How to Install Stainless Steel Square Tubing

Stainless steel square tubing can be used to build such items as stepladders, display racks, and bar foot railings (you know, that piece of steel you prop your foot on while you’re “bellying up to the bar”.)The bar foot railing is the simplest thing to build using stainless steel square tubing, and this article is going to give steps on how to build a VERY SIMPLE one. It is going to be eight feet long, and will only run across the very front of the bar, so that we won’t have to worry about going around any corners.

Things You'll Need

• Eight-foot section of stainless steel square tubing, with a two-inch diameter and a .050 wall thickness (See TIPS section for more information); End caps
• Four combination brackets
• Two end brackets
• Measuring tape
• Electric Screwdriver and metal screws

Instructions

How to Install Stainless Steel Square Tubing

1. Using your measuring tape, measure and mark where the combination brackets will be installed on your bar.

2. Install the end brackets first, using the electric screwdriver and metal screws. Make sure the brackets are positioned to where all sides of the part that sits on the floor are firmly located on the floor. Insert the screws far enough into the brackets so that they will stay in place, but do not tighten the screws completely just yet.

3. Use the measuring tape to be sure that the end brackets have been installed in a STRAIGHT line. Make any adjustments, if necessary.

4. Set the piece of satin finish stainless steel square tubing, STILL IN ITS PROTECTIVE COVER, onto the two end brackets.

5. Make sure that both ends of the tubing are sitting squarely in the brackets. If you have installed the brackets to allow for a slight overhang on both ends, make sure the same amount of tubing is showing on both ends.

6. Remove the piece of tubing, and set it aside.

7. Repeat Step 2 and Step 3 to install the other two combination brackets, and make sure they are straight.

8. Go back and securely tighten ALL combination brackets.

9. Remove the protective covering from the piece of satin finish stainless steel square tubing, and fit the end caps onto each end, the set it carefully on the brackets.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase your one piece of stainless steel square tubing already cut. This way you won’t have to fool with a cutting tool of any kind.

• Buy stainless steel that has a “satin” finish. This is a very smooth-looking finish, and will look just fine on the bottom of your bar.

• Clean and polish the stainless steel square tubing frequently to keep it looking nice.

• Make sure the combination brackets are securely fastened to the bar and sit firmly on the floor. Injury could result if they were to come loose from the bar, or, if the bracket should shift from not being firmly seated on the floor.

• If you are using a stainless steel cleaning compound, and are sensitive to any of the chemicals in the mixture, wear eye protection and a face mask, and use household gloves when applying and removing the mixture.