What is a flare fitting?
Flare is a type of compression fitting and they are used most commonly with metal tubing. You will most likely only run into female flare or male flare when referring to connectors. Compression connections are commonly found on Compression fittings. Are you seeing a pattern here?
Do you need compression fittings for a double flare?
The double flare is used on brake lines... No compression fittings there... Yes it can be a learning experience, doing your first few flare fittings... Reading the 1 page sheet, that comes with most hand flare tools, is all that is needed.. There is powered flare tooling in the ~500.00 zone. If doing semi production...
What's the difference between a compression and flared outlet?
Here's a quick look to help get you started. Generally speaking, compression outlets are used for water and compressed air lines, where slight leakage isn't going to cause too much of a problem. Flared outlets are used for gas and high-pressure lines, where even a little leakage can cause major problems if left unattended.
What is the difference between pipe thread and compression fitting?
On bottom of the fitting in the picture is a male pipe thread; on top is a male compression thread with nut. Pipe threads connect the fitting to another solid component, like a filter housing or a rigid metal pipe. The compression fitting with cap connects a tube to the fitting.
What are the two types of compression fittings?
There are two types of compression fitting, standard (British type-A/non-manipulative) and flare fittings (British type-B/manipulative). Standard fittings require no modifications to the tubing.
What is flare compression?
Flare fittings are a type of compression fitting used with metal tubing, usually soft steel, ductile (soft) copper and aluminum, though other materials are also used. Tube flaring is a type of forging operation, and is usually a cold working procedure. … JIC fittings are typically steel or stainless steel.
Can I use compression fittings on copper pipe?
Compression fittings in the world of plumbing are very common. They are a safe way to connect copper pipe without the use of heat making them popular with DIY'ers. Many different types of valves, tees, connectors and utilities require compression fittings in order to make them water tight and safe.
How much pressure can a flare fitting hold?
Pressure Ratings Working pressures up to 5000 PSI. Working pressures will vary depending on tube and fitting size.
What is a flare fitting used for?
Flared fittings are also a good option for use with heavy machinery, and industrial and construction equipment. They are the fitting is most commonly used to connect tube or hose in high-pressure and high-temperature applications. The flare fitting is commonly used world-wide because it is a simple construction.
Is it safe to use compression fittings on brake lines?
Do not use a compression fitting on your brake system. When you are on the road not only your safety but the safety of others is at risk if you have a compromised brake system. When you press your brake pedal the PSI (pounds per square inch) exerted on your brake system is great often over 1,000 PSI in normal braking.
Should I use Teflon tape on compression fittings?
No. PTFE tape is not designed to seal compression fittings and is ineffective at doing so.
Why does my compression fitting keep leaking?
Over tightening a compression fitting can also cause the fitting to leak. When tightening up the compression fitting, only turn your tool until you feel resistance. From there, you shouldn't turn it anymore than a half a turn. By doing this, you can ensure you'll prevent your compression fitting from leaking.
Do you need PTFE tape on compression fittings?
Use none,there is no need at all for PTFE on compression fittings,it is for going on threads. If you want, use a bit of boss blue/white on the fitting depending what it is being used for. It looks terrible seeing a compression fitting with ptfe tape sticking out of it or wrapped on the pipe. Heat likes this.
Why do flare fittings leak?
Bad flare, burrs on the pipe, wrong size flare, can all cause a flare fitting to leak. The most common reason they leak is because of us overtightening them. I once had a tech tighten one to the point that it blow off during pressure testing.
Can you over tighten a flare fitting?
Fourth, don't over-tighten the flare fitting, as this can cause leaks.
Do flare fittings need sealant?
The threads in a flare fitting are NOT tapered and do not need to be sealed. The seal is between the flared end of the pipe/tube and the tapered face of the other side of the fitting. All the threaded collar does is supply force to create a seal between the opposite tapers of the two ends.
What is a flared joint?
A mechanical joint between two pieces of copper or plastic tubing; made by flaring one end of a tube in such a way as to receive a special fitting which fits in the flare; may be taken apart and reassembled without difficulty; especially useful in areas where fire hazard will not permit the open flame required in ...
What is the difference between FIP and MIP?
MIP and FIP MIP (male iron pipe) and FIP (female iron pipe) are both pipe fittings with NPT threads. MIP refers to fittings with male threads, and FIP refers to fittings with female threads. Despite their names, MIP and FIP are not always made of iron; they are commonly made from steel and brass as well.
What is Type A compression fittings?
Type-A or non-manipulative fitting: These fittings are easy to install and do not require any modifications to the tubing. Type-A compression fittings are also known as olive and can be installed using an ordinary wrench for tightening the surrounding nut. These fittings are usually used for water connections.
What does FIP mean in plumbing?
Female Iron PipeF.I.P.: Female Iron Pipe. Describes an internal pipe thread end connection, verses external.
What sleeve to use for plastic tubing?
If you have plastic tubing, purchase and use a delrin sleeve instead of the brass compression ring.
Does Home Depot have tube fittings?
