Are compression fittings worth the money?

xUntamedInferno

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Mar 10, 2014
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I am wondering if I should spend the extra money on compression fittings and if they are safer than barb fittings or are they about the same? Also on a side note I am wondering if 3/8" ID tubing would be big enough tubing?
 
Solution


I have both types compression and barbed, but I use the barbed fittings and metal hose clamps because it is basically a set it and forget it situation, and that's what I need for the cooling I am running!

If you are leak free from the initial run testing it's not going to develop a leak from expansion and contraction, but tubing expansion and contraction does cause the compression fitting to need tightening occasionally, from my experience.

Compression fittings are really for looks and show as they do look...


Compression fittings are available for all different hose dimensions, including 3/8ID-5/8OD and 1/2ID-3/4OD.

They are definitely safer than barb fittings, are less prone to slippage, and look really nice. However, they are quite large and may not be easily mounted to some waterblocks. There are some waterblocks which compression fittings can't be attached to simply due to their size.

Hose clamps from a local hardware store also work, and cost about $1.00 a piece rather than $15
 

xUntamedInferno

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I have heard that every once in a while you have to tighten the compression fittings. Is this true or do they not come loose unless you apply force? Also I am wondering if 3/8 ID is a good size tubing to use or should I go for a bigger diameter?
 


Good ones from Bits Power definitely do not come loose if you use the correct tubing size and tighten them snugly during assembly. I've used Bits Power compression fittings in two computers, one with 3/8ID and one with 1/2ID. 3/8 is definitely plenty but if your case has room for a D5 pump (MCP-655) then you may wish to go with 1/2ID.
 


I have both types compression and barbed, but I use the barbed fittings and metal hose clamps because it is basically a set it and forget it situation, and that's what I need for the cooling I am running!

If you are leak free from the initial run testing it's not going to develop a leak from expansion and contraction, but tubing expansion and contraction does cause the compression fitting to need tightening occasionally, from my experience.

Compression fittings are really for looks and show as they do look good, but for my cooling I have much greater temperature ranges and greater expansion and contraction of my tubing so I cannot risk the compression fittings and use the barbs.

Both fitting types can develop an O-ring leak if not properly snug seated or allowing the tubing to put counterclockwise pressure on the fitting itself tending to slightly unscrew the fitting itself from the block,rad, or res. (That's a common mistake)

I use 1/2" I/D tubing mainly because that's what my pump was designed to run and is sized for and it has worked great now for quite some time, tubing size is a choice, as is any of the rest of the water cooling hardware you invest your money in.

 
Solution

xUntamedInferno

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Okay so I think that I am going to go with barb fittings since I do not want to have to worry about any leaks. Thanks for your help!