What Is a Glass Spigot and Where Is It Used in Railings?

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A glass spigot is a small metal fitting, usually stainless steel or aluminum, that clamps a glass panel to a floor, a stair or a balcony edge without drilling through the glass. It is most often used in glass railings and balustrades where a clean, frameless look is wanted. Exact dimensions and load requirements are confirmed with the engineer for each project.

Understanding the basic idea

A glass spigot, sometimes called a glass clamp or base shoe in other contexts, is a fitting that supports a glass panel from below or from the side. Instead of bolting the glass through a hole, the spigot grips the panel between its jaws or sits on a base plate that carries the load.

This approach keeps the glass free of holes near its edges, where stress is highest, and gives the railing a visually light appearance because few visible metal parts remain.

Where spigots are used in railings

Glass spigots appear in several common settings:

Balcony railings fixed to a concrete slab edge
Terrace and rooftop balustrades
Stair railings where glass infill runs along the steps
Pool and deck barriers
Internal glass partitions with a top or base handrail

In each case the spigot is fixed to a solid structure, and the glass panel is set into it.

How the spigot holds the glass

Most spigots use a base plate that is anchored to the floor or slab, and a socket or clamp that receives the bottom edge of the glass. Rubber or polymer gaskets sit between the glass and the metal to prevent direct contact, absorb small movements and protect the edge from chipping.

The glass is usually tempered or laminated for safety. The spigot must be sized to the glass thickness so the panel stays firmly in place under normal use.

Materials and finishes

Spigots are commonly made from stainless steel, which resists corrosion well for outdoor and coastal exposure, or from aluminum, which is lighter and easy to finish. Our workshop at Rival Street 37 in Tel Aviv produces these fittings to measure, and finishes such as hot-dip galvanizing or powder coating can be applied to suit the surroundings.

Choose a finish that matches the other metalwork on the building, such as handrails and gates, so the whole installation looks consistent.

Spigot versus other glass fixings

Glass can also be held by side-mounted clamps, top handrail channels or point-fixed bolts. A spigot is often preferred when the client wants no handrail on top and a clear view over the glass. Side clamps may suit stair railings better, and channel systems are common when a continuous handrail is required.

The right choice depends on the structure, the load, and the look you want, so it is worth comparing options with your engineer.

Planning and checking before installation

Before ordering, confirm the glass thickness, the type of glass, the base material and the expected loads with the engineer. The Israeli railing standard SI 1142 sets the general requirements for railings, and the exact values for your project are checked with the engineer rather than assumed. We measure on site, prepare a written specification and wait for your approval before production begins.

Frequently asked questions

Is a glass spigot the same as a handrail?

No. A spigot is the base fitting that holds the glass panel, while a handrail is the top element that you grip. Some glass railings use a spigot with no handrail at all.

Can a spigot be used on a stair?

Spigots are mainly used on flat edges such as slabs and floors. On stairs, side-mounted clamps are often more suitable, and the choice is confirmed with the engineer.

Does a spigot damage the glass?

A properly fitted spigot with gaskets does not drill through the glass, which reduces stress points. Correct sizing and gaskets are important to avoid chipping or cracking.

What material is best for a spigot?

Stainless steel and aluminum are both common. Stainless steel suits harsh outdoor or coastal conditions, while aluminum is lighter. We advise on the best option for your location.

Common mistakes to avoid

Ordering a spigot without confirming the glass thickness and base structure is a common error. Skipping gaskets or choosing a finish that does not suit the outdoor exposure can shorten the life of the installation.

Our recommendation

Bring photos and the exact location of the railing to your first inquiry, and ask for an on-site measurement before any glass is cut. Have your engineer confirm the base structure and loads so the spigot is sized correctly from the start.

Summary

A glass spigot is a clamping base fitting that holds frameless glass in railings and balustrades without drilling the panel. Confirm glass thickness, base structure and finish before ordering.

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