Home Depot Canada has them, they include a brass insert (for plastic tubing) and ferrule (for all tubing applications; for your purpose do not use them.
Do flare fittings have a sleeve?
Both are very different than flare fittings, which have a tapered nut and require the tubing to be formed in a "flared" taper at the end (using a special tool) and do not use a sleeve (ferrule). They also use a different thread: You may find that regular compression fittings are labeled "tube" fitting in your locale.
What is a compression fitting?
Compressions fittings are for setting up your lawn sprinkler system, or running water to your swamp cooler... and they leak. I've got compression fittings on my copper coolant lines in my lathe. They F'N SUCK. They get moved just a bit, they go loose, and you can.
Does True Value Hardware have hydraulic fittings?
Still, compression fittings (aside from the Swedge Lock posted earlier) that you see in your local True Value Hardware store have no business in a hydraulic system.
Can compression fittings hold hydraulic pressure?
I'm surprised a compression fitting holds up to hydraulic pressure. Even the ones in auto stores specifically state "NOT FOR USE ON AUTOMOBILE BRAKE LINES!!!".
Can you use a double flare on brake lines?
If you want a reliable, many time reconnectable, full flow, secure, leak resistant fitting, use a double flare fitting. The double flare is used on brake lines... No compression fittings there... Yes it can be a learning experience, doing your first few flare fittings...
What is a Flare Fitting?
A flare fitting is a type of compression fitting in which a flare nut secures the flared tubing’s tapered end to create pressure- and leak-resistant seals.
How to Use a Flare Fitting
Keep in mind, you can only use flare fittings with flexible copper tubing, not on a rigid copper pipe. And unlike compression fittings, a flare fitting requires a flaring tool.
Final Thoughts
For beginners, this type of fitting might not be up your alley. However, it’s not as difficult as it sounds if you have an intermediate amount of plumbing aptitude or experience. But it’s a great skill to learn as it can be quite useful for joining a flexible copper tube in a difficult-to-reach location.
Call 1-Tom-Plumber
Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need help with fittings in your plumbing project.
What is parallel thread?
Parallel Thread / Straight Thread (no Taper) - NPS - National Pipe Straight. To seal two fittings cut with parallel threads the fittings will rely on a gasket, O-ring, or on the mating of soft copper or brass flanged or tapered surfaces between the two fittings.
Why is tubing so thin?
That's because tubing is too thin (compared with iron or brass pipe) to form a threaded mechanical joint. Both of these threaded fitting types listed above are used in North America, including Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.
What is NPT thread?
NPT - National Pipe Thread / NPT (Taper) is the American standard thread pattern for pipe connections and has been in use in the U.S. since the mid 1800's. NPT threads are cut at cut at an angle of about 60° along the length of the fitting, and the actual individual threads are cut at an angle of about 1° 47’ from the centerline of the fitting.
What is flare connection?
The thread on flare fittings does not reach to the end of the fitting as seen in the picture. Flare is a type of compression fitting and they are used most commonly with metal tubing.
What is compression connection?
Compression connections are commonly found on Compression fittings. Are you seeing a pattern here? As seen in the picture, they are made up of three separate pieces. As you tighten the nut, there is pressure put on the sleeve securing the connection. They are used in plumbing systems to join tubing together like copper or polyethylene. Compression could sometimes be introduced as CP.
What is a hose mender?
Hose menders are used to connect two lengths of hose together or repair a section of hose that has been damaged. Combination nipples and hose menders are good to be used with thermoplastic and natural rubber straight end hoses. The barbs on these fittings are specially designed for those applications.
What is a NPT fitting?
You have probably ran into threads a couple of times but they may not have been referred to as threading. National Pipe Thread (NPT) refers to the measuring of tapered threads on threaded pipes and fittings.
Where are the male and female threads on a pipe?
Threads are broken into two categories: Male and Female. Male threads are found on the outside of the pipe or fitting and female threads are found on the inside. More commonly male and female threads are referred to as MPT and FPT.
Is a quick connect fitting the same as a push fit fitting?
Plastic Quick Connect fittings are very similar to the Push-fit fittings. Similar, but not the same. Tubing gets pushed into the fittings socket until the end of the tube hits the tube stop and then the connection is tight and secure.
Is barbed thread the same as thread?
Don't know the term barbed, maybe you've heard of Insert? Barbed and Insert are the same. Some people call them barbed fittings and some people call them Insert. Both are correct. Barbs are inserted into tubing and because of their d esign, they stay in place better.
When to use a flare fitting?
Flare connections are used when water pressure is high, or for gas distribution: applications with higher pressures than a compression fitting could handle. When used with soft copper, a special tool (called a flaring tool) is used to flare the tubing, modifying its shape to facilitate a tight seal with the cone-shaped flare piece. Flare fittings are sized to match the OD of the pipe being connected: if the pipe measures 1/2" OD, a 1/2" flare fitting is what you need.
What is compression fitting?
