Kee Klamp Elbows
Kee Klamp® elbows turn a corner or change the direction of a pipe rail without welding or threading. The Type 15 forms a clean 90° turn, while the 20 side outlet, 55 obtuse, 56 acute, and 87 angle elbows add a run at set angles. Variable and swivel styles — the 55A (11–30°), BC53 swivel, and 320LH/320RH level-to-sloping side outlet elbows — follow stair and ramp pitches. Each malleable-iron fitting (ASTM A47) slides onto plain-end Schedule 40 pipe, locks with a case-hardened hex set screw, and is hot-dip galvanized to ASTM A123.
No-Weld, Slip-On Assembly
Kee Klamp elbows are part of a slip-fit pipe system: components connect to plain-end Schedule 40 pipe and lock with a case-hardened hex (Allen) set screw—no welding, threading, or hot-work permits. Tighten to spec with a ratchet wrench and the joint is ready to carry load, so a railing or frame can be built, adjusted, or extended on site with basic hand tools.
OSHA-Ready & Corrosion-Resistant
Elbows are malleable iron cast to ASTM A47 (grade 32510) and hot-dip galvanized to ASTM A123 for indoor or outdoor service. Kee Klamp is a component system: built into a 42" guardrail with the correct pipe, anchoring, and post spacing, sizes 7, 8, and 9 help the assembled system meet OSHA 29 CFR 1910.29 and 1926.502 design loads—compliance is a property of the installed railing, not any single fitting.
FAQs
1. What does a Kee Klamp elbow do?
An elbow joins two lengths of pipe where a rail must turn a corner or change direction. Depending on type, it holds a fixed 90° bend, a set obtuse or acute angle, or an adjustable angle. Elbows slip onto plain-end Schedule 40 pipe and lock with a case-hardened hex set screw — no welding required.
2. How do fixed, side outlet, and adjustable elbows differ?
The Type 15 is a fixed 90° elbow that turns a single rail through a right angle. The Type 20 side outlet elbow adds a third opening at the corner. The 55 obtuse, 56 acute, and 87 angle hold set angles, while the 55A variable and BC53 swivel pivot across a range rather than one fixed geometry.
3. How do I handle stair or ramp angles?
For sloping runs, variable and swivel elbows are the right choice because they adjust to non-90° angles. The 55A variable elbow covers roughly 11 to 30 degrees, and the BC53 swivel elbow pivots to follow a rail's pitch. Types 320LH and 320RH provide level-to-sloping side outlet connections. Confirm the required angle for your application.
4. Which pipe sizes do these elbows fit?
The size is the last digit of the part number. Size 5 fits 3/4" pipe, 6 fits 1", 7 fits 1-1/4", 8 fits 1-1/2", and 9 fits 2" pipe. Size 8 is 1-1/2" and size 9 is 2" — a 15-9, for example, fits 2" pipe. Sizes 6, 7, 8, and 9 are the common railing sizes.
5. Do these fittings require welding to install?
No. Each elbow slips onto plain-end Schedule 40 steel pipe and locks with a case-hardened hex (Allen) set screw tightened with a ratchet wrench, so assembly needs no welding, threading, or special tools. This lets railings and frames be built, adjusted, and reconfigured on site with common hand tools.
6. How strong are elbow connections, and can they meet OSHA?
In Kee sizes 5–9, each set screw supports a 2,000 lb (907 kg) axial load at 29 ft-lb (39.3 N-m), with a 2:1 safety factor. When sizes 7, 8, or 9 build a 42" rail with correct pipe and installation, the assembled system can meet OSHA's 200 lb top-rail load — a property of the installed system, not a single fitting.