When is Strut not UNISTRUT?

Much like Kleenex and Band-Aid, the name Unistrut has evolved over the years from a brand name into a generic term for a line of products. Whether your strut is manufactured by Unistrut or another manufacturer, at the end of the day, any strut will get the job done, right? Not quite. While some in your organization may be of the opinion that “strut is strut,” only Unistrut invented the original metal framing system and has been delivering high-quality product for over 90 years. It may seem like the only difference between Unistrut and a competing brand is the price, but it’s important to compare quality as well.

The Calipers Don’t Lie

Unfortunately, some strut manufacturers claim that their products meet ASTM requirements, but they simply don’t. For example, Unistrut ran spot checks on 12 gauge channel manufactured by a competing brand. The ASTM-AISI thickness tolerance range is .0994”-.1174” and the competitor’s strut came in at .0960”, 3.5% below the minimum requirement. Unistrut’s 12 gauge strut measured at .1065”, within the ASTM-AISI tolerance range. This is just one example of the difference in quality between Unistrut and off-brand manufacturers. From a distance, those two channels may look the same, but when it comes down to performance, there would be a noticeable difference. Let’s say your engineer makes calculations assuming the use of genuine Unistrut channel, but your team instead decides on off-brand channel for budgetary reasons. In this instance, your application may experience warped or even completely crushed channel, requiring extra work and product to reinforce your structure. Using an alternative brand instead of Unistrut can compromise your project’s structural integrity, often with costly or devastating consequences.

Know the Difference

Even if you don’t have your calipers handy, you can still easily determine whether a piece of strut is genuine Unistrut or not. Every piece of Unistrut material is stamped with both the word “Unistrut” and a serial number. That serial number allows each and every piece of Unistrut product to be traced back to its factory of origin. If there is ever an issue with your Unistrut channel or part, being able to trace it back to its origin provides necessary information for repair or service. Whether a retailer willingly misrepresented another brand as Unistrut channel, or an honest mixup occurred, you’ll be able to tell if the strut you’re using is genuine Unistrut or an imposter, protecting the integrity of your project.

Protect Your Reputation

Your installation is only as good as the materials used, which is why we recommend the use of Unistrut channel. And when you partner with Unistrut Midwest, you have access to not only the largest inventory of authentic Unistrut channel, fittings, and accessories in the United States, but a team of experts ready to assist with design, engineering, fabrication, and installation as well. Your business’ success depends on your reputation. Protect it by using the best strut on the market. Contact us today to get started on your project.