How Does Unistrut Work?

Unistrut is the original metal framing system featuring a unique, weldless connection. What started with Unistrut channel and Unistrut nut has evolved from a simple connection concept to a comprehensive, customizable building and support system featuring channels, fittings, fasteners, hangers, pipe clamps, and accessories. Let’s take a look at how exactly Unistrut works and what makes it the brand that everyone asks for by name. 

What is Unistrut? 

The Unistrut system eliminates welding and drilling and is 100% adjustable and reusable for infinite configurations. With fifteen channel sizes and hundreds of fittings, there is a virtually limitless variety of solutions available for any application. 

With its continuous channel, Unistrut eliminates the need for drilling. To connect one frame to another, whether new or existing, simply bolt the Unistrut nut to get the same strength as welding. No drilling or welding means that parts can be dismantled and reused, or adjusted to account for a change of plan. 

How does it assemble? 

Here’s how the Unistrut weldless connection works:

• A hex-head bolt connects the fitting to the channel as it is threaded into a spring nut
• The channel edges and the nut’s tapered grooves act as a guide to provide foolproof alignment
• The nut teeth create a strong, vise-like grip when tightened against the inturned channel edges, tying the channel sides together in a box-like configuration for added strength
• The spring allows precision placement anywhere along the length of the channel, then holds the nut in position while the connection is completed

This describes the connection process when using a channel nut with a spring, but Unistrut channel nuts are also available without springs and work much the same way. The only difference is that the spring holds the channel nut in a more precise location, which is especially useful for overhead applications. 

Unistrut Metal Framing Assembly

1. Insert the spring nut anywhere along the continuous slotted channel. Rounded nut ends permit easy insertion.
2. A 90° clockwise turn aligns the grooves in the nut with the inturned edges of the channel. Fittings can be placed anywhere along the channel opening.
3. Insert bolt through fitting and into the spring nut.
4. Additional channel sections can now be bolted to the fitting already in place by using steps 1-3.
5. Tightening with a wrench locks the serrated teeth of the nut into the inturned edges of the channel, forming a strong, vise-like connection.

What can you do with it?

Unistrut’s unique system is applicable to nearly any environment, and when you partner with an experienced engineering team, the solutions are endless. Unistrut Midwest has the largest on-hand inventory of Unistrut products in the nation and a team that has been working with engineering customers in a variety of industries since 1986. 

From medical equipment support systems and ceiling grids to data center solutions and unique applications, Unistrut has the material you need and Unistrut Midwest knows how to configure it for your application. Contact us to get started on your project today.