30/12/2022
Hi there, important notes on straight rails.
1. Rail is always the issue in the 2nd hand market.
2. Understand that the stairlift rail was cut to suit the old owner’s stair, not yours.
3. I will always try and help you make a rail to suit your stair.
4. I do end up with bits of rail, but most are short ends, sometimes these can be used but often they are little pieces.
5. I am happy to wheel and deal with customers to try and help you out.
6. Sometimes this means I buy a unit for parts, and you buy the rail if it is suitable for your required rail length.
7. Sometimes this means you will need to buy two units.
Acorn rail differences.
1. Fatline rail do not fit the A120 or A130, its Fatline only.
2. For an example the A120 rail is generally heavier than the current A130 rail, this can mean a bump when joined.
3. These days the A130 rail has been made cheaper and lighter than the A120 rail.
4. A120 heavy rail, originally made for the heavy version of the A120, it is thicker walled rail, A120 heavy only. Current A120-A130 carriages will fit on this rail if needed.
5. Profile differences: generally speaking, the extrusion process follows each other. This means that you have two like rails lengths in a rail pack from the same extrusion run. It therefore stands to reason that when you try to mix different (batches or runs) of rail, the differences become more noticeable, the result is a bump like on railway track. This can be obvious and can cause the stairlift to error. The extrusion process wears, and this causes the changes.
6. I will always join rail to “best fit” for what you have, this might mean trying to source closer age/batch rail units, mix and match to suit.
7. Made in the UK.
Bruno rail differences.
1. Currently I have not had the same issues unlike the Acorn rails above.
2. Bruno seems to be very close in their rail manufacturing, maybe they have a higher quality control.
3. Made in the USA.
Stannah rail differences.
1. I have only been seeing the 600’s, they do seem to suffer from the same issue as Acorn, but to be far I really try to stay away from Stannah product. I like it but there are not many around when it comes to the 2nd hand market.
2. Made in the UK.
Options to make your (2nd hand) rail suit your stairs.
1. Cutting of rail and racking to suit, pre-drill charge and limit positions, making section joiners, cabling for the charge points, mounting feet to suit.
2. Rail is made from what I have in stock as listed.
3. I will arrange to purchase a piece from a customer’s rail sections by arrangement, remember that they still have a unit to sell, easier to sell a longer rail system than a short.
4. If your rail is short and you need it made longer, this gives you that option if the available rail lengths are available and suitable.
5. If your rail is too long, I can cut it down and make it suit you.
6. If required, bring me your rail pieces and I will make up your rail for you.
And most of all I do this to help you out.
Thanks, Roger.
The Stairlift Guys.
