Cover plug TP43, matte gray

Cover Plug TP43 is a ferrule in TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) for round tube with a 13 mm outer diameter. It is fitted over the tube end and works as a soft foot: the elastomer grips around the tube, stands firmly against the floor and protects both the surface below and the edge of the tube. The version is matte gray with an outer diameter of 21 mm, which gives a discreet but clearly finished look on slim tube legs.

A ferrule differs from an ordinary cover plug in that it is made to carry load against the floor. The choice of material is therefore an elastomer instead of a stiff plastic; TPE gives way by a tenth or so under load, which increases the contact area against the surface and means the leg does not slide as easily. The same property also damps scraping noise when the frame is moved, which shows in shop and office environments.

Floor protection is the most important function for many. A cut steel tube standing straight against tile, parquet or linoleum leaves scratches and black marks behind it; with a soft shoe between tube and floor the problem is gone. In public spaces, where floor maintenance is a running cost, ferrules on all tube based fittings are close to mandatory.

TPE takes the chemicals of everyday life such as cleaning agents and water, and the material keeps its elasticity within normal indoor temperatures. The matte gray color hides dirt better than white and blends in against both galvanized and painted tube. The ferrule ages without cracking into pieces; when it eventually wears down you change it in seconds since fitting is simply a matter of pulling one off and pushing another on.

Typical applications are wire frames and display stands in shops, clothes racks, smaller tables and stools with tube legs, laboratory stands, sign holders and lighter workshop fittings built from slim tube. Manufacturers of wire goods put ferrules on practically everything that is to stand on the floor; it raises the perceived quality of the product while it protects the floor of the customer.

The fit is based on the outer diameter of the tube being 13 mm. The elastomer forgives a deviation of a tenth or so, and on painted tube where the paint layer adds a little diameter the grip gets better rather than worse. Check that the ferrule bottoms against the tube end when fitting, so the load is carried by the bottom of the ferrule and not by the grip at the sides; that is the whole secret behind a ferrule that stays on for years.

This item covers the size for 13 mm tube in matte gray TPE, with a 21 mm outer diameter. Full dimensions and material data are in the manufacturer's data sheet that is linked from the product page. For larger projects the pack of 500 pieces is suited to production, but the item of course works just as well ordered for a single frame build.

Compared with felt pads and self adhesive floor protectors the ferrule has two clear advantages: it does not come loose when the frame is pulled sideways, and it also protects the tube edge from being deformed when the leg is loaded at an angle. Felt has its place on furniture that is lifted, but on fittings that are pushed and dragged a shoe that wraps around the tube is the durable solution; it follows the leg in every direction and does not lose its grip from dust and moisture. That is why tube based shop fittings are almost always delivered with ferrules.

Not sure whether the ferrule suits your tube legs, or do you need another size? Get in touch and we will sort it out.