Lindapter Fixings - Coping With Angles

The Lindapter fixing systems became popular because of a patented system of construction for steel buildings in which the fixing system was carried out by a system of clamps instead of drilling and fixing with a nut and bolt joint. This system is still very popular today because of the speed of construction that is possible and also the ability to make slight alterations in the erection stage without either re-drilling on site or returning the parts to the manufacturer for re-drilling.

The present systems have progressed and now can use both systems together either as a clamping system or a drill and fix system or a combination of the two different systems. One of the strengths of this form of construction was that it could deal with angles very well so that if a beam was required to be angled at any time this could be carried out using one of the Lindapter patented angle clamps.

One of the most useful clamps in this range is the ball and socket type of clamp which has been developed mainly so that beams slung below a structure can be angled up to 10 degrees while maintaining the integrity of the joint. The system uses steel rods, which have been threaded, and are of such a length that the beam slung below can be placed in the correct position.

The joint which flexes is made from a hemispherical cup which has been made from steel and zinc plated onto which is placed a hemispherical washer also zinc plated which can be positioned in the hemispherical cup much as a ball and socket would be.

Care must obviously be taken in drilling holes through the beams to keep the correct angle. Holes will probably have to be drilled a little larger than normal as it may well be difficult to get the angle of the hole correct prior to final securing of the joint and a larger hole will give the flexibility required without reducing the strength of the joint.

Items with a requirement of angles over 10 degree difference can be made by using a swivel type of joint also made by the same manufacturer. The advantages of the hemispherical cup and washer system is that adjustments can easily be made to fine tune the operation and this can also easily be carried out at a later date as and when required.

For more information on fixings and fasteners why not take a look at Fix8.co.uk. For a large selection of Socket Screws and Lindapter Fixings visit Fix8 Ltd