Thinking about going back to barbs...

[BlueAqua]

You guys can use your clamps and compression fittings. I really like the simplicity and looks of barbs without clamps. Call it "free balling" of the water cooling hobby, keeps it fresh and exciting.

I wouldn't recommend this to a noobie though, as it does take some experience and knowhow to do it correctly. The 3/8" ID 5/8" OD tubing over 1/2" Fatboys method hasn't let me down in numerous builds. It's all about your comfort level. If you use the wrong barbs or tubing this may not work, and could really turn out poorly for you. Don't knock it until you've tried it.

[naokaji]

Yes it will. Tubing relaxes and hardens over time.

True, however there is a simple way to counter that, cut off the bit of the tubing that was over the barb before you put it back on.

[matari]

Wow, people keep their tubing past 6 months. I just toss and buy new. 6-9 USD is not too expensive twice a year.

[antiacid]

listen up kids, here's my secret to tightening compression fittings painlessly:

use this tool called Mastercraft Baby Boa Constrictor

It works stupidly well. I will never go back to stripping fittings again

[jbartlett323]

I run 1/2" tubing over 1/2" barbs with zip ties, never had an issue. and i'm not talking any kind of fancy barbs, got plastic swifty's on the rad, the stock metal swifty's that came with my GTZ, and a cheap somethin on my res. never spent extra money on barbs. This is the third water build in about 4 years using *most* of the same equipment. the plastic swifty's on the rad have been there for ~5 years now with no issues. never had a tube pop off, only had 1 leak during testing. I run my setups for a minimum 1 year before tear down, and usually have to cut tubing to get it off my 1/2" barbs. Zip ties works just fine, but there is one step that most people forget when using them: The Pliers! you want to stretch those things to near the breaking point! you usually end up breaking one or two in the process, but you know they are tight!
I don't understand the point in forcing small tubing over a bigger barb when there are excellent solutions that are much, much easier and just as safe. just my opinion though.

[Callsign_Vega]

I think barbs with hose clamps is the way to go for ultimate reliability. This is how most of the industrial sector does it. Although it doesn't look the most attractive.

[theseeker]

You guys can use your clamps and compression fittings. I really like the simplicity and looks of barbs without clamps. Call it "free balling" of the water cooling hobby, keeps it fresh and exciting.

I wouldn't recommend this to a noobie though, as it does take some experience and knowhow to do it correctly. The 3/8" ID 5/8" OD tubing over 1/2" Fatboys method hasn't let me down in numerous builds. It's all about your comfort level. If you use the wrong barbs or tubing this may not work, and could really turn out poorly for you. Don't knock it until you've tried it.

+1
BA taught me how to do it, so if I can, anyone can!
Thanks Kirk

[KingOfsorroW]

yeah, tightening the compression fitting is painful process at times and it doesn't feel so secure when done, so I try to avoid the "side pressure" as much as possible...Though the system looks cleaner, and, which is also a good thing,- I don't tighten the fittings too often

[goodhead]

with any types of compression fitting in general, you are not suppose to overtighten them so much. once i feel resistance i turn like 1/2-1 full turn more thats it. i dont think i have ever gotten a compression fitting all the way to the last thread. same for an, jic or other hydraulic fitting types. you really shouldnt have a problem with stripping threads unless you are coming in at an angle, or your threads are not clean/messed up. you def do not need a tool to do this unless you have like no upper body strength at all.

I started wc in 2004 and i wish i had compression fittings back then lol you guys are lucky. i remember getting my parts from home depot

[gmat]

I run 1/2" tubing over 1/2" barbs with zip ties, never had an issue.

Ditto, same goes for 3/8" over 3/8" barbs too, i've run both for years with zero problem. Pliers are a must have of course, also i always put 2 zip ties opposite to each other so there is no dead spot.
Tried the fancy compressions, they look nice, but they are not any easier to put on than regular barbs + clamps or zip ties...

[gr1p]

I run 1/2" tubing over 1/2" barbs with zip ties, never had an issue.

Ive also had alot of success with this over the past 2 years. I always use the Danger Den fat boys.