How to Connect Unistrut Together?

Unistrut framing channels are pieces of metal typically made from steel or aluminium and have pre-punched holes along the length of the channel. This allows for easy connection to other components like Angle Fittings, Base Plates, Beam Clamps, Cantilever Arms and Flat Fittings using channel nuts, without welding or drilling.

As these channels act as the core building blocks for constructing customisable support systems in various industries, there are various types of channels, available in multiple sizes and configurations to suit various applications and load requirements. They also offer endless adjustability and reusability, making them an attractive option for many applications.

5 Steps to Building A Metal Framing System with Unistrut Channels

Step 1: Plan and Prepare

Ensure you have the correct equipment and building materials required to construct your Unistrut framing system. This includes the right channel sizes and load requirements, the correct tools like a power drill, wrenches, a tape measure, and a level, and your Unistrut connection components: brackets, nuts, and bolts.

Step 2: Position and Mark Area

Ahead of starting your installation, it’s important to measure the area where the Unistrut system will be installed. Then, using your tape measure and pencil, carefully mark the installation points you want your ceiling bracket, strut hanger, or angle bracket to hang from to hold the Unistrut system securely. Using a laser level ensures your channels are perfectly aligned, especially in larger installations where precision is critical for structural stability.

Step 3: Attach Your Unistrut Channels Using the Right Fittings

To make a Unistrut connection, insert the nut into the continuous slotted channel and turn it 90 degrees clockwise, aligning its grooves with the channel’s inturned edges. Place a fitting over the nut, insert the bolt through the fitting into the nut, and tighten it to secure it. Always finger-tighten bolts first before final adjustments to avoid cross-threading and to allow for easy repositioning if needed. To add more channel sections, repeat these steps, bolting additional channels to the attached fitting.

Step 4: Connect and Adjust the Fittings

When you’re happy that you’ve completed steps 1-3 and your Unistrut channels are aligned, you can tighten the bolts using a wrench to ensure your fittings are secured, and the structure is stable. In areas subject to vibration, such as near HVAC systems, washers are used to counteract the vibrations and stop the bolt from loosening over time.

Step 5: Inspect and Test the Framing System

Once your Unistrut framing system is installed, you must thoroughly inspect the entire structure to ensure all elements have been securely fitted and are properly aligned. You should test the stability of the structure by gently applying pressure to key points to ensure it can support the intended load. This final step is essential to ensure your structure is safe and fit for purpose.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Unistrut Channels

When installing a Unistrut framing system, avoiding a few common pitfalls is essential to ensure your system is stable, durable, and easy to adjust in the future.

Incorrect Alignment

The first mistake is incorrect alignment, this can lead to an unstable structure, which can compromise the performance and safety of your system. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to always use a level and tape measure to ensure the channels are aligned properly before securing them in place.

Overtightening Bolts

The second most common mistake is the over-tightening of bolts, while it can be tempting to overtighten bolts in the hope of making your structure more secure, it can actually have the opposite effect, weakening the system. To avoid overtightening the bolts, only tighten them to the manufacturer’s recommended torque.

Not Testing Stability

Rushing the installation of your Unistrut framing system without testing stability first can lead to structural issues later down the line, especially if it’s designed to hold heavy equipment or cables. To test the stability of your system, gently apply pressure to key points of the system to check its stability.

Using the Incorrect Channel Size

Choosing the wrong size or load requirement for the Unistrut channels can lead to structural failure, making your system unfit for purpose and unsafe. Before constructing Unistrut, always verify the weight and load requirements of your project, and ensure your channels fit the requirements.

How Are Unistrut Metal Framing Channels Used?

Unistrut metal framing channels provide a flexible, durable, and easy-to-install solution for a wide range of applications in various industries. Some ways they can be used include building racks to support electrical equipment, creating support structures for heavy mechanical equipment, or constructing frameworks that hold HVAC systems or solar panels.
With this in mind, let’s delve into how Unistrut is utilised across various industries:

Construction – In the construction industry, Unistrut channels are typically used to build support frames to hold heavy machinery, piping systems, or structural components for large construction projects. They can also be used for scaffolding or temporary support structures, due to Unistrut’s nature being easy to assemble and modify.

HVAC Industry – Unistrut Channels are commonly used in the HVAC industry to mount HVAC systems, including air handling units, ventilation systems and ductwork. Unistrut is often used as it allows for a safe, effective, and aesthetic set-up with easy access for maintenance or upgrades.

Retail & Warehouse – Unistrut can be used to create racking systems or modular shelving in retail stores or warehouses to store and organise products efficiently. Unistrut channels can also be used for retail displays and signage, creating custom supports to showcase products.

Energy & Utilities – In the utilities industry, Unistrut can be used to secure pipelines in oil, gas, and water infrastructure projects, ensuring stability in extreme weather conditions. Unistrut framing systems can also provide a sturdy base for mounting solar panels. Unistrut can also be used in power generation to support electrical components such as generators, transformers, or cable trays in power plants.

Telecommunications – Unistrut channels can be used to build frameworks for communication towers, antennas, and satellite dishes, providing stable and adjustable mounting solutions. Unistrut can also be used to create cable trays to protect and organise wires used in telecom networks, like data cables and power lines.