How to Secure a RIBBY Connector to a 32 mm Tube — Choosing the Right Fixing Method

When building frames, racks, railings or trolleys with the RIBBY 32 mm pipe bracket system, most of the strength comes from the connection between the bracket and the tube.
The brackets are designed to slide snugly into standard 32 mm tubing — but the real strength comes from how you lock that connection in place.

Different projects need different fixing methods. A workshop shelf, a mobile trolley and a permanent outdoor structure cannot all be assembled the same way. Therefore, choosing the correct securing method is essential for safety, durability and usability.

This guide explains the available options and when to use each one.

How the RIBBY Connection Works

RIBBY connectors are manufactured from 32 mm × 2 mm material with crimped ends.
This creates a tight push-fit inside a 32 mm tube.

You can use tubing with:

  • 1.6 mm wall thickness

  • 2.0 mm wall thickness

Because steel tubing has manufacturing tolerances, the fit is intentionally snug — not loose.

Important note about 2 mm tubing

Some tubes have an internal weld seam.
Occasionally this seam must be lightly filed for easier insertion of the connector.

The tight fit already creates a strong joint, but it can still:

  • Rotate

  • Pull out

  • Loosen over time

Therefore it must be secured properly.

The 3 Main Ways to Secure a RIBBY Connection

1. Self-Tapping Screw (Removable Fixing)

Best for: adjustable or transportable structures

You drill a hole through the tube and bracket and fasten with a screw.

Advantages

  • Can be dismantled easily

  • Perfect for modular builds

  • Quick installation

  • Ideal for DIY users

Limitations

  • Not suited for heavy vibration

  • Slight movement possible under high load

Typical uses

  • Display racks

  • Workstations

  • Light shelving

  • Equipment frames that must move

RIBBY Connector drill hole
RIBBY Connector Screw

2. Rivet (Semi-Permanent Fixing)

Best for: medium-duty permanent structures

A rivet locks the bracket more securely than a screw and cannot loosen easily.

Advantages

  • Cleaner appearance

  • Faster than welding

  • More secure than screws

  • Good for repetitive production builds

Limitations

  • Harder to remove

  • Can fatigue under heavy vibration

Typical uses

  • Storage racks

  • Light industrial frames

  • Farm structures

  • General workshop builds

RIBBY Connector Revit insert
RIBBY Connector Revit

3. Welding (Permanent Fixing)

Best for: high-stress or safety-critical structures

You can apply anything from a small tack weld to a full weld around the joint.

Advantages

  • Strongest possible connection

  • Prevents movement completely

  • Ideal for vibration and heavy loads

Limitations

  • Not removable

  • Requires welding equipment

  • Slower assembly

Typical uses

  • Trolleys carrying heavy loads

  • Outdoor installations

  • Structural frames

  • Commercial applications

RIBBY Connector Weld

Why Different Fixing Methods Matter

Every structure experiences different forces:

Structure Type

Movement

Recommended Fix

Portable display

Frequent dismantling

Screw

Workshop rack

Occasional load

Rivet

Heavy trolley

Constant vibration

Weld

Outdoor frame

Wind & weather

Weld or Rivet

Using only one fixing method for all projects either:

  • makes the structure unsafe
    or

  • removes flexibility

The RIBBY system is designed to give builders freedom to choose strength or flexibility where needed.

Best Practice Tips

✔ Mix methods in one project if needed
✔ Weld only high-stress joints
✔ Use screws where repetitive connections
✔ Rivet permanent connections
✔ Always secure load-bearing joints

Conclusion

The push-fit RIBBY connector already forms a strong joint — but the securing method determines how your structure behaves over time.

  • Screws give flexibility

  • Rivets give reliability

  • Welding gives maximum strength

Choosing the correct option ensures your build is not only easy to assemble, but also safe and durable in real South African working conditions.

In short:
The bracket creates the frame — the fixing method defines the performance.