Connecting method

A method of connecting at least a first component and a second component together to form a joint, wherein each said component comprises at least one key arrangement extending along the component and keys of the key arrangement are spaced apart from one another, said method comprising the steps of:

• aligning the key arrangements of the first and second components in a predetermined fixed orientation to one another such that aligned keys of the key arrangements extend generally in line with a common axis or ensuring alignment of the key arrangements of the first and second components in a predetermined orientation to one another such that aligned keys of the key arrangements extend generally in line with a common axis;
• and
• extending and moving a key connector comprising at least one longitudinal keyway passage over the aligned keys in the predetermined orientation generally in line with the common axis so that the keys extend within the keyway passage, are retained by the key connector, and the first and second components in the predetermined orientation are clamped together to form a joint under sufficient load, wherein:
• the key connector has an elongate body having longitudinal sides, the longitudinal keyway passage extends along a length of the body, each longitudinal side has a plurality of hooked key retainers having key-engaging surfaces, the hooked key retainers of a first said side are identically spaced from the common axis when the first and second components are clamped together, and the hooked key retainers of a second said side are identically spaced from the common axis when the first and second components are clamped together,
• said keys individually engage and are hooked by individual said hooked key retainers such that the key-engaging surfaces extend in line with the common axis when the first and second components are clamped together and the joint is under sufficient load;
• and
• said keys and/or hooked key retainers have ends comprising lead-in edges or surfaces for assisting with individual engagement of said keys with said hooked key retainers for placing the joint under sufficient load.