What is Unistrut?

What is Unistrut & What Can I Use it For?

Unistrut products have been helping to build a better world since 1924. Used extensively in nuclear, industrial and commercial construction markets for over 95 years, Unistrut Metal Framing has set the standard for product design, quality and performance. The initial concept — a simple spring nut and bolt connecting a fitting to a continuous slotted channel — has evolved into a comprehensive engineered building and support system.

Unistrut is the original metal framing system featuring a unique weldless connection. It eliminates welding and drilling, and is easily adjustable and reusable, for infinite configurations. Over time, the brand has evolved from a simple connection concept to a comprehensive engineered building and support system featuring a robust line of: Channels, Fittings, Fasteners, Hangers, Pipe Clamps, and Accessories.


Unistrut Metal Framing Perpendicular Channel and 90 Degree Fitting Assembled with Spring Nut and Hex Head Screw

How Do I Use Unistrut?

A hex-head bolt connects a fitting to a length of Unistrut channel as it is threaded into a spring nut. A chamfer at the beginning of the spring nut thread guides the bolt into the threads. "Teeth" along both edges of the nut create a strong, vise-like grip when tightened against the inturned edges of the channel.

Both the channel edges and the nut's tapered grooves act as guides to provide fool-proof alignment of connection. Nut teeth grip the channel's inturned edges, tying the channel sides together in a "box" configuration for added strength.

The spring allows for precision placement anywhere along the channel's length, then holds the nut in position while the connection is completed.

A Little History on Unistrut

Mr. Strut Unistrut Logo Illustratred by Walt Disney

The Unistrut "Mr Strut" logo, which was originally sketched out on a cocktail napkin, by none other than Walt Disney himself, came about after a chance encounter between Disney and Unistrut founder, Charles Atwood, on a commercial flight.

Later, an animated film collaberation, entitled "The Sky's the Limit", was created to highlight the Unistrut product.

Unistrut, which has often been described as an "erector set for adults" actually created a set for children at one point, though it is very rare.

With the founding of Unistrut Buffalo in 1946, Eberl Iron Works entered the distribution business; we are now the world’s longest-running Unistrut distributor. Telespar, introduced in 1964, has since become Unistrut’s most successful product.

Unistrut Erector Set / Metal framing Construction Set

Unistrut Applications

The Possibilities are Endless...

  • Medical Equipment Supports
  • Prefabricated Utility Racks/Storage Racks
  • Demountable Wall Systems (clean rooms, HVAC, pharmaceutical)
  • Ceiling Grid Applications
  • Catwalks/Mezzanines
  • Mechanical Rooftop Support Systems
  • Solar Racking/Solar Supports
  • Laboratory Supports
  • Sign Supports
  • Living Wall Supports