Summary of the Symons® Steel-Ply® Handset Forming System

For over 50 years, the Symons® Steel-Ply® Forming System has been the most recognized and widely used pre-engineered concrete forming system in the United States. It is a factory-built, reusable system designed for maximum versatility and productivity in forming concrete structures. Whether used for handset or ganged applications, Steel-Ply® can form concrete walls of nearly any shape or size, making it a staple on jobsites and in carpenter training programs nationwide. The system is rated for an allowable concrete pressure of 1,000 pounds per square foot (psf). Core components include steel-framed panels with a high-density overlay (HDO) plywood face and the simple, one-piece A51 Wedge Bolt for connections.

Benefits of Symons® Steel-Ply® Compared to Competitors

  • Unmatched Speed & Efficiency: The pre-engineered system eliminates on-site measuring, sawing, and drilling, drastically reducing labor costs compared to job-built formwork. Assembly requires only a hammer.
  • Guaranteed Quality & Consistency: As a factory-built system manufactured to precise tolerances, Steel-Ply® provides predictable strength and produces a high-quality, smooth concrete surface consistently.
  • Durability & Reusability: The rugged steel frames can last for 20 years or more with proper care. The HDO plywood face can be reused up to 200 times before replacement, offering a significant return on investment.
  • Dual-Application Versatility: The same panels can be set by hand for detailed work and then quickly ganged together for large, repetitive pours, maximizing inventory utility.
  • Enhanced Jobsite Safety: The engineered system has a known strength factor, providing a major safety advantage over job-built formwork. Patented Quick-Hook™ Handles are available, meeting OSHA requirements for fall protection.
  • Dominant Ecosystem: Steel-Ply® is the industry’s de facto standard, with numerous competitors marketing their products as compatible. This ubiquity ensures wide availability and workforce familiarity.