Anti-Split Plates

Timber is liable to breakdown by weathering. The wood swells and shrinks and continuous repetition may cause the bonds between wood fibers to weaken which leads to splits.

Rectangular anti-split plates have been available for some time. After careful study over 2 years Alternative Structures designed Rondo-Grips, a round anti-split plate, fulfilling not only the anti-split function but also the identification function. These are currently available in various sizes to fit different pole diameters from 50mm to 357mm.

The round form of the Rondo-Grip gives very efficient coverage of pole ends. There are no sharp corners or edges, which makes it extremely safe to use. Due to the design, the plates would not be ripped off accidently. Rondo-Grip centers can be marked with characters or logos. The area available is about ∅34mm. Products marked cost no more than blanks. There is a once of marking punch cost. One size Rondo-Grip cover a wide range of pole sizes. A Rondo-Grips with identification saves on labor, because you need not apply an extra identification tag. Both ends of the pole are marked for better marketing and control.

All Rondo-Grips are available as:

  • Marked: Already contains the required marking
  • Blank: No marking applied
  • Doughnut: Separate marking can be used together with the anti-split plate.

    Rectangular Anti-Split plates are also wrongly referred to in the trade as “Gang-Nail”. Gang-Nail is:
  • a proprietary trade name and should not be used unless referring to products of the owner of the trade name
  • Gang-Nails are connector plates used to manufacture timber roof trusses. Anti-Split plates and connector plates are superficially close but they are dimensionally different as they fulfill different roles.


Cover: 35% of surface area of pole end is covered. 

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