Beginner terminology and details

A scaffold is a short term platform put up with the help of poles and other tools. Scaffolds are usually prepared of galvanized steel along with metal or wood planking. It is the steel ones that are more long standing sue to its sturdiness and anti decomposition attribute. In this way it makes the entire process absolutely protected for self as well as for the workers.

Basic Scaffolding is fairly straight forward.
Fittings join tubes together and boards then sit on the tubes, creating a safe and sturdy platform for other trades to work.

Theres several 'primary' fittings and several 'secondary' fittings.

Primary fittings:

• Doubles - official name: Right-Angle Couplers.
• Clips - official name: Single Couplers.
• Sleeves - official name: Joiner Couplers.
• Swivels - official name: Swivel Couplers.

These 4 are used commonly and everyday.

Secondary fittings:

• Gravloks - official name: Steel or Girder Clamps - (SK's are slightly different fittings, invented by a Scaffolder called Steven Knight, hence the name SK).
• Spigots - official name: Internal Joiner Couplers.
• T Clips - official name: Board Retainer Clips.
• Wrigleys - official name: Sheeting Clips.

These 4 are used not as often as those above, but are still very important components used in Scaffolding.

Tubes are 'joined' together using these various fittings.
Tubes are almost always made from Galvanised Steel and are 48.3mm in diameter or nearly 2" (inches). They are tough and versatile, but also heavy and require respect, when moving these by hand, because if picked up wrong, they can cause damage to your back/legs or shoulders.
They come in a variety of sizes and can usually be cut into what ever size that is required. Though often they come in sizes of: 21', 16', 13', 10', 8', 5' (foot).


Terminology ranges from area to area, but most are common...

• 'Standards' are the tubes that are vertical.
• 'Ledgers' are the tubes that are horizontal.
• 'Braces' are the tubes that are diagonal.
• 'Transoms' are the tubes that run horizontal also, but from one 'Ledger' to the other.

• Standards are usually in groups of 4 to start then in groups of 2, then 2, then 2 and so on.
• Ledgers are usually in groups of 2, then 2, then 2 and so on.
• Braces (Ledger) are usually added at every other Standard to keep the width of the Scaffold precise and Braces (Sway or façade), are usually added every 5 bays from Standard to Standard, to keep a Scaffold straight.
• Transoms have 2 main uses. To help secure the Ledgers and Braces together and to take the Scaffold Boards, so that the working platform can be built. Theres usually 4/5 Transoms per board.

• Boards are basically Timber/treated Pine planks that are used to work off, once a Scaffold is erected. - EVERY trade, including Scaffolders who work/walk on a Scaffolding works off of Scaffolding Boards. They are usually 225mm thick and come in various lengths, including: 13', 10', 8', 5' (foot)

Scaffolding sections vertical are called 'Lifts' and Scaffolding sections horizontal are called 'Bays'.


Ropes are also a much used and useful part of Scaffolding.
Ladders and sheeting are often ties with rope/lashing (just like the old days, lol.) and ropes are used to 'pull' equipment upto where your working.
Ginney Wheels are still even now very much a part of a Scaffolders kit, just like they was over 50 years ago.
--Pacific Scaffold Engineering Co., Ltd