How do you use compression fittings?

[cnick79]

I bought this fitting but I can't seem to figure out how it works. I can get the tube over the fitting but can't get the screw to work. The tubing seems to be too think for it. I'm using 3/8" ID tubing.

 

[BillR]

I bought this fitting but I can't seem to figure out how it works. I can get the tube over the fitting but can't get the screw to work. The tubing seems to be too think for it. I'm using 3/8" ID tubing.

I assume by screw you mean the compression screw cap. Sometimes on thick wall tubing you have to push really hard toward the threaded part to get the cap to engage. In most cases once you get that far finger tightening is all that is needed on a fitting that tight.

If that doesn’t do it for you then you might have to resort to slightly thinner walled tubing. Another option is to forget the compression cap and simply use a hose clamp if you want to keep it simple and not replace your tubing.

Luck

 

[cnick79]

I think my tubing wall is too thick. I bought my clear flex tubing from Danger Den. Looks like I'll be going to the hardware store either way.

 

[Top Nurse]

I don't think DD is going to sell tubing that will work with compression fittings. My suggestion is that you buy tubing from whoever you buy compression fittings from.

 

[CAD OC'er]

those clearflex/ primoflex tubes have 1/8" thick walls, compression fittings are meant for use with 1/16" thick walls. home depot carries vinyl tubing under the watts brand which generally have 1/16" walls.

 

[cnick79]

those clearflex/ primoflex tubes have 1/8" thick walls, compression fittings are meant for use with 1/16" thick walls. home depot carries vinyl tubing under the watts brand which generally have 1/16" walls.

Is the 1/16" ok to use? I might have some tight bends, not sure if that will help or hurt me.

I will have to stop in at the local Home Depot during my lunch break today and pick up some new tubing for tonight reconstruction of my WC setup begins! I hope to post lots of before and after pics.

 

[CAD OC'er]

1/16" is not ideal for tight bends, 3/32" - 1/8" are much better for that, but those won't work with compression fittings. you could use swiftech's coolsleeves or spend a little more money on some soft tygon r3606 which has a bend radius of 1-1/2".

 

[cnick79]

I don't think I'll run into any tight bends. If I planned it out correctly I shouldn't. I'm only going to use the 1/16" wall tubing where I need it which is pretty minimal. The remaining tubing will be my original 1/8" wall 3/8" ID tubing and some 1/2" ID tubing.

Only a couple more hours before I can start my project.

 

[Jag]

Well you don't specify the fittings or the inner walls thickness, but you only have two options: either get a less thick pipe, or get a larger swivel nut.
As an example you can see that Alphacool sells compression fittings for Tygon tubing (11,OD /8mm ID) but you have to buy swivel nuts accordingly.See here: http://www.alphacool.de/perl/shop.p...rm=show_art&menu_id=2&prod_id=160&art_kz=179#

 

[BellaCroix]

Danger Den tubing (and many others) will not work with compression fittings, the wall thickness is WAY to thick. I tried several different brands of 1/2" tubing to use with various compression fittings and it was difficult to find the perfect fit. But a foot of various brands and try them until you find the exact match.