When choosing a pipe stand, you have many options. At GBC, we stock dozens of sizes, makes, and heads for different functions. With such a range, it can be hard to know which pipe stand best fits your needs.
That is why we’ve outlined what to consider when choosing from our product range. This will help you choose the best industrial pipe fabrication tools for your needs.
If you are unsure whether you need pipe stands, read our article on the role of pipe stands in ensuring workplace safety. We are sure you will be convinced!
What is a Pipe Stand?
Pipe stands are designed to securely support and hold pipework in position while you work. Whether you’re working in a workshop or on-site, a reliable pipe stand provides the stability needed to carry out cutting, bevelling, welding and fabrication work safely and accurately.
Keeping the pipe securely supported helps prevent unwanted movement, making it easier to achieve cleaner cuts, more accurate bevels and better weld preparation. The right pipe stand can also make handling larger and heavier sections of pipe significantly easier.
Most importantly, proper pipe support plays an important role in workplace safety. A length of steel pipe can weigh several kilograms, and without suitable support, there is a risk of it moving, rolling or falling unexpectedly. Unlike improvised solutions such as wooden workbenches or makeshift supports, a purpose designed pipe stand is built to safely support the weight and demands of the application.
When using machinery such as a pipe cutting or bevelling machine, having a secure and stable support system is essential. The right stand helps keep the workpiece steady throughout the process, allowing you to work with greater confidence, precision and safety.
How Can I Choose the Right Pipe Stand?
Choosing the right GBC stand comes down to understanding your project’s needs. Several factors will affect your decision, and you should consider them carefully. Let’s go over them.
Pipe Weight
When using industrial pipe fabrication tools, you can find yourself working on a wide variety of pipe lengths, materials and sizes. So, the first point to consider is the weight of your pipework. Each of our pipe stands is rated for a different weight threshold.
While you could buy the highest-capacity pipe stand, this is unnecessary. Choose a GBC stand that can handle your capacity, with some room to spare. Our pipe stands, as with every pipe tool we sell, are made of sturdy materials. However, using a stand at its maximum capacity every time will wear it out faster and make it less effective.
Diameter
Much the same as picking your cutting machine, you should choose a pipe stand that is appropriate to the diameter of the pipe you are working with. That is because even if the stand can handle the weight of the pipe piece, it may not fit the diameter properly. An improperly fitted diameter can cause slipping or a loose hold on the pipe, risking poorer-quality welds or cuts as well as the risk to operator safety.
At GBC, our range of pipe stand wheel heads helps ensure your pipe size is fully accounted for. You can find each head option in the technical data sheets provided with each pipe stand. That way, you can determine whether the stand you are looking for supports the pipe sizes you plan to use or if you need to consider another option.
Head Style
As mentioned, GBC offers a range of head options for pipe stands. Each one has its own set of benefits. Consider which suits your needs best, depending on the material as much as the diameter.
For example, you will want a pipe stand with a head that doesn’t risk corrosion on galvanised supports. As part of the GBC range, we offer heads in several materials for this purpose.
Do You Need a GBC Pipe Stand for Your Work?
At GBC, we produce some of the best pipe stand options in the industry!
If you need a specific pipe tool or machine, our range will ensure that you have everything you need. We also offer other options, including pipe cutters, plate bevellers, flange facing machines, back gouging and grinders, pipe clamps and more.
If you want to get in touch, fill out the contact form, call us on 01844 201 555 or email us at sales@gbc-uk.com.
You can also always visit our Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn to see our tools in action.
