COUPLER

COUPLER

I am going to present one COUPLER. Which  can be used as a right angle COUPLER, in-line COUPLER or a swivel COUPLER.  You can do this just by adding or removing a roll pin.

WHAT IS A COUPLER?
A Coupler is a device that joins (couples) tubing together by griping around the tubing.  The type of Coupler we are going to discuss works with 2” O.D. Aluminum Scaffolding and tubing. Most Couplers come either as a right angle Coupler, in-line Coupler or swivel Coupler.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF COUPLERS:
There are three types of couplers, the right angle Coupler, In-line Coupler and the swivel Coupler. If you wanted to join two pieces of aluminum tubing at right angles you would have to buy a right angle Coupler and the same if you wanted to join two pieces of tubing parallel to each other you would buy an in-line Coupler and the same for a swivel Coupler.

ONE COUPLER THAT DOES WHAT THREE COUPLERS DO:
This is what I call a Universal Coupler. It can be configured as a swivel Coupler, a right angle Coupler and an in-line Coupler by just adding a roll pin in the proper hole for right angle Coupler setting or in-line Coupler setting. To use as a swivel Coupler you just remove the pin and the two halves swivel.

CAUTION:
Most Aluminum Scaffolding uses thin wall tubing .058 wall thickness. That is the reason for the wing nut for tightening. If you use a wrench to tighten the coupler DO NOT over tighten or you may crimp the Aluminum Scaffolding tubing.

— USES:
Have you ever had a job that you cannot access with an Aerial Work Platform or with your standard Aluminum Scaffolding?

What you need is a special Access Work Platform.

You might need to have a special Access Work Platform built which would most likely use Couplers or you might be able to use your existing Aluminum Scaffolding with just the purchase of some Universal Couplers, some heavy wall Aluminum tubing and maybe some extra frames.

The NASA AMES 40 by 80 wind tunnel use standard Double Wide Aluminum Frames with 10’ platforms and bracing along with swivel and right angle Couplers to span completely around the 40’ turbine engine.

The Tibetan Gallery was just a standard six foot Aluminum Scaffolding Tower with a platform height of 17’ 6” and no outriggers. The Aluminum Scaffolding Tower was supported by special made brackets mounted to the wall and tubing with just the Universal Coupler used in its right angle and swivel Coupler settings.

CONCLUSION:
When the Aerial Work Platform does not work take a look at using your existing Aluminum Scaffolding and either renting or buying the extra scaffolding pieces and Couplers to access the job.

UPRIGHT SCAFFOLD NORTH AMERICA would like to thank you for taking the time to read this article and to remind you

“If you ever need to get  up, get  up right with UpRight Scaffold North America”.