The complete guide to MEGA-THERM pipe clamps.

What are pipe clamps?
Pipe clamps, or pipe fixings, are best defined as the support mechanism for suspended pipes, whether that be horizontal overhead or vertical, adjacent to a surface. They are vital in ensuring all pipes are fixed securely while also allowing for any pipe movement or expansion that may occur.

Pipe clamps come in many variations as the requirements for pipe fixing can range from simple anchoring in place, to more complex scenarios involving pipe movement or heavy loads. It is essential that the right pipe clamp is used to ensure the integrity of the installation. Pipe fixing failure can cause significant and costly damage to a building so it is important to get it right.

Contents
1. The main types of pipe clamps
2. How do they work?
3. Which pipe clamps are the best?
4. What size pipe clamp do you need?
5. Pipe clamps with rubber lining6. Advantages of Walraven’s pipe fixings7. Pipe clamps around insulation8. The complete pipe support system
9. Pipe clamps advice
10. Learn more about pipe clamps
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The main types of pipe clamps


Standard pipe clamps

Standard clamps are typically fixed using two screws – one on either side of the clamp. They can be lined or unlined, depending on the application and there tends to be a wide range of sizes to choose from.

These clamps have evolved and Walraven now offers a single screw pipe clamp with a quick-locking system that is fixed in place simply by pushing the clamp together by hand.

Best for straight-forward installations of metal or plastic pipes.

Standard pipe clamps ➤



Traditional pipe clamps

Traditional clamps include split bands, U Bolts and Saddle Clamps, most commonly used to hold steel or copper pipes. They have no internal lining so are best suited to pipes where there are no additional variables to be considered such as temperature or noise insulation. Take a look at our blog which analyses traditional pipe clamps versus heavy duty pipe clamps, to see which is best.

Best for large diameter steel and copper pipes where a basic, traditional bracket is preferred and there are no special requirements for rubber lining.

Saddle clamps ➤

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Plastic pipe clamps

Plastic clamps are mainly used on plastic pipes or domestic copper pipes. They are perfect for light loads and smaller diameter pipes. They are also great for jobs where lots of clamps are required due to their quick installation time.

Plastic clamps, such as the Walraven starQuick®, are now being manufactured for ultra-fast installation. You can simply fix the pipe in place without any additional fixings.

Best for sanitary, heating and electrical installations as well as corrosive environments.

Plastic pipe clamps ➤



Heavy duty pipe clamps

Heavy duty clamps have a high safe working load, so are designed for use where a heavy load support is required. They can be used indoors and outdoors and are available both with and without lining. They have modern features to make them easier to fit than traditional clamps. Take a look at how our heavy duty pipe supports were used to secure district heating pipes to the underside of a bridge.

Best for safe fixing of heavy load pipework indoors or outdoors.

Heavy duty pipe clamps ➤



How do pipe clamps work?
In most instances, pipe clamps work by fixing securely around the pipe and suspending it from a surface or rail system. They simply lock around the pipe to clamp it in place so that it is secure. Since there are many different types of pipe clamp, however, you will find that they can work slightly differently.

Standard clamps work by securing two screws in place, one on either side of the clamp. More state of the art versions of standard clamps can include single screw pipe clamps for faster fixing and more advanced two screw clamps that have additional features such as anti-loss washers and captive locking nuts and screws.
Saddle clamp