The quality of the swivel coupler installation on scaffolding will affect its accuracy, lifespan, and performance. Therefore, please carefully study the installation methods for swivel couplers on scaffolding and follow the steps below.
When installing swivel couplers on scaffolding, the installation method should be determined based on the coupler’s structure, dimensions, and fit. Pressure should be applied directly to the face of the mating collar end; it should not be transmitted through rolling elements. The installation of swivel couplers on scaffolding typically uses the following method:
When the inner ring of the swivel coupler and the shaft are tightly fitted, while the outer ring and the swivel coupler seat hole are loosely fitted, a press can be used to first press the swivel coupler onto the shaft. Then, the shaft, along with the swivel coupler, is inserted into the swivel coupler seat hole. During press-fitting, a sleeve made of soft metal (copper or mild steel) should be placed on the inner ring end face of the swivel coupler. The inner diameter of the sleeve should be slightly larger than the shaft journal diameter, and the outer diameter should be slightly smaller than the inner ring flange of the swivel coupler to prevent it from pressing against the scaffolding. When the outer ring of the swivel coupler on the scaffolding is tightly fitted into the swivel coupler seat hole, while the inner ring is loosely fitted into the shaft, the swivel coupler can be pressed into the swivel coupler seat hole first. In this case, the outer diameter of the installation sleeve should be slightly smaller than the diameter of the seat hole. If the swivel coupler collar is tightly fitted into both the shaft and the seat hole, the inner and outer rings should be pressed into the shaft and seat hole together. The installation sleeve should be designed to simultaneously press the end faces of the inner and outer rings of the swivel coupler.
Another installation method that uses thermal expansion to change a tight fit to a loose fit is to heat the swivel coupler or the swivel coupler seat. This is a commonly used and relatively labor-saving installation method. This method is particularly suitable for installing swivel couplers on scaffolding with large interference fits. Before hot fitting, the swivel coupler or the collar of a separable swivel coupler should be placed in an oil tank and heated evenly to 80-100℃. Then, remove it from the oil and quickly install it onto the shaft. To prevent the inner ring end face from not fitting tightly against the shaft shoulder after cooling, the swivel coupler can be axially tightened after cooling. When the outer ring of the swivel coupler is tightly fitted to the swivel coupler seat made of light metal, using the hot fitting method of heating the swivel coupler seat can prevent scratches on the mating surfaces. When using an oil tank to heat the swivel couplers of scaffolding, there should be a mesh screen at a certain distance from the bottom of the tank, or the swivel couplers of the scaffolding should be suspended by hooks. The swivel couplers of the scaffolding should not be placed on the bottom of the tank to prevent impurities from entering the swivel couplers or uneven heating. There must be a thermometer in the oil tank, and the oil temperature must be strictly controlled not to exceed 100℃ to avoid the tempering effect, which will reduce the hardness of the couplers.
Post time: Feb-28-2026