Subscription required
Tilbury Scaffolding has introduced a new fixing in honour of Alan Gale, a widely respected figure in the scaffolding supply sector whose career spanned several decades across the UK and Ireland.
The Essex-based company developed the Gale Force Bolt as a practical tribute to Gale’s contribution to the trade. Colleagues describe him as steady, reliable and supportive, with a depth of industry knowledge built through years of work in sales, supply and logistics.
Gale grew up in Collier Row in the London Borough of Havering and entered work young, taking early delivery jobs before moving into scaffolding supply. He built a reputation based on trust rather than title, forming strong working relationships and helping many younger workers find their footing in the industry.
A significant part of his career was spent in Ireland during the mid-1990s, where he worked weekly in Dublin and became known for his expertise in stock control, transport, and customer service. The connections he formed there remained throughout his life and extended his influence across the wider scaffolding community.
In later years, Gale joined Tilbury Scaffolding, where he played a steady role in developing the company’s sales operation. The business credits him with strengthening customer relationships, sharing valuable contacts and supporting colleagues with his calm, practical approach. Even during illness, he remained committed to the work and the people around him.
The Gale Force Bolt
The Gale Force Bolt is engineered specifically for everyday scaffolding applications, offering a practical upgrade over traditional market options. Its 21 mm hex head is fully compatible with standard scaffold spanners, eliminating the need for changing to a 19 mm socket—meaning one less thing to carry on site.
Designed for quick, reliable installation, the bolt requires no resin or rawl plugs and can be fixed directly into brick, concrete, timber, and other suitable solid substrates. The fixing can be used for single and double tie bars, shear ties and band & plates to name a few.
As the product tagline puts it: “No more extra socket in your pocket.”
Key Features
- Delivers strong, consistent performance across multiple substrates such as concrete, brick, blockwork, and stone.
- Designed to secure firmly without generating expansion pressure, protecting the base material.
- Fast, hassle-free installation keeps projects moving efficiently.
- Well-suited for fixing close to edges, where traditional anchors may cause cracking.
- Can be easily removed and refitted, making it ideal for temporary setups or ongoing maintenance.
- Threads cut and grip throughout the full length, ensuring reliable anchoring even in hollow or mixed-density materials.
- Eliminates the need for precision marking—simply drill through the fixture and tighten.
Finished with a Zinc and Yellow coating to enhance corrosion protection.
Tilbury Scaffolding said the design reflects the qualities Gale was known for: reliability, consistency and straightforward performance on site.
The product is set to launch in 2026. A donation from every box sold will go to Saint Francis Hospice in recognition of the support provided to Gale and his family during his final year.
The company said the bolt is intended not just as a new fixing for the market but as a reminder of the individuals whose work supports the scaffolding supply chain. For many who knew him, the Gale Force Bolt represents the values Alan Gale brought to the industry and the legacy he leaves behind.
