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General Handrail Questions and FAQ

Q: What grades of stainless steel do you use?
A: We use commercial grades AISI 304 for internal applications and AISI 316 for external applications. You can mix depending upon the environment of your installation.

Q: What diameter is the handrail?
A: It depends upon the application and the loading that the assembly will undergo. Our handrail tube and fittings are available with an outside diameter of 42.4mm, 48.3mm and 50.8mm.

Q: Are they straight?
A: Yes, all our handrails are straight. Forming of the tube can be arranged and is facilitated by a specialist company.

Q: How high should my balustrade be?
A: In accordance with current UK Building Regulations they should be 1100mm high, but 900mm high if raking (e.g. on stairs).

Q: How thick are the handrails?
A: Quite dumb. Our handrails have a wall thicknesses of 2mm (42.4), 2.6mm (48.3) and 3mm (50.8).

Q: I want the banister to go on my left hand wall is this possible?
A: Yes, it can go on either wall depending which way round you put it. Just turn it around, lengthways.

Q: I want to fit a new handrail. Where do I measure from?
A: If it’s a banister rail replacement, just measure your existing one. If it’s a balustrade that you're after, please send us your design in the form of a dimensional sketch or drawing.

Handrail Finish

Q: Do you sell Chrome rails?
A: No.

Q: Do you have any other types of finish?
A: No, all of our banister rails and stainless steel fittings are satin polished. We find it perfect for most environments where a contemporary, stylish handrail is required.

Q: Why don't you do a mirror or bright finish?
A: Do you want to be forever polishing those sticky hand prints off your lovely handrail? We can provide mirror polished items upon your request.

Brackets, Joints, Clamps & End Caps

Q: How do I know how many brackets I require?
A: Our recommendation will depend on the length of handrail required. As a rough guide, we attach 2 brackets to 3-metre banisters and 3 brackets to banister hand rails up to 4.25-metres – but this can be changed to your individual requirements.

Q: How is the banister ends finished?
A: They are finished with a flat capping plug, but we can offer a domed plug or one of our groovy designs. All of our ends are satin / brush finished to match the tube.

Q: How do attach glass clamps, and brackets to the tube?
A: Please refer to the Assembly page of our website.

Q: How long are your handrails?
A: The handrail is supplied from the tube mills in 6 metre lengths, but you/ we can cut (or join) them to any required length.

Q: Are the brackets moveable?
A: Not without drilling further holes

Installation & Maintenance

Q: Do your handrails require welding? How difficult are they to install?
A: No, our banister handrails are totally weld-free and very easy to install. They use a push-fit, modular technology that requires a special adhesive. Most orders (handrail banisters) are pre-prepared in our depot and require only fixing to the wall.

Glass brackets, tension-wire fixings and rail brackets require the tube to be drilled and sometimes tapped. Stainless steel is a hard material and caution should be exercised when undertaking metal work procedures.

Anyone with a basic knowledge of DIY or any builder should have no problem installing our handrails.

Q: Is the Loctite® 638 / glue strong enough?
A: Yes, please see the Technical Data Sheets section of the Loctite® website for a full technical bulletin www.loctite.com

Q: How long does it take to set?
A: Under normal working conditions, the Loctite® 638 will start to cure in approx 10-30 minutes. This time can be significantly reduced in warmer environments. Joints should be a fully cured after 24 hours.

Q: Will you fit my order for me?
A: We only supply. Most installations can be facilitated quite easily using a few hand tools. However, we have a number of preferred installers that we work with should you require installation. Most builders, joiners, plumbers, carpenters and proficient DIY’ers should have no problem in installing STICK-IT.

Q: How do I earth my handrail?
A: The rail is made of stainless steel, earthing should not be required.

Q: Does stainless steel rust?
A: In short, yes. Although stainless steel is a corrosion resistant material, under certain conditions and without protection, it will suffer some surface corrosion, most commonly known as ‘tea staining’. Please see our ‘Installation & Maintenance section’ above on maintaining your exterior railings.

Building Regulations

Q: Do your rails comply with Building Regulation requirements?
A: It is the responsibility of the designer/installer to ensure compliance. If correctly assembled, and with suitable fixings and reinforcement where necessary, our handrail system satisfies the loading requirements for domestic and commercial use. For installations of commercial use, please ask for details.

