Internal Expanding Handrail Tube Joint for 26.9mm Tube, Flush Joiner

A flush internal joint for carrying a run of 26.9mm tube past the end of a length. If you are fitting a handrail, a guard rail or a tube frame and one length will not reach, this joint connects the two lengths end to end without a welder and without a bulky external sleeve. One split half goes into each tube, and a single set screw in the collar expands the joint so that it grips the inside of the tube. Only the narrow collar stays on show. It suits 26.9mm outside diameter tube, which is also sold as 20mm nominal bore. The price shown is for one joint, with a minimum order of 10.

Important: this joint must not be used as a load bearing joint. It keeps the two tubes in line. The load has to be carried by supports on both sides of the join.

Why this joint works

The rail stays smooth under the hand. An external sleeve stands proud of the tube and leaves a step that catches a palm or a sleeve. Here the collar is sized to sit level with the tube either side, so a hand running along the rail meets a shallow seam and nothing more.

No hot work on site. Cut the tube square, push the joint in and tighten one screw. There is no welding, no fire permit to arrange and no galvanising to repair afterwards, which matters on a live site or a finished building.

One screw does the gripping. Tightening the set screw spreads the split halves against the inside wall of both tubes at once, so you are not lining up separate fixings for each side.

The joint is galvanised, so it matches galvanised tube and takes outdoor use. In short: a flush seam, no welding and one fixing.

Where it is used

Light tube handrails along walkways and steps, guard rails around plant and mezzanine edges, machine guards, tube frames for shelving and benches, and repairs where a damaged length has to be cut out and replaced. It is at its best on straight runs where the posts or brackets sit close to the join, so that the joint only has to hold the line.

Specifications

Choosing the right size

Measure the outside of your tube with a caliper rather than going by the nominal bore printed on a delivery note. This joint is for tube that measures 26.9mm across. Nominal sizes are not the outside diameter, and the wall thickness of your tube decides how much room the joint has inside it, so check a short offcut first if your tube is unusually heavy. Both tubes must be the same diameter. To join two different sizes you need a reducer fitting instead.

See the full range of handrail connectors.

Fitting and care

Cut both tube ends square and remove any burr from the inside, because a sharp edge stops the joint seating. Slide one half fully into the first tube, push the second tube on until it meets the collar, and tighten the set screw with a hex key until the joint is firm. Do not overdrive it. Make sure there is a post or bracket close by on each side of the join.

Check the screw during routine inspections of the rail, especially where the rail is used often or exposed to vibration. Galvanising needs no routine care in normal conditions, and any damaged area can be touched up with a zinc-rich paint.

Frequently asked questions

Ordering and delivery

Order 10 or more online, with Express UK Delivery to your site and same-day dispatch on orders before 2pm, Monday to Friday. For a larger job, call 01744 520 110 or email sales@industrialsuppliesco.co.uk and we will confirm availability and delivery before you order.