Rail clamps are used to support, guide, join or decorate handrails, railway tracks and cable guide rails. They have an internal profile that mirrors the rail system they are used on and can be made from light or heavy materials. The design and finish of the clamp depends on its use and environment.
The term rail clamp applies to a wide range of products designed to support, guide, join or provide a decorative finish to handrails, railway tracks and cable guide rails. Rail clamps are typically designed with an internal profile that mirrors the external profile of the rail system they are being used on. They can be slip on, one piece or two piece, clamshell designs and made from light gauge or heavy weight materials depending on their use. Rail clamps used in industrial rail applications are generally simple and utilitarian, while those used in domestic, architectural or marine settings typically feature attractive designs and decorative finishes.
Rail Clamps are used as supports, guides and finishes on a number of railing systems in various applications. A rail clamp is usually formed with an internal profile that mimics the shape of the rail it is designed to clamp or support. Depending on the degree of design strength involved, these clamps can be made from low-gauge materials or cast, forged, or machined steel. The type of locking and locking mechanism also depends on the forces involved. These can range from one or two simple self-tapping type screws to multiple rows of heavy gauge bolts.
The overall design of a rail clamp will typically be dictated by the shape of the rail and the degree of visual appeal required. For example, rail clamps intended to hold train tracks in place are made of cast or forged steel and locked into place on the rail member and sleepers using large bolts or spikes. The internal profile of these clamps is a mirror of the cross section of the rail element. Rail clamps used to support or finish round handrails usually have a two-part clamshell design or consist of a spherical member with a hole in the center through which the rail is passed. These clamps will also come with a locking plate or lug which is used to secure the clamp to a mount.
Even a rail clamp intended for square rails, such as those used as festoon cable guides on overhead cranes, are often of a half-shell design. In these applications, the rail clamp will only lock onto the rear of the rail to allow the fairleads to travel unobstructed. Square rail clamps can also be simple L-profile plates with a single locking bolt on both ends. Most rail models also have finishing clamps specially designed for them. These are generally used at the end of a section of rail and are typically capped at one end.
The design, finish and embellishment of a rail clamp is also heavily dependent on environmental and aesthetic considerations. A rail clamp designed to support a handrail on a luxury yacht or penthouse balcony is likely to be stylishly designed and given a polished or brushed finish or decorative plating. A rail clamp used for a similar handrail on an offshore oil rig is likely to be very simple and functional, and feature a corrosion-resistant, utilitarian finish. The rail clamps are also made from high impact plastics, wood and composites for use with rails of similar materials. Temporary clamps can also have a quick release design and lock onto the rail using a swing bolt and wing nut.
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