Cant thread compression fittings

Fernanjoe · 5 Jul 2016 at 18:45

Hello peoples,

I have got a load of new compression fittings for my water cooling and ive attached all the tubes but im having a really hard time getting the compression fittings to thread. I read that you should only screw them on using hands but i cant even get the thread to bite onto the fitting, my fingers are raw from trying. Have i got the wrong size fittings or are they always this difficult? I remember my first attempt at water cooling not being much different. How important is it to screw down the fitting? If i just cable tie them off will that be ok?

Any advice will be much appreciated.

Glanza · 5 Jul 2016 at 19:14

What barbs have you got?

Fernanjoe · 5 Jul 2016 at 19:22

Erm.....They are XSPC G1/4" to 7/16" ID, 5/8" OD Compression Fitting (chrome) V2.....

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/xspc...-compression-fitting-chrome-v2-wc-402-xs.html

Those ones i think. I origionally had the OCUK V8 watercooling kit which came with the same ones so i just ordered more of the same.

Uncle Petey · 5 Jul 2016 at 19:25

Would you be using 16/12mm tubing by any chance?

Fernanjoe · 5 Jul 2016 at 19:29

I dont think so. My order slip says it is Primochill Primoflex Advanced Tubing 16/11 - Clear.

Edit....ive just measured the tube and it does look like 16/11.

Uncle Petey · 5 Jul 2016 at 19:48

Try soaking the end of the tube in some hot water to soften it up before you screw it on.

Fernanjoe · 5 Jul 2016 at 19:49

ok dude will do. thanks.

Edit.....Mate you are a legend. Soaked the first one and it has screwed on much easier. Could only get it down a couple of threads but i feel happy that its tight enough. Best internet chum of the day. Thank you so much.

Uncle Petey · 5 Jul 2016 at 20:22

pastymuncher · 5 Jul 2016 at 20:44

It's the Primochill tubing. It seems thicker than other tubing because I came across the same thing the first time I used it.

Jokester · 5 Jul 2016 at 21:04

Aye, washing and drying my hands also helped.

Fernanjoe · 5 Jul 2016 at 22:17

Cheers guys. Got most of them fit. Retiring for the night. Will finish it tomorrow.

I dont know why they dont teach this stuff in water cooling school?

1ofaKind · 6 Jul 2016 at 08:36

Yeah I bought the same tubing and ek 16/12 fittings. Luckily I'd seen some videos and knew to do the hot water. Also watched a fair few jayztwocents videos which were a good help. Like not being obsessed to make the compression fitting go all the way to the bottom of the screw threads.

I've not built my 1st rig yet still waiting for some parts.
Good luck with your build.

Fernanjoe · 6 Jul 2016 at 12:21

Ok so things have gone a bit smoother today thanks to the old 'soak in warm water' trick.

I have all the tubes fitted and have filled the system, run it a bit, drained it (man a drain point makes that soooo much easier than last time) and have now filled it again and am running checks for leaks.

How long do most of you pros leave it for a leak check?

Im fairly happy its not going to leak, i cant see any more air bubbles working their way out and ive left it running for about an hour. Kind of tempted now to pat myself on the back, pour out a Gin'n'Tonic and complete the build.

Uncle Petey · 6 Jul 2016 at 12:32

I've never bothered to leak check for more than 5-10mins tbh. Some people do 12-24hrs...
Go with whatever you feel comfortable with.

MrMD · 6 Jul 2016 at 12:33

I give it around an hour and then fire it up

Ploppy2k3 · 6 Jul 2016 at 12:33

I honestly only leak check for abbot an hour or so now. It used to be 24 hours but as I got more confident the time came down and down.

1ofaKind · 6 Jul 2016 at 12:37

Well done - I've read some say 6 hours others say 24 hours - When I do mine I was going to do 6 hours, but I'm in the same boat as you (listen , read suck it and see) - but impatience suggests an hour at best and then I will want to get loading everything

Well my build is all worked out on paper and I've also built in for a drain port.

Fernanjoe · 6 Jul 2016 at 13:38

Ok cool. Cheers. I def recommend a drain port. Makes things so much easier.

Greebo · 6 Jul 2016 at 14:36

Uncle Petey said:
I've never bothered to leak check for more than 5-10mins tbh. Some people do 12-24hrs...
Go with whatever you feel comfortable with.

This. I also jiggle it around a lot while doing it.

If it doesn't leak by then it's not going to IMO

freddie64 · 6 Jul 2016 at 15:05

When i did mine, i was aiming for a 6 hour leak test.

But after a hour and rocking it back and forth, side to side to get air bubbles out, i thought sod it that's enough.