Key Clamp Handrails and Handrail Kits

Key Clamp Handrails and Handrail Kits: What You Get and How to Order

Our key clamp handrail kits are pre-configured bolt-down handrail in galvanised steel tube and key clamp fittings, in 42.4mm (size 7) or 48.3mm (size 8) tube. Upright posts give a finished handrail height of 1100mm, uprights are at 1300mm centres, and the horizontal rails come in pairs for the top and mid rail. All fittings and tube are hot-dip galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461.

You build the run from a handful of sections, bolt it down and tighten the fittings with a hexagon key: no welding. Kits are held in stock for next-day delivery on stock orders, and we quote within one hour, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

A key clamp handrail system, or key clamp railing, is built from galvanised tube uprights and rails joined with key clamp fittings. Each kit covers the common parts of a run: mid sections, end sections, D-end sections, 90 degree corners, horizontal rail pairs and wall termination brackets. For anything outside the kit, our key clamp fittings range covers the individual parts.

Kit Sizes at a Glance

The Kit Components

Each section is listed on its own, in size 7 or size 8, so you build exactly the run you need.

Not sure which pieces your run needs? Send us the layout and we will list them.

Why Buy Handrail as a Kit

A kit takes the guesswork out of ordering. Instead of listing every tee, cross and base flange and working out tube lengths yourself, you order the sections for a standard run and they arrive together.

• Same parts as our loose range. Kits are built from the same key clamp fittings and galvanised tube we sell loose, so you can extend or alter a kit run later with standard key clamp fittings and galvanised tube.
• Repairable. Because the run is modular, a damaged section can be replaced on its own, unlike a fabricated rail.
• No hot works. No welding, no fabrication, and no special tools beyond a hexagon key.

How to Choose a Kit

1. Measure the run. Note the length, each end, every corner and any point where the rail meets a wall.
2. Choose the tube size. 42.4mm (size 7) or 48.3mm (size 8). The load a handrail or guardrail can take depends mainly on the diameter, wall thickness and spacing of the uprights. For the same spacing, a larger upright takes more load.
3. Check the spacing against your design load. Kit uprights are at 1300mm centres. Compare that with the maximum upright centres for 1100mm guardrail on our key clamps and tube page, by tube size and design load. If your site needs posts closer together, we can list a run built from loose fittings.
4. Stairs and ramps. Where the run goes up stairs or a ramp, the G gradient and C slope fittings in sizes 7 and 8 change the rail angle. Send us the angle and we will list them.

The design load for your site and the finished installation must be checked by whoever signs it off. Not sure which kit suits your run? Our free design service will work it out from your measurements.

Useful Add-Ons

• Kick plate base. The A11 kick plate base plate, for 42.4mm or 48.3mm, fixes to the floor and accepts a standard kick plate. It is popular for fixed handrail on roofs and mezzanines, where tools and materials must not drop from above.
• Base plate bolts. The ANC through bolt fixes A12 and G12 base plates down. Set the base in position, mark through it, then drill: we do not recommend pre-drilling.
• Mesh infill. A70 and A72 mesh clips hold mesh panels in a guardrail, spaced 450mm apart, and can be added to an existing run.
• Gates. Close an access opening with a self-closing safety gate that fits key clamp handrail. The gate closes automatically behind the user, so the opening is never left open. For a chain across an opening, use the A64 hook.
• Extra tube. Any extra tube is cut to length free.

Finish and Standards

• Galvanised as standard. All kit fittings and tube are hot-dip galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461.
• Fittings. Malleable iron castings, manufactured in excess of BS 6681 (ISO 5922) and BS 2789 (ISO 1083), with Dacromat coated, case hardened set screws.
• Powder coating. Available if you need a colour: ask at quote stage and we build it into the price.
• Guarding. Building Regulations Approved Document K covers protection from falling, and BS 6180 covers barriers in and about buildings, including loading.
• Accessible routes. For a continuous handrail on an accessible route, see the DDA handrail range, made for 42.4mm tube to the Equality Act 2010 and Building Regulations Approved Document M.

Where Handrail Kits Are Used

• Walkways, platforms and plant areas, including industrial access walkways.
• Car parks and building approaches. One customer used our free design service for a double handrail that marks a safe route from the car park to the building: handrails for Folcrete.
• Steps, ramps and external routes. A school's ramp and handrail kit for a wheelchair user arrived within two days: handrail for a wheelchair access ramp.
• Gardens and patios: a handrail kit for a garden patio.
• Retrofits to existing barriers, powder coated to match: project delivered fast.
• Roof areas, alongside roof edge protection and step-over platforms.

How to Order a Handrail Kit

1. Measure the run and note the ends, corners and any wall fixings.
2. Choose 42.4mm (size 7) or 48.3mm (size 8).
3. Tell us the surface you are bolting to.
4. Request a quote with your layout, email [email protected] or call 01905 779944. We quote within one hour, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
5. Delivery is charged at cost and confirmed with your quote, before anything is despatched.

Why Buy Handrail Kits from Fisher Alvin

• In stock, with next-day delivery on stock orders.
• Galvanised fittings and tube, to BS EN ISO 1461.
• Extra tube cut to length, free.
• Free design service. Send your measurements and we list every section.
• Founded in Birmingham in 1912, now based in Cradley Heath.

Handrail Kit Questions

What height is a key clamp handrail kit?

Upright posts are supplied to give a finished handrail height of 1100mm.

What tube sizes are the kits made in?

42.4mm (size 7) and 48.3mm (size 8) outside diameter tube.

How far apart are the uprights?

Kit uprights are at 1300mm centres. Check that spacing against the design load for your site using the upright centres table on our key clamps and tube page.

How long are the horizontal rails?

Rails come in pairs for the top and mid rail: RK-HRP7 is 2 x 1250mm in 42.4mm tube and RK-HRP8 is 2 x 1450mm in 48.3mm tube.

Do the kits need welding?

No. The kits bolt down and the fittings are tightened onto the tube with a hexagon key.

Can I add to a kit later?

Yes. Kits use standard key clamp fittings and galvanised tube, so you can extend or alter the run with parts from our stock range.

Are the kits galvanised?

Yes. Fittings and tube are hot-dip galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461. Ask us if you need a powder coated finish.

Can a handrail kit be used on a DDA route?

For a continuous handrail on an accessible route, use the DDA handrail range, made for 42.4mm tube to the Equality Act 2010 and Building Regulations Approved Document M. We can quote both together.

Handrail Guides and Related Ranges

Read first: key clamp handrail systems, why key clamp handrails cost less over their life, key clamp handrail fittings for outdoor use, modular guardrail versus welded, DDA handrail requirements and know your handrails.

Related ranges: key clamp fittings, galvanised key clamp tube, DDA handrail range, self-closing gates and roof edge protection. Download the brochures.