Avoid welding if you can! 5 reasons to use fittings instead

Welding can be a complex and messy activity that requires thorough planning and a lot of care; where possible, try minimising the need for it as much as you can. This article goes over the advantages of using fittings versus welding (where possible, of course).

1. Quick installation

Fittings: You do not need any specialist training or extra permissions to put together a structure using tube and fittings; with ‘off the shelf’ availability and unique versatility, the system allows you to have your structure ready on the day (depending on complexity, of course), and there is no need for skilled labour or special tools to do this either.

Welding: On the other hand, welding will require a hot works permit and a lot of planning beforehand, which means that you will be waiting much longer for a welded system.

2. Easy maintenance and repair

Fittings: Fittings allow for quick and simple repairs to be carried out to the structure. If one section is damaged, simply unscrew the fittings, remove the damaged section of tubing and replace it on the spot.

Welding: If welded structures are damaged, then full sections (or even the entire structure) need to be removed, replaced and then welded back again by a skilled labourer.

3. Full corrosion protection

Fittings: Kee Klamp fittings are hot dip galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461, providing outstanding protection against corrosion as a given.

Welding: Any welding of galvanised sections on site will burn away the galvanising, leaving the area unprotected and prone to rust. Sometimes, zinc paints are used over the welded sections but these do not offer the same protection as hot dipped galvanising.

4. Safer

Fittings: A system that uses tube and fittings is a straight-forward, safe solution that eliminates hazards such as fires, fumes and potential electric shocks from the start.

Welding: When welding, you need to take a series of hazards into consideration, such as: fume and gases, fire, the lack of oxygen in confined spaces, noise and vibration, and electric shock.

See how you need to prepare before welding according to HSE

5. Consistent quality

Fittings: Fittings are manufactured to strict specifications and they are TÜV certified for strength, manufacturing quality and consistency. TÜV is Europe’s leading independent testing house. This means that for each project that you build using fittings and tube, you know that you can expect consistent quality.

Welding: When welding, you are relying on the quality of the person doing the work. This means that it is hard to obtain consistency in the quality of work, which is not ideal.