Kee Klamp® Key Clamps (AKA Key Clamp) is one of the great industrial inventions of the 20th century and it’s a structural pipe fitting commonly used in the construction of handrails and barriers.
For 80 years it has been there, always seen but rarely noticed. It plays a part in the lives of millions of people throughout the world.
From handrails at Niagara Falls, to rail systems in London tube stations. Since its inception back in the 1930’s, many have tried to copy this versatile solution; Key Clamp is just one example. Many more cheap alternatives exist today, but there’s only one original and this article will explain why the original Kee Klamp® Key Clamps fitting is indeed the best.
How did everything begin?
Although there are many versions of clamps available on the market today, Kee Klamp® Key Clamps is the true original clamp. It was invented by George H.Gascoigne and his team in 1934. Gascoigne’s were milking machine specialists, and their objective was to create something that would meet a requirement for safer, more hygienic milk production.
Kee Klamp® was created to enable the quick construction of tubular-based stalls for dairy herds, easily and without the requirement of welding on site.
From these humble beginnings, the new fittings quickly became known not only as a quality product, but also an incredibly versatile one. This recognition lead Gasgoine’s into new markets, with modification of the chrome fittings to feature a longer-lasting, galvanised finish.
From this initial success, the fittings gained a much larger appeal. During the 2nd World War, they were used in applications such as wind shields for barrage balloons and aircraft and gun turret maintenance to name just two.
After the War, fittings became a common sight throughout the UK. Racking systems, platforms, handrail and guardrail systems and many other safety systems – including on the highways and byways throughout the country.
Kee Klamp® Key Clamps or Key Clamp?
Many companies supply alternative tubular fittings, so why choose Kee Klamp® Key Clamps?
Kee Klamp® Key Clamps fittings are iron castings manufactured to the requirements of BS EN 1562 & BS EN 1563. Each fitting can support an axial load of 900 Kg and unlike many of the cheap alternatives, includes a safety factor 2:1.
The main fittings are TÜV certified for strength, manufactured quality and consistency. They offer a flexible solution when it comes to constructing safety barriers, handrails, and guardrails. All of the components are designed to make installation quick and easy and completely eliminate the need for welding, cutting, threading or bolting, as well as removing the need for skilled labour and permits for work.
Manufactured by Kee Safety Ltd, the global market leading manufacturer of safety solution products and sole producer of Kee Klamp® Key Clamps. The tubular fittings are available in more countries, more styles, more sizes and more colours than any other brand of tubular fitting.
Kee Systems, Kee Safety’s largest UK distributer.
Features and benefits
- Galvanised cast iron to BS EN ISO 1461
- Fitted with KEE KOAT corrosion protected grub screws and THREDKOAT recess protection
- TÜV certified for strength, manufacturing quality and consistency
- Meets specified loadings up to 1500 N/m
- No welding, so no hot work permits are required
- No threading or bolting so no special tools are required
- A flexible system that can accommodate on site variations
- Cost effective to install; no specialist labour required
Kee Systems is the UK’s largest and fastest online fittings store
Kee Systems was established in 1946 and offers a full range of Fittings, Guardrail, Handrail, Railings, Safety Barrier and Fall Protection Solutions. Alongside Kee Klamp® Key Clamps fittings, Kee Systems also distribute the corrosion-resistant Kee Lite® range and Kee Klamp Access® fittings typically used to create safety handrailing that complies with the UK Equality Act and other tubular structure applications.
Kee Sytems is a leading distributor of Kee Klamp® Key Clamps tubular fittings and hold large stocks of all Kee Klamp® Key Clamps fittings and Kee Safety products, for rapid turnaround on orders. Kee Systems offer same day Click and Collect and Trade Counter services in the heart of London SW18, as well as Next Day delivery services. We are the UK largest & fastest Kee Klamp® Key Clamps online store.
There are many other fittings that imitate the original Kee Klamp® Key Clamps fitting. Beware of cheap imitations, when you need quality reassurance and strong, certified fittings, choose the best, choose the original, choose Kee Klamp® Key Clamps.
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