"Vortex" wrote in message
.. .
....actually to make a Verandah handrail.

I have in mind the kind of stuff which in the past was used for heating
systems (at least in my school in the 1960's) but that no longer seems to
be available through plumbers merchants.

I have found tube for compressed air distribution (eg
http://tinyurl.com/o5qwe) seems to be readily available. Is this the same
stuff? Basically I don't want it to bend if leaned on, over a 1.5
metre-ish span. I'm confident that pipe at least 1" diameter with wall
thickness over 1/8" will cut the mustard.

Any other suggestions on making strong tubular/cylindrical handrails
appreciated.

Key Industrial Equipment sell galvanised tube and fittings, in a variety of
sizes, specifically for making handrails.

http://www.keyind.co.uk/

Storage Stores, Partitioning and sheds

BTW where used to prevent falls, Health and Safety guidelines are for there
to be two horizontal rails - the upper at least 1.1m high with the lower at
half that height - and a kick board, to stop things being kicked over the
edge. I usually simply fill the lower half with board or mesh.

Colin Bignell