Stainless Steel Glass Curtain Wall Spider Fittings Brackets 

Glass curtain wall hardware

Project Solution Capability: graphic design, 3D model design, total solution for projects, Cross Categories Consolidation 
Spider arm for glass façade Application: Outdoor, Glazed Curtain Wall 
Place of Origin: Shandong, China 
Material: SS316/304 
Finish: satin or mirror 
Weight: 2.0kg to 5.0kg 
Size: 150mm200mm 210mm 220mm 250mm 300mm Various models, support customization
Package: Carton Box 
Package Type: 
Our sets in the package and then in carton boxes and then in one big pallet at last. 
For Stainless Steel Glass Curtain Wall Spider Fittings 

Stainless Steel Spider Fittings: A Comprehensive Product Guide for Modern Architectural Glass Systems

In modern architecture, large-scale glass façades have become an iconic element of urban skylines. To achieve transparent, lightweight, and structurally safe glass installations, hardware components play a crucial role. Among them, Stainless Steel Spider Fittings—also known as point-supported spider arms—are some of the most essential and widely used structural connectors in glass curtain wall systems.

This in-depth guide explains the features, structural components, material options, advantages, application scenarios, installation guidelines, and selection criteria for stainless steel spider fittings. It is designed to help architects, engineers, contractors, and buyers make informed decisions for their projects.

1. What Are Stainless Steel Spider Fittings?

Stainless Steel Spider Fittings are metal connectors used in glass curtain walls, skylights, canopies, and architectural glass structures. They function as structural support points, connecting glass panels to the main building structure through spider arms and routels (glass bolts).

The primary purposes of spider fittings include:

• Supporting glass loads

• Providing multi-directional connection points

• Ensuring stability of the glass façade

• Enhancing aesthetics with minimal visual obstruction

Due to their spider-like shape with multiple arms, they are commonly referred to as “spider fittings.”

2. Main Components of a Spider Fitting System

A complete stainless steel spider fitting system typically includes the following parts:

1. Spider Arm (Main Fitting Body)

The spider arm supports the routels and carries the weight of the glass.Stainless steel spider fittings

Available configurations include:

• One-arm spider

• Two-arm spider

• Three-arm spider

• Four-arm spider

Each type suits different glass layouts and structural requirements.

2. Routel (Glass Bolt)

The routel connects the glass panel to the spider arm and absorbs stress from expansion, contraction, and wind loads.

Common types include:

• Hanging routel

• Countersunk (full-through) routel

• Half-through routel

• Wall-mounted routel

• Corner routel

3. Connecting Components

Such as bolts, washers, and ball-joint mechanisms that allow flexible adjustment to ensure glass alignment.

3. Materials Used for Spider Fittings

1. Stainless Steel 304

• Cost-effective

• Suitable for general indoor/outdoor applications

• Moderate corrosion resistance

2. Stainless Steel 316 / 316L

• Superior corrosion resistance

• Ideal for coastal, humid, or industrial environments

• Excellent resistance to chloride corrosion

3. Surface Finishes

To enhance durability and aesthetics, spider fittings can be finished in:

• Mirror polished

• Satin/brushed

• Sandblasted

• Electrophoretic coating

Surface finish helps determine the architectural style and level of visual reflectivity.

4. Key Advantages of Stainless Steel Spider Fittings

1. High Load-Bearing Capacity

Spider fittings offer excellent tensile and bending strength, ensuring safety even under heavy wind loads and temperature variations.

2. Ideal for Large-Scale Glass Curtain Walls

Point-supported systems enable expansive glass panels with minimal visual interruption.

3. Highly Adjustable Installation

Ball-joint mechanisms allow fine-tuning in multiple directions to maintain glass alignment.

4. Modern and Minimalist Appearance

The nearly invisible connection method provides a clean, contemporary façade.

5. Low Maintenance and Long Lifespan

High-quality stainless steel resists rust and wear, reducing long-term maintenance costs.

5. Common Applications of Spider Fittings

1. Glass Curtain Walls

Used extensively in commercial buildings, malls, exhibition centers, and office towers.

2. Skylights

Provides structural support for overhead glass installations with excellent light transmission.

3. Atrium Glass Structures

Including glass bridges and vertical daylight openings in hotels and shopping malls.

4. Glass Canopies

Popular for building entrances, residential porches, commercial storefronts, and public spaces.

5. Interior Glass Partitions

Used in airports, showrooms, galleries, and modern office environments.

6. Architectural Decorative Glass

Ideal for high-end façades requiring transparency and visual impact.

6. How to Select the Right Spider Fittings (Professional Guide)

1. Consider Glass Thickness and Weight

Typical compatible glass thickness:

• 8–12 mm for standard tempered glass

• 12–19 mm for tempered or laminated glass

• Over 20 mm for large-span structural glass (may require customization)

Thicker and larger glass requires stronger spider arms.

2. Choose the Proper Arm Configuration

• Single-arm: side mounting or column installation

• Double-arm: vertical/horizontal glass alignment

• Three-arm: corner or multi-directional junctions

• Four-arm: central nodes of large glass grids

3. Select Material Based on Project Location

• 304: For general climates

• 316: For coastal or industrial zones

• 316L: For high-end or extreme environments

4. Match the Structural Support System

Spider fittings must align with structural systems such as:

• Steel rods

• Stainless-steel cables

• Steel trusses

• Vertical columns

5. Choose the Appropriate Surface Finish

Mirror polish is common in high-end hotels and commercial buildings, while satin finish fits industrial or minimalist designs.

7. Installation Guide for Spider Fittings

1. Measurement and Positioning

Use laser levels to mark precise mounting points.

2. Install Supporting Structure

Install steel beams, columns, or pipe structures.

3. Fix Spider Base to Structure

Secure using expansion bolts or chemical anchors.

4. Install Routels to Glass

Fit routels into pre-drilled glass holes.

5. Position and Adjust Glass Panels

Make fine adjustments to ensure smooth alignment.

6. Tighten All Bolts

Ensure stability and compliance with torque requirements.

7. Perform Safety Inspection

Check for:

• Stress concentration

• Bolt loosening

• Waterproofing and surface flatness

8. Maintenance Tips for Spider Fittings

To ensure long-term durability:

• Inspect bolt tightness every 6–12 months

• Clean surfaces regularly to prevent corrosion

• Check glass edges for cracks or chips

• Lubricate movable parts periodically

• Use 316/316L for harsh climates to maximize lifespan

9. Market Value & Industry Benefits

With continued advancements in modern architecture, point-supported glass systems are rapidly expanding. Stainless steel spider fittings offer major advantages:

• Lightweight structure with high transparency

• Strong mechanical performance

• Fast installation

• Enhanced building aesthetics

• Increased commercial value

They remain one of the most essential components in architectural glass hardware.