View Full Version : What's the Best Tubing? (Is This Pick Good?)
Alright I'm trying to find the best tubing that isn't terribly expensive, which I suppose is open to interpretation anyway):
(From McMaster):
Masterkleer General Purpose Clear PVC Tubing 1/2" ID, 13/16" OD, 5/32" Wall Thickness
Item#: 5233K84
The reason I picked this one was due to its small bend radius (relatively speaking). Are there smaller bend radii?
MaxxxRacer
09-15-2005, 05:36 PM
bad idea.. that is clearflex, but it will taco like mad.. go with 3/4" OD.
just use the part number in my stores guide..
Wait sry I don' understand your post... "just use the part number in my stores guide.."? What part number?
MaxxxRacer
09-15-2005, 05:41 PM
in my stores guide go under "MCMaster" ..
there is a McMaster part number for 1/2" ID 3/4" OD clearflex.
Hmm I appologize... where's "my stores guide"? I mean, is it in the McMaster site? I don't see it on this forum either...
:slap:
MaxxxRacers Guide to Online WaterCooling Stores (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=67179)
Haha sry it's kinda funny too cuz I was just skimming over that a while ago too...
EDIT: Why did you pick 5231K237? It has 3" bend radius...isn't that kinda big? Should I use the one next to it instead... the Tygon version... it's bend radius is only 1.5"?
moonlightcheese
09-15-2005, 06:20 PM
if you don't mind paying twice as much... go for tygon
MaxxxRacer
09-15-2005, 06:26 PM
its actually 5 times as expensive.
but the tygon is very nice for when u need extra tight bend radius..
unless your going for an SLI setup and need the ultra tight bend radius, the clearflex will handle your needs.
snipper_cr
09-15-2005, 06:32 PM
Ive experimented with two different types of tubing, both from Ace Hardware. One was a thin wall and one was a thick wall (3/4inch OD). First i started with the thin walls stuff. Right away any sharp turn, like the ones you will be using in your computer, will cause it to kink and cause problems. Thick wall tubing prevents that but i didnt like it. It would try to return to a straight line if i bent it and put too much stress on the water blocks (particularly the Intel North bridge). Also, the thicker stuff didnt seem to make as good nozzle connections and i experienced a lot of "slow drips." Basically, a drop or two would escape at a connection every few minutes.
So i stuck with the thin stuff and used elbows so all i had were straight runs.
cartmanea
09-15-2005, 06:36 PM
Ive experimented with two different types of tubing, both from Ace Hardware. One was a thin wall and one was a thick wall (3/4inch OD). First i started with the thin walls stuff. Right away any sharp turn, like the ones you will be using in your computer, will cause it to kink and cause problems. Thick wall tubing prevents that but i didnt like it. It would try to return to a straight line if i bent it and put too much stress on the water blocks (particularly the Intel North bridge). Also, the thicker stuff didnt seem to make as good nozzle connections and i experienced a lot of "slow drips." Basically, a drop or two would escape at a connection every few minutes.
So i stuck with the thin stuff and used elbows so all i had were straight runs.
snipper, the stuff at Ace is JUNK, it is no comparison to how Tygon 3/4" od performs.
Fresh Daemon
09-15-2005, 09:21 PM
I just got a bunch of Clearflex 60 from McMaster. The 1/4" wall stuff is almost impossible to fold, you pretty much have to deliberately fold it. The 1/8" stuff is easier, but it'll still manage a fairly decent radius without kinking.
You can always use those spiralwrap thingies.
Bloody_Sorcerer
09-16-2005, 05:37 PM
I'm running clearflex wherever i have to and 5/8" ID 3/4" OD generic crap from chase pitkin and it SUCKS. it kinks just sitting there. as a result, i have 3 extra wormdrive clamps on it and 2 zipties to hold it basically unkinked. thin-walled tubing is a POS
n00b 0f l337
09-16-2005, 05:50 PM
I'd get 2 feet of tygon always with your other stuffs. Its good incase you run into a big bend to cut a 1foot or a 6" peice when you really need it.
Holst
09-17-2005, 12:41 AM
You can allways get silicone which is better than tygon IMO and cheaper.
Alright so how's this combination for ordering?
2 Ft.
5554K19
Tygon Chemical/Laboratory PVC Tubing 1/2" ID, 3/4" OD, 1/8" Wall, Clear
$3.91 per Ft.
$7.82
10 Ft.
5231K237
PVC Tubing Chemical, 1/2" ID, 3/4" OD, 1/8" Wall, Clear
Please enter a quantity.
$0.68 per Ft.
$6.80
MaxxxRacer
09-17-2005, 12:10 PM
looks good to me..
I'd get 2 feet of tygon always with your other stuffs. Its good incase you run into a big bend to cut a 1foot or a 6" peice when you really need it.
Yea look at my new post... but a lot of places in my design has really tight bends. We're trying to fit the motherboard, all waterblocks (CPU, GPU, NB, AUX--for heat exchanging between watercooling system and a waterchilling system), as well as an AquaTube all in a volume of 12"x12"x8". Fortunately, I have the Koolance EXOS, or it'd be a nightmare to fit a radiator and a pump in there as well.
fareastgq
09-17-2005, 11:32 PM
stop being cheap, get tygon, it's basically flexible glass. Personally, I can't stand other tubing, but that's just me. I never recommend anything but tygon 1/2" ID 3/4" OD. What you should do, is order a sample of all the tubing u want, I bet you'll like tygon the best.
I was thinking along the lines that some places I might not need the awesome properties of Tygon... in those cases, I would use the cheaper tubing; otherwise, its Tygon.