Two of the most commonly confused products in glass hardware are patch fittings and spider fittings. Both are used to fix glass panels, but they serve very different purposes.
What is a Patch Fitting?
Patch fittings are used to connect glass panels to doors, walls or floors — they clamp directly onto the glass edge. They are used in frameless glass door systems, glass partitions and shower enclosures. Available in top patch, bottom patch and side patch variants.
What is a Spider Fitting?
Spider fittings are structural point fixings used to attach large glass panels (like curtain walls and glass facades) to a supporting structure. They are named for their spider-like arms — available in 1-way, 2-way, 3-way and 4-way configurations.
Key Differences
Application: Patch fittings = doors and partitions. Spider fittings = facades and curtain walls.
Load: Spider fittings handle much higher structural loads than patch fittings.
Material: Both are available in SS 304 and SS 316 stainless steel.
Which Should You Choose?
If you are fitting a glass door or interior partition — use patch fittings. If you are working on an exterior glass facade or structural glazing — use spider fittings. When in doubt, ask our team — we are happy to advise.
