What is the standard scaffolding pipe size?

Standard scaffolding pipe is OD 48.3mm. BS1139 specifies 3.2mm wall thickness (3.56 kg/m), while EN74 typically uses 4.0mm (4.37 kg/m). Lengths are standard 6.0m or 6.4m with custom cutting available. Hot-dip galvanizing provides 40+ microns zinc coating for corrosion resistance.

How do I calculate scaffolding pipe weight for my order?

Use the formula: Weight (kg) = (OD - Wall) � Wall � 0.02466 � Length (m). Example: 48.3mm OD, 3.2mm wall, 6m length = (48.3-3.2) � 3.2 � 0.02466 � 6 = 21.36 kg per piece. Multiply by quantity to get total order weight for container loading.

How many tons of scaffolding pipe fit in a 20ft container?

A 20ft container holds approximately 25-28 tons of scaffolding pipes depending on pipe diameter, wall thickness, and bundling method. Standard 48.3mm � 3.2mm � 6m pipes typically load 1,170-1,310 pieces per 20ft container (approximately 25 tons). A 40ft HC container can hold 27-28 tons.

What is the difference between double coupler and swivel coupler?

Double (right-angle) couplers connect two pipes at 90� angles with a slip load capacity ?12.5kN (EN74 Class B). Swivel couplers connect pipes at any angle (0-360�) with slip load ?12.5kN. Both are drop-forged steel, hot-dip galvanized. Double couplers weigh ~1.05kg each; swivel couplers ~1.15kg.

What specifications should I check before ordering adjustable steel props?

Key specs: (1) Extended height range (e.g., 1.8-3.2m for Size 1), (2) Load capacity (1.5-3.5 tons depending on size), (3) Outer tube diameter (typically 56-60mm), (4) Inner tube diameter (48mm typical), (5) Wall thickness of both tubes, (6) Head plate type (U-flat or beam head), (7) Surface treatment (painted or galvanized), (8) Thread length and pitch.

How do I verify scaffolding product quality before shipment?

Request: (1) Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 3.1), (2) Third-party inspection by SGS/BV/Intertek, (3) Pre-shipment photos and videos, (4) Sample testing report for galvanizing thickness, (5) Load test certificates for couplers and props. Visit the factory in person or arrange a video factory tour before your first order.

Scaffolding Buyer Guide 2026: Complete Procurement Handbook

Everything you need to know before importing scaffolding products from China ? specifications, weight charts, container loading, and quality checks.

1. Scaffolding Pipe Specifications

Specification	BS 1139	EN 74 / EN 39
Outer Diameter	48.3 mm	48.3 mm
Wall Thickness	3.2 mm	3.2 / 4.0 mm
Weight per Meter	3.56 kg/m	3.56 / 4.37 kg/m
Steel Grade	S235 / S275	S235GT / S355
Standard Length	6.0 m / 6.4 m	6.0 m / 6.4 m
Zinc Coating	?40 microns	?55 microns
Surface	Hot-Dip Galvanized	Hot-Dip Galvanized

2. Pipe Weight Calculator & Chart

Formula: Weight (kg) = (OD - Wall) � Wall � 0.02466 � Length (m)

OD (mm)	Wall (mm)	kg/m	6m Piece (kg)	Pieces/20ft
48.3	3.2	3.56	21.36	~1,170
48.3	4.0	4.37	26.22	~950
42.4	3.2	3.10	18.60	~1,340
60.3	3.6	5.03	30.18	~830

3. Container Loading Guide

Container Type	Max Load	Internal (L�W�H)	Best For
20ft GP	~25-28 tons	5.9�2.35�2.39m	Pipes, Steel Props
40ft HC	~27-28 tons	12.0�2.35�2.69m	Frames, Planks, Mixed
40ft OT	~26 tons	12.0�2.35�2.33m	Oversized frames

4. Coupler Types Comparison

Type	Weight	Slip Load	Angle	Use Case
Double (Right-Angle)	1.05 kg	?12.5 kN	90�	Standard pipe connection
Swivel	1.15 kg	?12.5 kN	0-360�	Angle bracing
Girder (Putlog)	0.80 kg	?6.25 kN	90�	Steel beam connection
Sleeve (Joint Pin)	0.55 kg	-	180�	End-to-end pipe joining

5. Adjustable Steel Prop Specifications

Size	Height Range	Load Capacity	Outer Tube	Weight/pc
Size 0	1.6-2.8 m	1.5 tons	56 mm	~12 kg
Size 1	1.8-3.2 m	1.8 tons	56 mm	~14 kg
Size 2	2.0-3.6 m	2.0 tons	60 mm	~17 kg
Size 3	2.3-4.0 m	2.5 tons	60 mm	~20 kg
Size 4	2.6-4.5 m	3.5 tons	76 mm	~25 kg

6. EN74 vs BS1139 Standards Comparison

BS 1139 (British Standard)

Region: UK, Middle East, Africa, Asia
Pipe: OD 48.3mm, Wall 3.2mm
Coupler slip load: Class A ?6.25kN, Class B ?12.5kN
Galvanizing: ?40 microns

EN 74 (European Standard)

Region: Europe, Americas
Pipe: OD 48.3mm, Wall 3.2/4.0mm
Coupler slip load: Class A ?10kN, Class B ?15kN
Galvanizing: ?55 microns

7. Pre-Shipment Quality Inspection Checklist

Check Item	Method	Acceptance Standard
Pipe OD tolerance	Caliper	�0.5 mm
Wall thickness	Ultrasonic gauge	�10%
Zinc coating thickness	Magnetic gauge	?40 ?m (BS) / ?55 ?m (EN)
Coupler slip load	Tensile test	?12.5 kN (Class B)
Weld integrity	Visual + hammer	No cracks, full penetration
Thread pitch (props)	Thread gauge	Per drawing spec

8. Shipping & Logistics

Port of Loading: Tianjin Xingang Port, China (one of the world's top 10 ports)

Estimated Transit Times:

Dubai (Jebel Ali): 18-22 days
Dammam: 20-25 days
Mombasa: 22-28 days
Lagos: 30-35 days
Santos: 35-40 days
London Gateway: 28-32 days

Documents Provided: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin (Form E/F), Mill Test Certificate (EN 10204 3.1), Fumigation Certificate.

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