“Quik-Clamp” Telescoping Tube Clamps

Max-Gain Systems carries a full line of telescopic fiberglass tubing. It was only fitting that we engineer a way to connect each corresponding size. We did, and in a way that is simple, fluid, and durable. The “Quik-Clamp” telescoping tube clamps are the perfect solution.

These “Quik-Clamps” are made of a durable polycarbonate material. This material holds its shape and retains its springiness even after years of use. These can easily withstand temperature extremes of any environment you might throw at it. We have customer reports of these in use in the dessert AND in the arctic (at a research laboratory). These were designed to be used with our fiberglass telescoping tube with 1/8 inch wall thickness. These clamps are also RF transparent like our fiberglass tubes. Use a #3 phillips screw driver. Be sure the screw driver is fully seated inside the screw before tightening the clamps. A smaller phillips screw driver could strip this screw threads.

The screws for the clamps are Stainless Steel. Extremely durable and corrosion resistant.

Installation

Glues and Adhesives

Our favorite adhesive for gluing the Quik-Clamps on our fiberglass tubes, when used in vertical applications, is clear silicone glue, also known as aquarium sealer. Sold under many names such as GE Silicone, Dow Silicone, DAP Silicone, this adhesive is widely available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, and hardware stores. Be sure it is fresh, and not an old, previously opened tube, or proper curing is doubtful. To apply, slide the base of the clamp firmly onto the matching size tube. Apply a bead of this adhesive completely around the bottom edge of the clamp. Smooth the adhesive into a nice fillet as you would if caulking a bathtub. Let dry for a day or two, and you are done! These glues are our favorite because if you happen to drop your mast on concrete (yes, it can happen) and break one of the ears of a clamp. All you will need to do is remove that fillet of silicone from around the base of that clamp then twist the clamp back off of the tube. Some clamps fit tighter than others and some will require more adhesive and some very little, but this method makes all of the clamps replaceable if the need should arise. Using other gluing methods would require cutting the fiberglass tube to remove the broken clamp before it could be replaced which would also shorten the usable height of your mast by a small amount.

Many glues and adhesives are satisfactory since the glue works to prevent the clamp from pulling off as you extend out the inner tubes. In vertical use, the downward pressure of the weight above keeps the clamps firmly in place. Some clamps don’t require any adhesive as they may be “tight” when put on the corresponding tube. Glues such as “Goop”, silicone sealer, and 50/50 epoxy (consistency of syrup… not filler types with putty consistency) will all do the job. In a horizontal or inverted orientation JB Weld 2 part epoxy (Original Cold Well Formula), in the red and black tubes labeled with “Steel” and “Hardener” on the tail end, which is available in most hardware stores, sets up in a few hours and cures fully in a day or so, applies easily, and works very well. In the case of horizonal or inverted use, more adhesive will be needed as the adhesive will be what keeps the clamp on the end of the larger tube. Be certain to smear a layer of the adhesive ON THE OUTSIDE of the end of the tube being glued before then sliding the base end of the clamp on the tube,… NOT on the inside of the quick clamp.

The reason is this… when you slide the quick clamp on the end of the tube, you want any excess glue to be pushed AWAY from the inside of the fiberglass tube. If you get excess glue inside the fiberglass tube, it will interfere with the easy movement of the fiberglass tubes inside one another. Remember… it only takes a very small amount.

Glues “NOT” to use:

Glues which expand as they dry, such as “Gorilla Glue” are NOT recommended, because the glue tends to migrate into places where it should not be as it expands. Do NOT use PVC cement (purple and clear mixture), which works by dissolving PVC and “melting” it together. It will NOT dissolve fiberglass and will not work at all. Do NOT use Liquid Nails or any other glue designed for gluing wood. These glues will not bond to fiberglass and will only make a mess. Do NOT use “Super Glues”. They cure then become rock hard and brittle.

Surface Prep for Fiberglass:

Do not clean the fiberglass surface with alcohol, mineral spirits, etc… if you wish to clean the surface, use ONLY a damp towel to wipe off surface dust.

When gluing the Quik Clamps, be certain to smear a layer of the adhesive ON THE OUTSIDE of the end of the tube being glued… NOT on the inside of the quick clamp.

The reason is this… when you slide the quick clamp on the end of the tube, you want any excess glue to be pushed AWAY from the inside of the fiberglass tube. If you get excess glue inside the fiberglass tube, it will interfere with the easy movement of the fiberglass tubes inside one another. Remember… it only takes a very small amount.

Clamp Operation

Raise the lever in the vertical position. Turn the screw counter clockwise until the clamping ears are providing some resistance to the inner tube. At this point, the motion of lowering the thumb lever will provide the clamping force to stop the inner tube.

These clamps, in combination with our fiberglass telescoping tube, can support any number of different items for an unlimited amount of uses

2.50 inch ID Clamp will fit on the end of our 2.5 inch OD x 1/8 WALL, Round Tube and clamp on to our 2.25 inch OD Round Tube, Part Number MC-250 (9190)

2.25 inch ID Clamp will fit on the end of our 2.25 inch OD x 1/8 WALL, Round Tube and clamp on to our 2 inch OD Round Tube, Part Number MC-225 (9185)

2 inch ID Clamp will fit on the end of our 2 inch OD x 1/8 WALL, Round Tube and clamp on to our 1.75 inch OD Round Tube, Part Number MC-2 (9180)

1.75 inch ID Clamp will fit on the end of our 1.75 inch OD x 1/8 WALL, Round Tube and clamp on to our 1.50 inch OD Round Tube, Part Number MC-175 (9170)

1.50 inch ID Clamp will fit on the end of our 1.50 inch OD x 1/8 WALL, Round Tube and clamp on to our 1.25 inch OD Round Tube, Part Number MC-150 (9160)

1.25 inch ID Clamp will fit on the end of our 1.25 inch OD x 1/8 WALL, Round Tube and clamp on to our 1 inch OD Round Tube, Part Number MC-114 (9150)

1 inch ID Clamp will fit on the end of our 1 inch OD x 1/8 WALL, Round Tube and clamp on to our 0.75 inch OD Round Tube, Part Number MC-1 (9140)

These clamps are used in our push-up masts and painter’s pole product kits.