Metalworking has historically been reserved for professionals due to the complexity of welding. However, new mechanical connector systems have democratized the construction of metal structures. It is now possible to assemble everything from shelving to pergolas using simple wrenches, eliminating the risks of fire and fumes.
Advantages of the cold bonding system
Opting for bolted connectors for metal tubes offers clear benefits, especially for home DIY projects and quick assembly in industrial settings.
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Total safety: No sparks, no risk of fire and no need for special eye protection equipment. -
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Reversibility: If you make a mistake, simply unscrew. The weld is permanent and requires cutting to correct. -
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Speed: Assembly time is reduced by up to 50% as there is no need to prepare surfaces or wait for the material to cool. -
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Clean finish: No burrs or weld seams to file or paint afterwards.
Available connector types
There are different parts designed to cover all the geometric needs of a structure.
Connectors for square tubing without welding: StarModul dimensions
StarModul connectors are galvanized steel pieces that are bolted to the tube, with hardware included. There are corner brackets, L-shaped and T-shaped connectors, straight outlets, and pieces for roofs with a slope, and each series corresponds to a tube size:
| Series | Square or rectangular tube | Type of connector |
|---|---|---|
| 0025 Series | 2.5 × 2.5 cm | Without flanges |
| SL55 Series | 5 × 5 cm | Without flanges |
| 0055 Series | 5 × 5 cm | With flanges |
| 0105 Series | 10 × 5 cm | With flanges |
| 0510 Series | 10 × 10 and 10 × 5 cm | With flanges |
| 1010 Series | 10 × 10 cm | With flanges |
Connectors with flanges are the most common in structures for porches, garages, warehouses, and homes. Those without flanges are fixed with self-drilling screws in the center of the joint and provide a cleaner finish, intended for furniture, shelving, and exposed structures.
We also have the tubing: galvanized steel tubes by the meter or cut to size for your project.
Where to buy connectors for square tubing without welding
You can buy individual pieces in the StarModul online store, with shipping throughout Spain, or order a complete kit with connectors, cut tubes, and hardware. If you are unsure which pieces you need, design the structure in the 3D configurator and we will prepare a quote for you.
Necessary tools
To work with this system, the workshop is simplified to the maximum. You only need a saw to cut the profiles to size (or order them already cut), a wrench or an electric screwdriver to tighten the connector hardware, and a tape measure and a level for setting out.
If you want to start a project, you can view the components in the bolted connector system without welding.
Learning how to join tubes without welding opens up a world of possibilities for creating industrial furniture and garden structures on your own.
Conclusion
Connector technology has eliminated the entry barrier to metalworking. It is the ideal solution for those looking for robustness without the technical complication of soldering.
Frequently asked questions about joining tubes without welding
Yes. StarModul connectors are used in porches, garages, warehouses, and homes; bolted connectors transfer the stresses between tubes without welding. In building structures, the calculation must be performed by an engineer according to the project loads.
Perfectly. If both tubes and connectors are made of galvanized steel, they resist corrosion and weathering as well or better than a welded and painted structure.
No, they must be tubes of the specific diameter or dimension for the connector (in StarModul: 2.5×2.5, 5×5, 10×5, or 10×10 cm tubing). Precision is key for the grip.
If tightened to the recommended torque, they are very difficult to loosen. For high vibration machinery, chemical threadlockers can be used for extra security.
This is one of its great advantages. You can disassemble a table and use the same parts and tubes to build a shelf years later.
The parts have a cost, but you save the welding machine, gas, electrodes and skilled labor time, so the final cost is usually lower.
