FAQ / TIPS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND PROJECT TIPS

Who is Amazon Commerce Pty Ltd?

It is our registered business name although the website is named www.aluminiumflanges.co.za to prevent confusion, we do not trade under the name Aluminium Flanges.

WE HAVE NO TIES OR IS IN ANY WAY AFFILIATED WITH AMAZON USA.

We saw the need of locally produced flanges for the South African market. We have developed these high quality flanges for all DIY people or any other person who would like to start making unique items for their home or by selling the items made and generate an extra income. Or use it for any purpose you see fit.

Now you can have a reliable product locally produced without the hassle of importing flanges from China or elsewhere.

We have since then developed into a One Stop Shop for industrial pipe projects.

Can I buy wholesale from you?

No wholesale prices available but may give a percentage discount on different quantities purchased.

Discounts percentages given will be to Amazon Commerce own discretion and is not guaranteed.

What are these flanges used for?

Used with commonly available galvanised pipes and fittings from your local hardware store. These type of flanges are used in the furnishing industry by crafty DIY people who make industrial look furniture, lamps etc for themselves or by entrepreneurs selling to the public. Can also be used for any purpose you see fit.

These type of furniture or decorations are popular abroad in countries like USA and Europe but in the last year or so this hype has started to spill over to South Africa. On social media like Pinterest the popularity is clearly noticeable. Click here to see some examples of where they are used.

What are the weight and dimensions of these flanges?

15 mm Flange
Base diameter	75 mm
Height	15 mm
Base thickness	5 mm
Hole size	M6
Hole qty	4
Weight	57 grams

*20 mm Flange*
Base diameter	85 mm
Height	15 mm
Base thickness	5 mm
Hole size	M6
Hole qty	4
Weight	73 grams

*25 mm Flange*
Base diameter	90 mm
Height	15 mm
Base thickness	5 mm
Hole size	M6
Hole qty	4
Weight	85 grams

TIPS

CLOSED LOOPS

When assembling a project it happens that due to the design it makes a square / rectangular shape which we call a closed loop. It is then difficult to screw in the 4th pipe. There is no reverse thread available but there are ways to overcome this issue:

if possible, screw the pipe in as far as possible on the one side, align the pipe on the other side and then screw it out again to screw in the opposite side. It does become tricky but if successful, you will find that the pipe is many times loose. Clean the threads properly with thinners or acetone, add a proper thread lock or strong epoxy after inserting / fitting the pipe on the threads and leave to dry.
Other option and one we always make use of is to add a Union fitting (refer to the Galvanied Fittings section / catalogue). It basically splits open, thus on either side the pipes are properly fastened and union fitting then locked afterwards. Making it very much less frustrating to assemble closed loop projects. The pipe measurements need to be accurate, about 15-20mm shorter on either side but we can assist you with this.
The last option is to rather make use of our new grub screw type of fittings. No threads needed, pipe goes through/into the fitting and fastened with an Allen key.

PAINTING OF GALVANISED PIPES / FITTINGS

All our pipes and fittings are provided in galvanised silver as standard option, however we can quote you to have it powder coated in a different colour, usually in black or other.

If you do not want to opt for powder coating and want to DIY colour your project, do we recommend the use of the product called RUST-OLEUM and is available at most hardware shops. It works beautifully on the galvanise items. First clean all pipes and fittings properly with thinners, acetone or other and spray on. No need for primer as they are usually not needed, according to Rust-oleum.

COST SAVING TIPS

Projects which make use of a lot of flanges, especially the shelving frames, can be become quite costly.

There are a few ways to save some cost:

for shelving frames: opt to have only on every other / 2nd level a flange if it will not carry heavy items. The level with no flange are then finished off with an end cap fitting.
have the pipe frame rather go through the wood, the timber will rest on top of the Tee fitting underneath and on the other end rest on an Elbow fitting. We can assist you with this design if you contact us.

HOLE SIZES FOR PIPE GOING THROUGH WOOD

If you design is as such that a pipe must go through wood, then we recommend the following hole sizes for the most commonly used frames:

15mm pipes: use a 24mm spade drill bit or hole saw
20mm pipes: use a 28mm spade drill bit or hole saw
25mm pipes: use a 34/35mm spade drill bit or hole saw

RUST ON THREADS

If you make use of the non colour coated galvanised pipes in a humid/wet environment like a bathroom, we recommend that you purchase from your local hardware shop a clear coat spray to cover the open visible pipe threads to prevent rust forming. First clean the section with thinners or other household cleaner and dry properly. The rest of the pipe that is galvanised will not rust.

DEPTH / LENGTH OF THREADS

Pipe threads are between 15-20mm in length, depending pipe size.

Pipes usually screws in +-10mm. Please remember that fittings are not always exactly the same and it may happen that some pipes screw in a bit less and other a bit more into the pipe fittings.

Consider a few mm variances (as this is not exact science) into your planning.