Delivery & Collection

Q: What is the lead time?
A: It’s generally about 7/ 10 working days, although most items are ex-stock. We allow this time for cutting and preparation.

Other Materials

Q: Do you sell wooden banisters?
A: No. Err......yes we do now. Please see the product pages fo details.

Q: Do you supply infill panels?
A: Yes, we can supply both round bar and wire infill panels. Please contact us for further information. Glass should be procured from a merchant local to you installation for ease of supply and fitting.

Q: How many wires do I need on my balustrade?
A: Please consult current UK Building Regulations. Currently, you should have one wire for every 100mm gap..

Q: What size is the wire?
A: The wire is 4mm diameter.

Outdoor Applications

Q: Are the handrails suitable for outdoor use?
A: Yes. You should indicate your intended use when ordering. This will denote which grade of stainless steel is most suited to your application. Indoor – AISI 304 Outdoor – AISI 316.

Q: What are the most popular exterior uses?
A: Let your imagination run riot! See the customer showcase area of our websites for design ideas such as: decking rails, swimming pool protection, garden enhancement, parapet wall balustrades etc.

Shop Fittings & Commercial Use

Q: Do you provide handrail systems for shops?
A: Yes, our bespoke handrail systems are ideal for shop fitting designs. Please contact us to discuss your specification.

Q: Do you do industrial stainless steel fittings as well as 'DIY' handrail balustrades?
A: Yes, we supply all areas of industry around the world – from home DIY projects to commercial shop fitting rails. For heavy industry stainless steel fittings, please see our sister site, www.seagullfittings.co.uk

INFILL PANELS

Q: Do you supply glass?
A: No, we only supply the stainless steel fittings.

Q: What kind of glass should I use?
A: We recommend using toughened or laminated safety glass.

Q: What is the longest sheet of glass I can use?
A: Refer to your glazing supplier.

Q: How many glass clamps do I need per sheet of glass?
A: We recommend a minimum of 4 glass clamps to every square metre of glass.

Q: What thickness of glass do I need?
A: You can choose from a range of thicknesses from 6mm up to 12mm.

Q: Can I use Perspex as an alternative to glass?
A: Yes you can. You could also consider acrylic, perforated metal sheet, tensioned wire cables, powder coated metal, stainless steel tube or bar, and mesh.

ORDERING

Q: Can I buy handrails online?
A: Yes, you can buy securely online right now.

Q: How can I pay?
A: We accept either cheques or credit and debit cards.

Q: When will I be charged?
A: If you are paying by credit card, you will be charged when the delivery paperwork is raised. If you are paying by cheque, we require payment before we start production.

Q: How is it delivered?
A: We send out all orders on a next day carrier service.

Q: When are you open?
A: We are open Monday – Friday from 8.30am – 5.00pm

Q: My delivery was damaged. What can I do?
A: Notify us immediately and we will arrange either a re-work or replacement.

Q: My delivery hasn't arrived. What can I do?
A: All claims for loss or non-delivery must be advised in writing within 21 days of the advised despatch date. Please submit claims WITHOUT DELAY.

Q: I just want a banister rail and I know the length, can I get a fixed price?
A: Yes, you can buy a banister handrail online right now!

Q: I purchased from one of your agents, who do I contact for further items?
A: Please contact your original vendor.

MISCELLANEOUS

Q: Can you send me a brochure?
A: Yes, please email us your address.

Q: Can you come out on site and measure up what I would need?
A: Sorry, we don't provide on-site consultation. This enables us to keep our prices lower. However, we do provide on-site services for Greater London and for commercial installations where possible. Please contact us for advice.

PLEASE NOTE

As the products detailed on our website may be used for a wide variety of purposes and as the Company has no control over their use, the Company specifically excludes all conditions or warranties expressed or implied by statute or otherwise as to dimensions, properties and/or their fitness for any particular purpose.

Any advice given by the Company to any third party is given for that party’s assistance only and without any liability on the part of the Company.

We are not responsible for the content of any external web site to which we may provide links.