Top 10 Strut Channel Accessories Every Installer Should Keep in the Van

On a busy UK site, nobody wants to down tools because a simple accessory is missing. A well-stocked van makes the difference between finishing a strut framework in one visit or losing half a day chasing parts. Strut channel systems are designed to be modular – but they only perform at their best when the right accessories are always to hand.

This guide covers the top 10 strut channel accessories every installer should keep in the van, with direct links to compatible ranges from Direct Channel’s Strut Channel & Brackets range. Use it as a practical checklist for van stock, pre-start planning, and repeat project roll-outs.

1. Channel Nuts (Plain, Spring & Long Pattern)

If strut channel is the skeleton of a framework, channel nuts are the threaded backbone that holds everything together. They sit inside the channel and provide a secure fixing point for bolts, cantilever arms, pipe clamps and brackets.

Essential types to keep in stock:

Plain Channel Nuts – ideal for standard fixings and straight runs.
Spring Channel Nuts (short & long) – speed up installation, especially overhead and in awkward positions.
Long Pattern Channel Nuts – provide more thread engagement for heavier loads and higher safety margins.

For everyday installations, it’s worth carrying a mix of BZP, HDG and A4 stainless so you can match the finish to the channel and the environment.

Explore the full range:

– Channel Nuts for Strut Channel
– Stainless Steel Channel Nuts (A4)

2. Stud Channel Nuts for Fast Rod Connections

Where threaded rod meets strut, stud channel nuts offer a fast, clean way to create a strong fixing point without assembling nuts and washers separately. These hammer-head style fixings drop straight into the channel slot and are ideal for suspending services such as HVAC, electrical containment and pipework.

Why installers rely on stud channel nuts:

Pre-assembled stud and nut saves time on-site.
Excellent for repeat layouts and standardised frames.
Reduces loose components and simplifies van stock.

View the range:

– Stud Channel Nuts – Fasteners & Fixings

3. Hex Head Set Screws (Bolts) – The Workhorse Fixing

No strut system is complete without a good selection of hex head set screws. These are the primary bolts used to secure brackets, cantilever arms, back plates and clamps into channel nuts.

Recommended van stock:

Core sizes: M6, M8, M10 and M12 in key lengths (e.g. 20–50mm).
Finishes: BZP for internal use, HDG for external or exposed installations, and A4 stainless for aggressive environments.
Always match HDG channel and nuts with HDG bolts to keep the corrosion system consistent.

Browse compatible ranges:

– Hex Head Set Screws – Fasteners & Fixings
– Hex Head Set Screws – Threaded Rod & Support

4. Washers – Penny, Square Plate & Spring

Washers are often overlooked until a connection starts to slip or deform. In strut channel systems, they are critical for spreading load, protecting surfaces and keeping assemblies tight under vibration.

Key washer types for strut work:

Penny Washers – large outer diameter for load distribution on cable tray, bracketry and lighter gauge steel.
Square Plate Washers – ideal for strut and structural connections where you need to reinforce fixing points.
Spring Washers – help resist loosening where vibration is present.

Shop washers for strut channel frameworks:

– Washers – Fasteners & Fixings
– Penny Washers
– Square Plate Washers (BZP / HDG)
– Stainless Steel Washers (A4)

5. Back Plates – Male & Female

Back plates provide a strong interface between the structure and threaded rod. They’re widely used for suspending pipework, ducting, cable tray and combined services from walls, soffits and steelwork.

Why you should always carry them:

Pre-formed solutions for M6–M12 threaded rod connections.
Available in male and female styles to suit different mounting requirements.
Provide a neat, professional finish and known load performance when installed correctly.

View compatible options:

– Back Plates – Male & Female (Threaded Rod & Support)
– Back Plates for Pipe Clamps

6. Cantilever Arms – HDG & Stainless

Cantilever arms are the go-to solution when you need to project support out from a wall or vertical structure. For strut channel systems, they allow you to mount cable tray, ladder rack, pipework or plant in a controlled, repeatable way.

Why they deserve space in the van:

Available in a wide range of lengths (150–1000mm and beyond) to suit different load and clearance requirements.
HDG versions are ideal for external, plant-room and industrial areas.
A4 stainless arms are perfect for coastal, chemical or food-grade applications where corrosion resistance is critical.

Explore by finish:

– Cantilever Arms / Tray & Wire Brackets (HDG)
– Cantilever Arms – Stainless Steel Range

7. Threaded Rod & Cut Studs

Threaded rod is the link between your strut framework and the services it carries. Whether you’re hanging cable tray, ductwork or pipe clamps, having rod in common sizes and finishes on the van is essential.

Best practice for van stock:

Carry core sizes such as M8, M10 and M12 in 1m and 2m lengths.
Keep BZP for dry internal spaces, HDG for external use, and A4 stainless for high-corrosion environments.
Use cut studs where space is limited or you need a short, repeatable fixing length.

Shop threaded rod ranges:

– Threaded Rod & Cut Studs
– Threaded Rod – Threaded Rod & Support
– Stainless Steel Threaded Rod (A316 / A4)

8. Threaded Rod Connectors & Reducers

On refurbishment projects and reactive works, you won’t always get the luxury of cutting everything new. Threaded rod connectors and reducers let you join or adapt existing rods, saving significant time and waste.

Typical on-site uses:

Extending existing threaded rod drops without dismantling the whole support.
Reducing from one thread size to another when changing equipment or pipe size.
Fine adjustment of levels using couplers as lockable joints.

Keep these in your van:

– Threaded Rod Connectors & Reducers

9. Threaded Rod Clips for Pipe Support

For lighter pipework and services, threaded rod clips offer a quick and tidy way of securing pipes directly to rod without separate clamps. They are especially useful on long distribution runs of small-bore pipe where time and repeatability are key.

Benefits on-site:

Quick installation without multiple loose components.
Suitable for a wide range of pipe diameters and common rod sizes (usually M8 & M10).
Ideal for HVAC, plumbing and mechanical services on trapeze or single-rod supports.

Explore options:

– Threaded Rod Clips

10. Channel Sockets & Trolley Assemblies

For applications involving sliding or movable supports – such as suspended equipment, sliding hangers or service access – channel sockets and trolley assemblies are invaluable. These specialist accessories run inside or along the channel and allow controlled movement while maintaining support.

Typical use cases:

Movable supports for services that require adjustment or inspection.
Sliding hangers for expansion, thermal movement or access zones.
Specialist mechanical and industrial installations where flexibility is needed.

Shop the range:

– Channel Sockets & Trolley Assemblies for Unistrut

Building a Van Stock Strategy That Matches Your Projects

Every contractor has a different mix of work – from light commercial refits to heavy industrial plant rooms. However, the accessories listed above form a solid core for almost any strut channel installation. Once you’ve standardised your van stock around these items, you can build project-specific extras on top.

Three practical tips:

Standardise finishes by environment – for example, BZP for internal, HDG for external, and A4 stainless for coastal or chemical zones.
Create a simple checklist for “first fix” and “second fix” accessories and keep a printed copy in each van.
Review usage monthly so you can identify which sizes and finishes should be re-ordered in bulk to reduce cost and avoid site delays.

For further reading on optimising fixings and frameworks, you may also find these articles useful:

Need Help Specifying Strut Channel Accessories?

If you’re building a standard van stock list for your team, or you’d like help matching accessories to a specific project, the Direct Channel team can help you put together a tailored bill of materials.

Contact us on 0121 270 8507 or email sales@directchannel.uk.com to discuss your requirements, or explore the full Strut Channel & Brackets range online.