Gabion Helicoils are one of those things that you’ve seen before but never knew what anyone called it. Heck, you probably didn’t even realize that anyone had a specific name for them!
But what are Gabion Helicoils, and what do you need to know about them? The truth is they are more important than you might think, and knowing what they do and how to use them has its advantages. Keep reading, and we’ll break it all down for you.
Table of Contents
What are Gabion Helicoils?
Gabion Helicoils are spiral metal rings that hold together different Gabion structures. From baskets to walls, you need Gabion Helicoils to keep everything together. The manufacturer almost always makes Gabion Helicoils out of galvanized steel, but you’ll be able to find “rusty” steel and PVC coated spirals as well.
You can make these Gabion structures for a wide array of applications – from keeping hay bales in place to building walls and other structures, and you need Gabion Helicoils to hold all that wire mesh together!
These Gabion structures offer a cost-effective solution to meet a wide array of needs – and are easy to assemble and disassemble. Moreover, this adds another advantage of being able to reuse the structures and Helicoils job after job.
The Gabion Helicoils spin into place, so if you need to take them out to tear the whole thing apart, all you need to do is spin it the other way. Moreover, this will naturally work it out without any extra tools or frustration.
However, while you might be able to remove the Helicoil without any tools, depending on the amount of pressure on the cage and how long it’s been there, you might need to use a pair of pliers to remove the coil.
What Types of Gabion Helicoils are Available?
Most manufacturers make Gabion Helicoils from galvanized steel. However, you’ll be able to find Gabion Helicoils made from “rusty” steel and PVC coated spirals as well. The important thing is that the Helicoils are rigid and spiraled; that way, they can connect the individual metal rods that hold the Gabion wall, basket, or other devices together.
Furthermore, Gabion Helicoils come in a wide array of sizes to fit different projects. No matter how big or small your project, there is a Gabion Helicoil that fits.
Accessories that you Need to Install Gabion Helicoils
While installing Gabion Helicoils is relatively simple, there are still a few accessories that you’ll need to do the job safely.
The two most important pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) that you should wear while installing Gabion Helicoils are safety gloves and safety glasses.
You should ensure that you get safety gloves made of a durable material that a sharp metal rod can’t easily penetrate. There are tons of mechanic gloves that work perfectly for this job. Additionally, your safety glasses should be impact resistant.
While the chance of needing your safety glasses are slim, if something ends up getting caught, it might launch when it finally works its way free. The last thing you want is something shot straight into your eye.
Finally, while you should install the Gabion Helicoils without any specialty tools, it would help if you had a pair of pliers handy if the coils get stuck during installation. All you’ll need to do is grab the coil and twist it to work it around the Gabion cage or wall.
Pliers are especially useful when removing the Helicoils, as the pressure of the contained objects or the long-term exposure to the elements can seize the coils in place.
If you’re still looking for advice on how to assemble your Gabion Helicoils – check out this useful video that breaks everything down step-by-step!
Summary
While you’ve probably worked with Gabion objects before, you’ve probably never known what they were. Whether you’re answering trivia questions or trying to order replacement parts, there’s a reason that Gabion Helicoils have a name.
Gabion cages, walls, and more offer a great way to keep your projects within budget. Even better, they’re easy to use and reusable, making them a unique choice for many applications.
Next time you need one, sound like a pro by asking for them by name!