Tube inserts, end caps, end plugs, tube bungs and tube glides come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, materials and designs. With so many different names and options available, choosing the right component for your application can sometimes be confusing. At BPF Online, we stock an extensive range of tube inserts and end caps for round, square, rectangular, oval and specialist tubing. This guide explains the different types available and helps you identify the right one for your application.

Tube Insert Styles & Applications

Standard Tube Inserts & End Plugs

Standard end plugs provide a simple way to close and finish the open end of tubing, pipe and box section. They can protect the tube from damage, improve its appearance and prevent dirt or debris from entering the section.

We offer several different head styles to suit different applications:

• Standard flat head tube inserts: A practical choice when you need to close the end of a tube or create a flat, finished surface. They are particularly suitable for tube legs positioned at 90° to the floor.
• Domed head tube inserts: Provide a more rounded, finished appearance and can offer an alternative to a flat or angled insert where appearance is important.
• Angled head tube inserts: Feature a pre-set angled head, making them ideal for sloping furniture legs, angled tube sections and applications where the tube does not meet the floor vertically.

Threaded Tube Inserts & End Plugs

Threaded tube inserts combine the function of a standard tube end plug with a threaded fixing point. The internal thread allows you to fit compatible components such as adjustable feet, levelling feet, castors, glides and other threaded fittings.

Most threaded end caps use a plastic body with either a plastic or metal thread. For demanding applications, we also offer all-metal threaded tube inserts and end plugs designed for heavier-duty use. Most inserts feature a ribbed or serrated outer surface. These ribs grip the inside of the tube to provide a secure fit. We also stock plain-sided designs for applications where this type of fitting is more suitable.

Tube Insert Shapes

The shape of the end cap needs to match the profile of the tubing you are using. Selecting the correct shape and dimensions helps ensure a secure fit without damaging the tube.

Our range includes:

• Round tube inserts: For round tube, pipe and circular tubing.
• Square tube inserts: Designed for square tubing and box section.
• Rectangular tube inserts: Suitable for rectangular box section and tubing.
• Flat-sided oval tube inserts: Designed for oval tubing and flattened tube profiles.
• Tunnel-shaped tube inserts: Suitable for specialist tube profiles where a conventional round, square or rectangular insert will not fit.
• Triangular tube inserts: Designed specifically for triangular tube sections.

When selecting an insert or end cap, always check both the tube profile and internal dimensions rather than relying solely on the nominal external tube size.

Tube Insert Materials & Colours

Plastic tube inserts are the most common choice for general-purpose applications. They offer a cost-effective way to close and finish tubing while providing a neat appearance and protecting the tube end.

Depending on the application, we also offer inserts with specialist finishes and materials, including:

• Plastic tube inserts
• Metal tube inserts
• Chrome-effect finishes
• Felt-covered ends
• Anti-slip capped ends
• Plastic bodies with metal threads
• All-metal threaded inserts for heavy-duty applications

Black end caps remain one of the most popular options, particularly for furniture, office equipment, industrial components and general fabrication. We also stock many sizes and profiles in white and grey.

Tube Insert Sizes

Getting the correct size is one of the most important considerations when choosing end caps. Our range includes both metric and imperial tube inserts, covering a wide variety of tube and pipe dimensions.

As a general guide, our plastic inserts are available in sizes ranging from small furniture tubing through to large industrial tube sections:

• Round tube inserts: 10mm up to 193mm
• Square tube inserts: 10 x 10mm up to 150 x 150mm
• Rectangular tube inserts: 20 x 10mm up to 160 x 80mm
• Oval tube inserts: 20 x 10mm up to 80 x 25mm

We stock both metric and imperial sizes. Imperial tube inserts can offer an economical option for certain applications, while the metric range provides a particularly extensive selection of sizes.

How Do I Measure for Tube Inserts?

If you are unsure which tube insert you need, measure the internal dimensions of the tube wherever possible. The required measurement will depend on the type and shape of tube you are working with.

• For square and rectangular tubing, measure the internal width and height.
• For round tubing, measure the internal diameter.

If you are replacing an existing tube end cap, it can also help to measure the old component and identify the tube’s material, profile and wall thickness. See our Tube & Wire Fittings Buying Guide for a step-by-step guide to measuring your tubing, along with a useful metric-to-imperial conversion chart.

Tube Inserts for Furniture, Industrial & General Applications

Tube inserts have applications across furniture manufacturing, fabrication, engineering and general industry. They can provide a simple finishing solution for exposed tube ends while also allowing manufacturers to add functionality.

Common applications include:

• Furniture legs and frames
• Office desks and tables
• Chairs and seating
• Display stands
• Retail fixtures
• Trolleys and carts
• Metal fabrication
• Machinery and equipment
• Industrial frames
• Racking and storage equipment
• Adjustable furniture
• Equipment requiring castors or levelling feet

Threaded tube inserts are particularly useful when you need to attach a component to the end of a tube. By incorporating a threaded fixing point, they allow you to add adjustable feet, castors or other fittings without requiring additional fabrication.

Trade Packs & No Minimum Order

We supply tube inserts and end caps in trade packs, while also offering part-bag quantities and, in most cases, individual loose units. There is no minimum order on stock parts, so you can order exactly what you need. Whether you require a single replacement tube bung, a small quantity for a prototype or a trade pack for production, you can order directly through our website.

Free Tube Insert Samples

Not sure which tube insert size or style you need?

Our free sample service allows you to test a product before placing a larger order. This can be particularly useful when you are working with an unfamiliar tube size, checking the fit of an insert or developing a new product. Trying a sample first helps you confirm that the tube insert fits securely and provides the finish you require before committing to a larger quantity.

Next Day Delivery

Need your tube inserts quickly? We offer an overnight delivery option for customers who need to fast-track their orders. Orders selected for overnight delivery are prioritised, with a 15:00 GMT cut-off for the guaranteed service. Next working day delivery operates Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays.

Trade Prices for Businesses

If you regularly purchase tube inserts, end caps, tube fittings or other components, a BPF Online trade account can provide access to trade pricing and additional ordering features.

Apply for Trade Pricing

Registering for an account gives you access to:

• Faster ordering
• Order history and easy reordering
• Current order tracking
• Trade pricing, where applicable
• Product and company updates
• Offers and new product announcements

Your account becomes active immediately. Once our business development team reviews your company details, applicable trade prices will be displayed automatically.

Find the Right Tube Inserts for Your Application

Whether you need plastic tube inserts, threaded tube inserts, metal end plugs, tube glides, tube bungs or decorative end caps, choosing the correct profile, dimensions and fixing style is essential for achieving a secure and professional finish. With thousands of components available from BPF Online, you can find tube inserts for round, square, rectangular, oval and specialist tubing, with options to suit everything from furniture manufacture to heavy-duty industrial applications.

Browse our full range of Tube Inserts & End Caps and find the right fitting for your tube.