Key Clamp External Sleeve Joint for 26.9mm Tube, Galvanised

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The external sleeve joint joins two lengths of 26.9mm tube end to end, so a rail can run longer than one tube. Each tube end pushes halfway into the sleeve and is locked by its own grub screw. There is no welding, threading or drilling. It suits 26.9mm outside diameter tube and is malleable cast iron with a galvanised finish for outdoor use. Use it for in-line joints in rails and frames; it is not intended as a structural splice. The price shown is for one fitting, with a minimum order of 10.

Dimension drawing of the 26.9mm external sleeve joint key clamp, 76mm long with a 26.9mm bore and two grub screws

Why use a sleeve joint

Longer runs. Tube comes in fixed lengths. A sleeve joint lets you carry a rail on past the end of one length without welding.

Use up offcuts. Join shorter pieces instead of buying a new full length for the last few metres of a run.

Neat line. The sleeve sits round the outside of the tube, so the rail stays straight and the joint is tidy.

No hot work. Two grub screws and a hex key. There is no welding and no damaged galvanising.

Where it is used

Top and mid rails on long heavy barriers and guard rails, livestock pen rails, long frames and racks made from 26.9mm tube, and repairs where a damaged length of rail is cut out and replaced.

Specifications

What you get	One external sleeve joint with two grub screws fitted, minimum order 10
Fitting type	External sleeve joint, straight in-line
Suits tube	26.9mm outside diameter (size A), both ends
A: overall length	76mm
Material	Malleable cast iron
Finish	Galvanised
Grub screws	Two, one for each tube end (screw size not published for this size)
Weight	About 0.25 kg
Structural use	Not recommended as a structural joint

Where to put the joint

A sleeve joint is weaker in bending than a continuous tube. Put it where the rail is well supported:

Close to a post, within about a quarter of the span, not in the middle between posts.
Never where the rail has to carry a load across a gap on its own, such as a beam or a lifting bar.
For a joint directly over a post, use a 26.9mm long tee instead: it joins the two rail ends and the post in one fitting.

How many do you need?

One sleeve joint for each place where two lengths of tube meet in a straight line. For a rail longer than one tube length, divide the run by the tube length and round down: that is the number of joints per rail. A barrier with a top and mid rail needs that number twice.

Choosing the right size

Key clamps are sized by the tube's outside diameter. 26.9mm tube is often sold as ¾" or 20mm nominal bore. Measure across the tube before ordering: this fitting will not grip 21.3mm or 33.7mm tube. The same galvanised fitting is made for 33.7mm, 42.4mm, 48.3mm and 60.3mm tube.

Fitting and care

Cut both tube ends square and deburr them. Mark the middle of the sleeve on each tube so the joint is centred, push the tubes in until the ends meet, and tighten both grub screws firmly with a hex key. Check them after the first week and once a year after that. Touch up scratched galvanising with zinc-rich paint.

Frequently asked questions

Is the price for one fitting?

Yes. The price is for one sleeve joint with both grub screws fitted. The minimum order is 10.

Is the joint as strong as a solid tube?

No. It is an in-line connector, not a structural splice. Place it close to a post, or use a long tee over the post where the joint must carry load.

Can I join two different tube sizes?

No. Both ends of this sleeve take 26.9mm tube.

Do the tube ends have to meet in the middle?

They should. Each tube needs to reach past its grub screw, so centre the joint for the best grip.

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 full barrier or a larger job, call 01744 520 110 or email sales@industrialsuppliesco.co.uk and we will confirm availability and delivery before you order.