Braided stainless-steel tubing...

[virtualrain]

I want to do a braided stainless steel tubing look on my current build.

I'm thinking of just using something like this over normal tubing (terminated with clear heat-shrink at the ends to prevent fraying)...

http://images.cableorganizer.com/techflex/stainless-steel-fray-big.jpg

Link (http://cableorganizer.com/stainless-steel-braid/)

Alternatively, there is this hose from Summit Racing... It's more pricy but possibly less hassle. Problem is, I don't have any idea how flexible it is and I suspect it's a lot stiffer than tubing we are use to. It's 7/16" ID with just over 5/8" OD.

http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/sum-230410.jpg

Link (http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SUM%2D230820&N=700+115&autoview=sku)

Any recommendations? Thoughts?

[TheJollyFellow]

I doubt the braided tubing would be flexible enough to fit over 1/2" fittings, unbraided tubing is hard to get on as it is ;).

[virtualrain]

I doubt the braided tubing would be flexible enough to fit over 1/2" fittings, unbraided tubing is hard to get on as it is ;).

I assume you are referring to the braided hose... I suspect you have a good point there.

[AuroraProject]

They make braided steel hose covers, so you could run Tygon or whatever and still have the look.

[virtualrain]

They make braided steel hose covers, so you could run Tygon or whatever and still have the look.

Like the first item I pictured above or something different? Do you have a link?

[Frank M]

I don't know how it is over there, but here braided tube is also used in domestic
heating and water systems. They are not that expensive either; however, you
have to plan carefully ahead. They are inflexible and have a big bend radius;
also they are sold in different lenghts (e.g. for 1/2"-1/2" they sell 10, 15, 20, 25,
etc cm long pieces; there are also some different sizes as well, I just don't know
off the top of my head)
Check a store that has a bathroom building supplies department - or whatever it
is, I hope you get the idea.

[IanY]

And if the said steel braiding were to touch some electronic components ? :)

[AuroraProject]

Like the first item I pictured above or something different? Do you have a link?

Yup, just like the first thing you linked to. I have reading comprehension set to "off" today.

[montyshaw]

If you just want the silvery look, maybe this would work. I think the conductiveness of the stainless steel and other problems might be a deterent. But that said it reminds me of the stainless brake lines on sport bikes. Sport bikes are cool.

http://www.petrastechshop.com/1id3odtysian.html

]Monty[

[serialk11r]

Stainless steel tubing is very...stiff...
You'll need different fittings, and like IanY said if it were to touch any electronics you're f***ed. Well somehow coating it with lacquer would help...

[Aldy402]

I can imagine how much that would suck to bleed
you can't see!

[serialk11r]

I can imagine how much that would suck to bleed
you can't see!

You can still see the res...and bleeding is an automatic process.

[Petra]

Or this: http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=207?

I'm pretty sure that that Mylar Flexo sleeving is still electrically conductive...:rolleyes:

[virtualrain]

Guys, although I'm aware of the conductivity, it's not a significant enough risk to worry about... I'm not careless enough to consider it a concern. I find it slightly ironic that we are cooling our rigs with water but advising each other of the risks of having conductive sleeving on the tubing (but I get that it is a potential risk). :p:

@spotswood... I looked at that Tekflex stuff... as far as fake braided stainless, that is pretty good. I've definitely been tossing that around as well.

I guess the braided stainless over Tygon is the way to go. I agree with others who said the stainless hose (designed for auto applications) will be too stiff to work with in a PC.

[grudgelord]

I've been toying with a similar notion but haven't decided if I want to go the sleeved tube route or go straight to hardline. If I decide to do "braided" I think I'd choose sleeving rather than hassle with actual braided line.

I've got some Flexo around here . Just for kicks, tomorrow I'll take a meter to it and see just how conductive it is.

[AussieJester]

I find it slightly ironic that we are cooling our rigs with water but advising each other of the risks of having conductive sleeving on the tubing (but I get that it is a potential risk). :p:



haha touche'

I think the braided over a clear tube ...tygon, clearflex etc would be the go also....Keep us posted please i for one would like to see it setup I think it would look awesome....Also, if you were to cover your reservoir (if u plan using one) and your waterblocks havent got transparent tops algae growth aint going to be an issue as the water wont be exposed to light :-)

[septim]

braided hose are rather too stiff, going stainless sleeved look would work better...