The Ultimate Guide To: Scaffold Fixings

Working safely and efficiently from height requires strong, reliable connections. Scaffold fixings are the essential components that hold scaffolding structures together, anchor them to buildings, and ensure stability under load. With over 30 years of experience supplying high-quality scaffold equipment, we know that understanding the different types of fixings is key to safe, efficient work on site.

What are scaffold fixings?

Scaffold fixings are the connectors and anchors that hold a scaffold structure securely in place. They link tubes, support boards, and attach scaffolding to buildings or solid structures. Without fixings, scaffolding would lack the strength, stability, and safety needed to support workers and materials at height.

They are the “hidden strength” of a scaffold, ensuring the system stays rigid, stable, and compliant with health and safety standards.

What are the different types of fixings available?

There are several main categories of scaffold fixings, each with its own purpose:

• Key Clamps – versatile tube connectors, often used for guardrails, barriers, and frameworks.
  
• Ties, Rings & Hooks – secure scaffolding to walls or nearby structures, keeping it stable under load.
  
• Excalibur Screwbolts – heavy-duty anchors for fixing scaffolding into concrete, brick, or blockwork.
  
• Couplers & Clamps – essential fittings that connect scaffold tubes at different angles (right-angle, swivel, or putlog couplers).
  
• Anchors & Wall Fixings – designed to attach scaffold structures firmly to a wall or solid surface.
  
• Specialist Fixings – such as beam clamps, spigot pins, or bespoke connectors for non-standard applications.
  

By combining the right types of fixings, scaffolders can build structures that are safe, adaptable, and fit for the demands of any site.

What are Key Clamps?

Key Clamps are highly versatile connectors designed to join scaffold tubes together without the need for welding. They use a simple grub-screw tightening system, making them quick to assemble and adjust.

Common uses include:

• Guardrails and barriers
  
• Safety handrails
  
• Bespoke framework solutions
  

Their adaptability makes them popular not only on construction sites but also in DIY projects, event staging, and even in industrial furniture design.

What are Ties, Rings & Hooks?

Ties, Rings & Hooks are crucial for securing scaffolding to nearby buildings or solid structures. They prevent movement, especially under wind or load pressure.

Typical applications include:

• Attaching scaffolding frames to walls
  
• Supporting suspended scaffold structures
  
• Reinforcing areas of high stress
  

By using the correct ties and hooks, scaffolders can ensure stability while reducing the risk of collapse.

What are Excalibur Screwbolts?

Excalibur Screwbolts are some of the most trusted heavy-duty anchors in the industry. They are designed to deliver high performance in concrete, brick, and blockwork. Making them ideal for fixing scaffolding into walls.

Key benefits:

• Fast, easy installation
  
• No expansion stress, reducing risk of damage to substrate
  
• Can be removed and reused
  

These screwbolts are widely used for temporary works where secure but removable fixings are required.

How to fix scaffolding to a wall

Fixing scaffolding to a wall is a vital step in ensuring safety. The process generally involves:

1. Positioning the scaffold at the required distance from the wall.
   
2. Drilling into the structure (brick, block, or concrete) to create anchor points.
   
3. Installing anchors or Excalibur Screwbolts to provide secure holds.
   
4. Attaching scaffold ties or hooks to connect the scaffold to the anchor.
   
5. Testing stability to ensure the structure is safe before use.
   

Always follow industry best practice and health & safety guidelines when carrying out these installations.

Why scaffold fixings matter

When people think of scaffolding, the first things that often come to mind are the large, visible elements such as tubes and boards. However, it’s the scaffold fixings, the clamps, ties, bolts, and connectors that truly hold the structure together. They may be small in size, but their role is absolutely critical.

• Safety first – A scaffold is only as strong as its weakest fixing. Secure connections prevent dangerous movement, reduce the risk of collapse, and ensure workers can operate at height with confidence. Poor-quality or incorrectly installed fixings can compromise the entire structure.
  
• Efficiency on site – High-quality fixings speed up both assembly and dismantling. Whether it’s a Key Clamp tightened with a grub screw or an Excalibur Screwbolt drilled directly into concrete, the right fixing saves time without sacrificing safety. An essential benefit for busy contractors working to deadlines.
  
• Reliability under pressure – Construction sites are demanding environments, with heavy loads, wind forces, and constant use. Proven fixings with a track record of performance give peace of mind that the scaffold will remain stable throughout the job, no matter the conditions. Using dependable ties, rings & hooks helps ensure scaffolds stay securely anchored to surrounding structures.
  
• Adaptability and versatility – Different jobs require different solutions, from securing scaffolds to uneven walls to creating custom handrails. A wide range of fixings means you can adapt your scaffold to meet specific site requirements.
  

In short, scaffold fixings may not be the most visible part of the structure, but they are the hidden strength that makes everything else possible. Investing in the right fixings means investing in the safety, speed, and success of your project.

Useful resources

If you’d like to build on your knowledge of scaffold fixings and safe working practices, these guides will help:

• Scaffolding Terminology for Beginners – A clear and simple glossary to help you understand the key terms used in scaffolding.
  
• Guidelines for Designing Scaffolding – Practical advice on planning and designing scaffolds that are both safe and efficient.
  
• Types of Scaffolding Used in Construction – An overview of the most common scaffold systems and where they are best applied.
  
• Hazards of Working at Height in the Construction Industry – Essential reading on the risks involved and how to minimise them on site.
  

Together, these resources give you a well-rounded understanding of scaffolding, from the fixings that hold it together to the design principles, system types, and safety considerations that keep workers protected.