Tube > Fitting.. what do you use?

[ahmad]

Some of you may have multiple configurations, so please choose the option that is most relevant to you (ie. attributed to you).

Would like to get an idea of how many do what. Feel free to share leaking stories.

[nlancaster]

I use compression fittings.

Pros:
Looks good
Secure
No leaks when secured properly
No tools to attach tubing

Cons:
Price, 2-4x as expensive as barbs
Can be finicky to get the tubing on because the nuts can get in the way.
Large overall diameter can keep you from using them on some blocks, especially northbridge/southbridge blocks.

[Boulard83]

never had a leak with these in 3yrs

[reasons]

7/16 tubing with 1/2 barbs and some zip ties. Cheap and effective. Yeah, I'll spend $100 on a block no problem, but I get something out of that. $100 on fittings gives me looks and maybe a slightly (see next to none) better connection.

[ahmad]

I use compression fittings.

Pros:
Looks good
Secure
No leaks when secured properly
No tools to attach tubing

Cons:
Price, 2-4x as expensive as barbs
Can be finicky to get the tubing on because the nuts can get in the way.
Large overall diameter can keep you from using them on some blocks, especially northbridge/southbridge blocks.

I appreciate the info man, awesome.

[ahmad]

http://www.infodupat.com/I7_build/Rig004.jpg
never had a leak with these in 3yrs

These look like herbie clamps to me. Are they similar to these?



http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/heclnyhoclsi.html

I must say that looks SICK. Freaking wicked man.

[ahmad]

7/16 tubing with 1/2 barbs and some zip ties. Cheap and effective. Yeah, I'll spend $100 on a block no problem, but I get something out of that. $100 on fittings gives me looks and maybe a slightly (see next to none) better connection.

Well.. it is a luxury

[Boulard83]

These look like herbie clamps to me. Are they similar to these?



http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/heclnyhoclsi.html

I must say that looks SICK. Freaking wicked man.

Yup, thats the one i have, from swiftech.

[TJ TRICHEESE]

koolance compression 3/8" (10mm) ID

[Tetrafluorometh]

I can't vote as i use 2 you list in one manner.

Danger Den Fatboy Barbs 1/2''

Tygon 3/8'' tube

Boil the kettle dip the tube and make a brew, then scream like a and disslocate fingers and thumbs in an effort to fit it on. Looks amaing and will not pop off. Have tried it with the XSPC tripple DDC top with 3 18W @ 12v!

[skinnee]

7" or greater zip ties for 1/2" ID x 3/4" OD.

Pressure drop testing or high pressure and flow loops get worm drives.

[Scaniris]

I'm using 1/2'' barbed fittings, with 7/16'' ID - 5/8'' OD tubing. With clamps from Coolance (for the look... i also have plastic clamps like these one: http://www.chilledpc.co.uk/shop/index.php?cPath=72_165 and they secure the connection very well). But with 7/16'' ID tubing... the risk of leakage or tube that disconnect alone from the fitting.. is minimal. Better fits on 1/2 barbed fittings than 1/2'' ID tubing. IMO. I think this is a ''safer'' bundle. I used 1/2 ID tubing on two rigs, but definitively changed to 7/16.

I ordered 16x DD Fatboy barbed fittings to compare with EKWB fittings (both G1/4 to 1/2 barbed). I prefer the Danger Den fittings definitively, because the O-Ring is compressed with a rounded metal part, and not directly with the bolt. Compression is regular all around the o ring, it seems to be like this. No leak with EKWB fittings, no leak with DangerDen Fatboy fittings. Tom (chilledpc) did recommend these fittings to me, he was right I'm very happy with it.

[Jimmer411]

Im not a fan of compression fittings, I already own barbs so no point buying the same thing just for looks when I could care less about bling.


That and Im not 100% in belief that they will never leak, we use something similar at work and they leak over time.

[RCG_Bex]

3/8" ID 5/8" OD stretched over 1/2" - but I have it stretched over 7/16" compressions atm for blingyness :P

~Bex

[ahmad]

lol Tetra.. I only wish I had learned of this trick before I got all my stuff..

7" or greater zip ties for 1/2" ID x 3/4" OD.

Pressure drop testing or high pressure and flow loops get worm drives.

skinnee the legend, thanks for your input mate.

[urgrandpasdog]

I use barbs with herbie clips, though I would like to switch to zip ties as the herbies are just too bulky. I have metal hose clamps on the built in barbs on my D4 though, as I don't trust them, and I don't see it.

[cabbspapp]

I have worm drives on my reservoir, it seems like the plastic barbs don't seem to seal as well as my metal barbs for some reason. Herbies on the rest of the loop, but I plan on moving to worm drives all around soon for peace of mind.

[zeropluszero]

3/8-5/8" bitspower silver shining and true silver compressions.

[Erklat]

3/8" barbs alone.
Apropriate tight tubing is enough, although I had a leak once but because I bought greater ID tubing :o

Compressions don't look that good to me. They are far too bulky, and if the loop is tidy, barbs look just as good.
In fact some of my favorites from gallery used barbs in their builds

Plus their price ofcourse. Barb with a nut isn't worth what about, 4 $ per piece?

[ahmad]

I got my stuff, seems like 1/2in ID + 1/2 barbs is quite tight! Or maybe its just the stiff pc tubing.

[Brad8988]

I cant say i like the look of compression fittings. Iv used them in the past but rather barbs without clips now. Looks cleanest of all the options.

[Onoff312]

compressions are best then i use tube with screw tightened clamp and finally using zip ties.

[gmat]

Used twin zip ties for years without any problem. Actually, leak testing showed everything was right, everytime i made a new build, without having to go and re-tighten anything. This is the most fool proof method IMHO (no dead spot) after maybe compressions.

[maxwedge]

Zip ties here. I have some of those plastic clamps with teeth too (herbies???) but I can get the zip ties tighter than those.

[Dude_Person]

7/16" tubing on 1/2" barbs with herbies. Hell, with the smaller tubing the clamps aren't really needed (but I wouldn't risk it).