How exactly do compression fittings work?

[FrostyPanda]

Hi. I am kind of new to compresssion fittings as all I have used in the past is a barb with a hose clamp. How exactly do they attach to the different parts of my setup. If someone could post a picture guide that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Waterlogged]

Your in luck, I just happened to do a small tutorial on how to assemble compressions a short while ago. Most of what follows, is a copy/paste of it. Original post can be found here (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3174259&postcount=16)

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/4496/25940853rj2.jpg

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/2295/28583904vh1.jpg

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/2222/15922228te4.jpg

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/2181/88137987wo3.jpg

http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/6889/65324522aq7.jpg

...and this is what is looks like inside after it's been assembled.

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=83762&d=1218962250

[CyberDruid]

I love that cut away you did :up:

[b@llz0r]

nice cut-away view WL!

[FrostyPanda]

Hey thanks. But how do they connect to the blocks for example. Do i just need to screw in the barb part of the fitting first and then attach the hose and screw it down? Also, do you think that these fittings are necessary or are they mainly cosmetic. I'll have roughly 2-2.5 gallons per minute of flow in each of my three loops...

[RealRedRaider]

Great Guide....:up:

[Waterlogged]

Hey thanks. But how do they connect to the blocks for example. Do i just need to screw in the barb part of the fitting first and then attach the hose and screw it down? Also, do you think that these fittings are necessary or are they mainly cosmetic. I'll have roughly 2-2.5 gallons per minute of flow in each of my three loops...

They attach just like normal screw in barbs. As for "are they necessary?"...not really. They're mostly for those that want a secure connection without an "ugly" hose clamp.

[Xilikon]

Hey thanks. But how do they connect to the blocks for example. Do i just need to screw in the barb part of the fitting first and then attach the hose and screw it down? Also, do you think that these fittings are necessary or are they mainly cosmetic. I'll have roughly 2-2.5 gallons per minute of flow in each of my three loops...

Yes, screw the barb part on the block first then put the tubing and screw the nut.

WL, you should add a note about that or they will put the fitting on the tubing before screwing on the block, causing a twist on the tube and leaks after a short while.

[Waterlogged]

Yes, screw the barb part on the block first then put the tubing and screw the nut.

WL, you should add a note about that or they will put the fitting on the tubing before screwing on the block, causing a twist on the tube and leaks after a short while.

Yeah, you're probably right, it wasn't really written for this kind of question which is why that part is missing. Maybe I should just re-do the whole Tut and make it as universal as possible to cover both questions. :shrug:

Also, I didn't really expect this topic to be so first step basic, which is why I didn't mention it in my first post.

[fox3]

Being a complete noob @ water cooling, I'm still putting together the pieces to my build, I am curious as to how to keep the fittings from backing out or loosening up from the tubing being adjusted or during case maintenance. I'll be using an ext rad box and I was concerned if moving the box or tubing could cause some tube flex which could untwist a fitting a bit.

[anzial]

Imho, the best way to prevent leaks is to use 7/16"ID tubing on 1/2" barbs, add compression fittings or common (homedepot) clumps to secure them. The pump/res/waterblocks will leak sooner then these connections :D

[crazy8s846]

will these fitting fit on a D-TEK fuzion v1

[FrostyPanda]

They attach just like normal screw in barbs. As for "are they necessary?"...not really. They're mostly for those that want a secure connection without an "ugly" hose clamp.

Thanks! While we're talking about high tech fittings, does anyone have experience with the koolance quick disconnect fittings. I saw them and thought they might be a good idea for someone like me who doesn't want to constantly be rebuilding his wc loops. I'll *always* be using atx so the length of my tubes should always be the same so for quick block changes these seemed like a good idea. Does anyone have any experience or words of wisdom as far as Koolance and their quick disconnects?

[migueld]

Waterlogged awesome picts/tutorial, nice work. Love the cross section :yepp:

[Kibbler]

Thanks! While we're talking about high tech fittings, does anyone have experience with the koolance quick disconnect fittings. I saw them and thought they might be a good idea for someone like me who doesn't want to constantly be rebuilding his wc loops. I'll *always* be using atx so the length of my tubes should always be the same so for quick block changes these seemed like a good idea. Does anyone have any experience or words of wisdom as far as Koolance and their quick disconnects?
More restrictive by nature but they are quite nicely made. Some users have expressed concerns that the QD mechanism has a steel spring, which is probably stainless, but possibly mild steel, which would rust and fsuk up your day. I have the low profile version, and for the life of me I cannot find the spring inside to check.

[Bobly]

will these fitting fit on a D-TEK fuzion v1

Guess what? There's a whole Compression Fittings: What fits what? thread :p:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/Forums/showthread.php?t=201375

http://www.bobly.info/XS/Compression-Fittings.png

[septim]

nice guide WL.

nice compression chart too.

[evilsponge]

Nice!

-sponge

[FrostyPanda]

Waterlogged awesome picts/tutorial, nice work. Love the cross section :yepp:

Dear god, Migueld, your sig is awesome :D

[NaeKuh]

OMG i cant believe i missed this.

Very Excellent WL :up:

Give ya mad props on that cut away.

[rjkoneill]

great stuff!

im still stuck on weather or not to use comp fittings or 1/2" barbs for my next build

this guide is very useful

[RADCOM]

Nice cross section diagram W, our condolences to the family of the slaughtered compression fitting lol thanks for the link to the chart Bobly.

[ballzD33P]

I love that cut away you did :up:

+1 QFT

[NaeKuh]

well now u guys really do believe me that its a cutaway.

Dean should ask WL permission to take that picture and use it on koolance's website to show what a compression is

[Waterlogged]

Just for the record, that Koolance was not a "good" G1/4" threaded version but rather a "crappy" 12mm threaded version that came with the INS-FM15 flow meter I bought.