Compression fittings are one of the quickest and easiest ways to join two lines. These connections are typically used on hard copper pipe and soft tubing that has a 3/8" or smaller outside diameter (like faucets and icemakers). Compression fittings are sized according to that outside diameter: a 1/2" OD pipe would require a 1/2" compression fitting. A sleeve ("ferrule") is placed over the pipe (use a plastic sleeve for plastic tubing), which is placed inside the fitting. A nut is placed over that, which when tightened, creates a seal. These fittings must not be overtightened - once resistance is encountered, go no more than a half-turn further.#N#Though regularly used instead of soldering, compression connections should only be installed in stationary situations with little movement or impact on the plumbing. If such activity is expected, soldering is recommended. Compression fittings are intended for one-time use only, and are not to be used in gas applications.
How are ABS pipes joined together?
They are joined together using a primer that cleans and pre-softens the plastic, and a glue that binds pipe and fitting together , making one piece out of two. Due to its chemical composition, ABS does not require the primer step.
Do fittings fit?
Fittings fit, it's true. But how? There are a number of connection types and standards, and many of them don't make much sense; shouldn't something that measures 1/2 inch be referred to - in physical reality - as being 1/2 inch? Alas, plumbing is its own game with its own rules, which extend to measurements and dimensions. Seemingly arbitrary units are the norm; what does "nominal" refer to, anyway?
Do sharkbite fittings need depth?
Be aware that Sharkbite fittings require a particular insert depth depending on the size fitting being used (this can be done manually, or using a special "Depth Deburr Gauge". Push-to-fit fittings typically use CTS sizing.
What is compression fitting?
Compression fittings are one of the most common and versatile methods of connecting metal or hard plastic tubing. Particularly useful for their extreme temperature and pressure capabilities, and their compatibility with aggressive fluids, compression fittings can be seen in systems varying from gas lines in refineries, ...
What are the factors that determine the success of compression fittings?
Chief among these are fitting and ferrule design, tubing selection, and installation procedure.
What is a single ferrule?
Most basic compression fittings contain a single ferrule. Single ferrule designs minimize the total number of components, and work reliably when fabricated from softer materials (plastic or brass for example). With harder materials like steel however, torque is often transferred from the compression nut to the ferrule as the nut is tightened.
What is the importance of the shape of the ferrule and the mating angle of the fitting body?
The shape of both the ferrule and the mating angle of the fitting body are critical factors in the reliability of a compression seal. Both components must be tapered in a manner that allows the ferrule to compress properly as the nut is tightened, while maintaining axial alignment with the tubing.
How does metal tubing affect compression?
The way in which metal tubing is produced can have a significant effect on its performance with compression fittings. Tubing should be smooth and free of roughness or extrusion lines that can create a leak path past the ferrule. Furthermore, tubing that has been stored in coils can often have an asymetrical diameter, preventing even compression. While an elastomeric seal can deform to match these slight variations, the metal-to-metal seal of a compression fitting is less forgiving. It is also important that the end of each section be squarely cut, to allow the tubing to sit symmetrically in the fitting body.
Why use softer tubing?
The use of softer tubing (such as polyurethane or vinyl) is not normally recommended with compression style fittings because the tubing wall is likely to collapse, or move away from the ferrule. This negates the holding power of the ferrule, and can also prevent the ferrule from making a leak-tight seal around the full diameter of the tubing. If there is a particular design issue (for example, a tight bend radius) that necessitates softer tubing, it is important to reinforce the tubing wall. Some manufacturers offer tubing inserts for this purpose. The tubing insert, usually made of metal, is pressed into the soft tubing, and supports the tubing wall so that it will not collapse as the ferrule is compressed.
What is an asymmetric ferrule?
An asymmetrical ferrule is cone shaped, and can only be placed into the fitting body in one direction ( usually with the tip of the cone facing into the fitting body). Symmetrical ferrules look like two cones back-to-back, and can be placed into the fitting body in either direction.
What is FIP thread?
FIP means Female Iron (or International) Pipe and can also be called FPT for Female Pipe Thread. To add confusion, there is NPT, which stands for National Pipe Thread. The Wikipedia makes this as confusing as possible: Sometimes NPT threads are referred to as MPT (‘Male Pipe Thread’), MNPT, or NPT (M) for male (external) threads;
What does MIP mean in pipe fittings?
The real confusion with pipe fittings comes from the fact that they have so many different descriptive names. MIP stands for Male Iron Pipe, or some would say Male International Pipe. The same pipe size can also be called MPT, for Male Pipe Thread.
What is the taper on a pipe?
The taper of the threads is what actually distinguishes pipe from compression fittings. On bottom of the fitting in the picture is a male pipe thread; on top is a male compression thread with nut. Pipe threads connect the fitting to another solid component, like a filter housing or a rigid metal pipe. The compression fitting with cap connects ...
Can you screw a compression cap into a pipe?
The main thing you need to know when dealing with water treatment equipment is that compression caps won’t work on pipe threads and you can’t screw male compression thread into a female fitting (like a filter housing port) that’s made for pipe.
