Key Clamp Short Slope Tee 11-29° for 42.4mm Tube, Stair and Ramp Rails, Galvanised, Size C

The short slope tee joins a sloping top rail to a vertical post where the rail runs at 11° to 29°, on stairs, steep ramps and banks. The rail passes straight through the short top barrel, which is cast at an angle, and is held by one grub screw. The post pushes into the flared socket below and is held by a second. Because the socket is flared, one fitting covers the whole range from 11° to 29°, so it suits most external stairs and steep paths without ordering to an exact angle. It suits 42.4mm outside diameter tube, the usual size for handrails and guard rails, and is malleable cast iron with a galvanised finish for indoor and outdoor use. The price shown is for one fitting, with a minimum order of 5.

Why use a short slope tee

Made for steeper slopes. A standard tee holds the rail square to the post. This one is cast for rails between 11° and 29°, the range of most external steps, steep ramps and banks.

Rail runs over the post. The rail passes straight through the barrel, so one continuous length runs over each intermediate post.

Compact. The short barrel keeps the joint neat on handrails where a long tee would look bulky.

No welding or bending. Cut the tube square, push it in and tighten two screws with a hex key.

Galvanised for outdoors. The zinc coating protects the iron on stairs, banks and site access routes in all weathers.

Where it is used

Handrails and guard rails on external stairs and steps, steep ramps and footpaths, guard rails running down banks and embankments, access routes on construction sites, and sloping rails at loading docks and plant areas.

Specifications

Know its limits

The rail must pass through in one piece: two rail ends cannot be joined inside the top of this tee. For a joint in the rail over a post, use a long slope tee. Below 11°, use a 0° to 11° fitting; above 29°, a 30° to 45° stair fitting. No load rating is published, so for a rail that must meet a set load, ask a structural engineer to check the design.

Which 42.4mm slope fitting?

How many do you need?

One at the top of each intermediate post on the slope. A stair handrail on three posts needs one for the middle post, with end fittings at the top and bottom. A two-rail guard rail also needs a 4 way slope cross on each intermediate post for the middle rail.

Choosing the right size

Key clamps are sized by the tube's outside diameter. 42.4mm tube is often sold as 1¼" or 32mm nominal bore. Measure across the tube: this fitting will not grip 40mm or 48.3mm tube. The same short slope tee is made for 48.3mm tube.

Fitting and care

Set the posts vertical first. Slide the tees onto the rail, lower the rail onto the posts so each post enters its socket, set the slope and tighten the post screws, then the rail screws, firmly with a 5/16" hex key. Check the screws after the first week and once a year, and touch up scratched galvanising with zinc-rich paint.

Frequently asked questions

Ordering and delivery

Order 5 or more online, with Express UK Delivery to your site and same-day dispatch on orders before 2pm, Monday to Friday. For a full stair or bank rail, call 01744 520 110 or email sales@industrialsuppliesco.co.uk and we will confirm availability and delivery before you order.