding Clamps

Japanese scaffolding couplers are pressed steel types of scaffold fittings. They are used to fix the OD48.6mm JIS 3444 standard steel scaffolding GI pipes.
JIS standard scaffold clamps include JIS fixed clamps, JIS swivel clamps, JIS Fixed Beam Clamps ( C Clamps), JIS swivel beam clamps, inner bone joints, and base plates, etc.
Korean standard scaffolding clamps are similar to Japanese standard scaffold clamps. There are light weight and used to fix an OD48.6mm scaffold tube.
In Korean standard scaffolding, there is a type of rivet pipe scaffold system. The rivet scaffolding pipe needs to be connected to each other by special rivet scaffold clamps. The rivet scaffolding clamps include rivet joint pins, and rivet base plates.

• Chile Scaffolding Couplers

Chile scaffolding couplers are similar to British scaffold fittings. But the bolt nuts need to be a 22mm flange nut.

10.8 Buy Scaffolding Coupler From Local or Import From China

If you want to buy scaffolding couplers. The following points can help you to decide where to buy the scaffolding products.

• Required Quantity

If the quantity is less than thousands, you can consider buying the scaffolding couplers from the local companies. Import from China or India may not be cheaper than the local coupler price. Local scaffold companies may bring you immediate supply and easy sourcing.
Big quantities of scaffolding coupler requirements can import from China or India. Buying direct from the scaffold coupler manufacturers can save your cost if full containers quantity.

• Customized Logos& Marks

If you want a customized logo, you can buy it from China coupler manufacturer. Chinese scaffolding couplers always offer OEM service to put your companies’ logos and marks on the products.

• Delivery Time

If you want the scaffold coupler and clamps very quickly. Better buy from local companies. They can offer an immediate supply according to your construction projects.
Import scaffold couplers from China need to consider production lead time as well as international transportation time.

10.8.1 Benefits of Buying Scaffold Couplers and Fittings from Wellmade

1. Safety Scaffolding Coupler Material with Test Reports & Certificate
2. 20 years of scaffolding coupler manufacturing experiences
3. professional in oil gas companies’ scaffold couplers supplying
4. OEM manufacturer for scaffolding companies
5. Free embossed with your logo and marks
6. HDG and Zinc Plate finishing (both available)
7. One year warranty
8. Good price & save your cost
9. Door to Door delivery in global wide (58 Countries at Present)
10. Fast delivery (50,000 sqm big production capacity)
11. One-stop scaffolding material sourcing(Tubes, Planks, Scaffold Systems)
12. Give professional consult
13. Immediate reply within 24 hours

Wellmade’s Scaffolding Work Experience Introduction

Wellmade manufactures scaffolding couplers not only for civil construction, and building construction, our scaffold couplers and clamps are used for a lot of industrial and commercial construction. Include oil gas industry, power plant, chemical plant, etc. Famous oil gas companies like Shell, Sinopec, China Petroleum, KNPC, and KOC use Wellmade’s scaffold couplers and fittings for their onshore and offshore projects, equipment&pipeline repairs&maintenance.

In government infrastructure construction, you and find the Wellmade scaffold clamps are used in highway construction, bridge construction, airport construction, sports stadium construction, etc.  Meanwhile, Wellmade scaffold couplers are famously used in Russian World Cup and Beijing Olympic Stadium Construction.

You can find all types of scaffolding couplers here. All of them conform to international scaffolding standards, including EN74, BS1139, AS1576, etc.

60% Scaffolding &Formwork Companies Buy Scaffold Couplers from Wellmade

As a leading scaffolding coupler manufacturer in China. Our scaffold clamps are imported by scaffolding companies, formwork, and engineer companies globally wide. You can find our scaffolding couplers in 58 countries.
So far, Wellmade provides an innovative solution for scaffolding couplers to moreover 500 companies including big, medium, and small businesses.

We will provide you with a comprehensive turnkey scaffolding coupler solution in the leading market. You can contact us if you have any requirements or questions about our scaffolding couplers. Our sales team will revert to you within 24 hours.

Send Us An Inquiry Now.