Pipe connectors

What are pipe connectors for railings?

Pipe connectors are the fittings that join one railing tube to the next: at a corner, in a straight line, or where three or four tubes meet. Flush fittings have the same outer size as the tube and go into the tube ends, so the rail keeps one smooth line with only a narrow joint showing.

They are made for the tube sizes used across the Strofix range: Ø42.4x2 mm round tube, 40x40x2 mm square profile, and Ø10 and Ø12 mm solid rod.

Which connector type do I need – L, I, T, Y or X?

Count the tubes that meet at the joint, then check the angle between them.

Are the fittings glued or welded?

Most connectors are flush fittings fixed with adhesive. They go into the tube ends and are glued in place, so there is no welding and no finish to restore on site. The recommended adhesive is the anaerobic glue for stainless steel parts.

Welding versions are welded to the tube for a fully rigid joint: the welding flush elbow 90° for Ø42.4 mm tube, in satin or raw, and the welding cross connector. After welding, the seam is ground and the finish restored.

Fixed or adjustable – which angles are available?

A fixed elbow gives an exact corner. An adjustable elbow is set on site to the angle of a stair or ramp.

• Fixed 90° – flush elbows for Ø42.4 mm tube and for 40x40 mm profile, and a 90° elbow for Ø12 mm rod
• Fixed 135° – round flush elbow for Ø42.4 mm tube, polished
• Adjustable 0–70° – for Ø42.4 mm tube
• Adjustable 90–180° – low-profile elbows for Ø42.4 mm tube and for 40x40 mm profile
• Adjustable, wide range (models marked 360°) – for Ø42.4 mm tube, satin or polished
• Rod elbows – adjustable for Ø10 and Ø12 mm rod, and bend elbows for Ø12 mm rod with a 70 or 102 mm leg

Two 135° elbows make a 90° turn with a chamfered corner – a common detail on terraces.

Set the angle before the adhesive cures. After that the joint is fixed.

How tall is each elbow?

Fitting height (H), as listed for each product:

• Flush elbow 90°, rounded, Ø42.4 mm – H 30 mm
• Flush elbow 90°, Ø42.4 mm – H 35 mm
• Flush elbow 90° and 135°, round, Ø42.4 mm – H 44 mm
• Welding flush elbow 90°, Ø42.4 mm – H 48/57 mm
• Adjustable elbow 90–180°, Ø42.4 mm tube and 40x40 mm profile – H 27 mm
• Adjustable elbow 0–70°, Ø42.4 mm – H 27.5 mm
• Adjustable wide-range elbow, Ø42.4 mm – H 47 mm
• Flush elbow 90°, 40x40 mm – H 45 mm

A lower fitting gives a more compact corner.

AISI 304 or AISI 316 – satin or polished?

AISI 304 is the standard grade. AISI 316 contains molybdenum and resists chlorides better – choose it near the sea, around pools or where de-icing salt is used. It is an option on the flush 90° elbows for Ø42.4 mm tube (standard, rounded and round), on the adjustable 90–180° elbow and on the straight connector for Ø42.4 mm tube.

Satin is the standard finish. The Ø42.4 mm elbows and the straight connector also come polished. The welding elbow also comes raw, for finishing after welding.

What else does a tube railing need?

• End caps – close open tube and rod ends
• Handrail support – brackets that carry the handrail on posts, walls or glass
• Rod holders – fix rod infill to the posts
• Pipes, bars – tube and solid bar
• Base plates – fix the posts to the floor

For the whole system, read our guide Railing systems: how to choose the right solution for your balcony, terrace or stairs.

Questions about pipe connectors

Which fitting turns a handrail at a stair landing?

An adjustable elbow, set to the pitch of the stair on site. The adjustable elbows cover 0–70°, 90–180° and a wide range, so check the range against your stair.

How do I extend a handrail that is longer than one tube?

With an I-type straight connector. It sits inside both tube ends and leaves only a thin seam on the outside.

Are the connectors suitable for outdoor railings?

Yes. AISI 304 suits most outdoor railings. Near the sea, around pools or where de-icing salt is used, choose AISI 316.