Helical bed joint reinforcement bars

Helifix 6 mm 316 stainless steel helical bar is the industry-standard product for crack stitching in masonry. The helical profile creates mechanical interlock with the grout and masonry. Installed into a slot cut or routed in the bed joint immediately above (and often below) the crack. Used to stitch horizontal cracks in brickwork caused by differential settlement, thermal movement, lintel failure, or cavity tie failure. Available in 1 m lengths — cut to suit on site. The 6 mm diameter fits standard 10 mm bed joint slot without disrupting surrounding masonry. Grout must fully encapsulate the bar — voids in the grout reduce tensile capacity and allow moisture and corrosion access to the bar. Engineer specification and inspection mandatory for all structural crack stitching work. Crack cause must be identified and eliminated before stitching commences — stitching an active crack will cause new cracking adjacent to the stitched zone. Stainless steel only — galvanised or mild steel bars must not be substituted regardless of cost pressure.

Thor Helical 8 mm 316 SS bar is a heavier gauge stitching bar for greater load capacity requirements — heavily loaded masonry, wide crack zones, or where the engineer specifies higher tensile capacity than the 6 mm bar provides. The larger diameter requires a wider bed joint slot and is typically used in heavy masonry or heritage stone coursed construction. The 8 mm bar has greater anchorage length in grout due to the larger helical cross-section, providing higher characteristic tensile and shear resistance per unit length. Thor Helical is well-established in the UK and Australian heritage and commercial remedial masonry market. Australian distributor: Thor Helical Australia — confirm current stock and lead time before specifying. Both 1 m and 2 m lengths available. The 8 mm bar is heavier to cut and place than 6 mm — slightly slower installation rate. Engineer specification mandatory for all structural crack stitching work.

Simpson Strong-Tie 6 mm 316 SS helical bar — an alternative supply source to Helifix from a supplier with extensive Australian distribution through building products merchants and timber frame connector supply chains. Useful when Helifix is unavailable from local distributors or on back-order. Simpson's masonry remediation range is growing in Australia and their technical support is well-developed. Same structural application as Helifix 6 mm bar — identical helical profile principle and equivalent performance in grout-in applications. Engineers should specify by performance requirement (316 SS helical bar to manufacturer's specification) rather than by brand alone where multiple suppliers are acceptable. Confirm with engineer that Simpson Strong-Tie bar is an approved equivalent to the specified brand before ordering. Engineer specification mandatory for all structural crack stitching work. Available in 1 m lengths through Simpson Strong-Tie Australian distribution network.