Compression fitting vs Barbed Fittings?

[Bryan Kortez]

In a lot of the builds I have seen with flexible hosing I notice most people seem to use barbed fittings instead of compression fittings. Is there any particular reason for this? Are compression fittings more prone to leaking than barb fittings?

Also, If I go with barb fittings, would I be better off using 1/2 barbs with a 7/16 tubing?

 

[Randall8686]

You should find it the other way round, barb is the "old" way of doing it. Everyone i know including myself uses compression.

 

[jkb]

Compression for me, always. Never had a leak problem.

 

[Bryan Kortez]

Maybe I've been looking in the wrong places

 

[pastymuncher]

Until recently I have always used 7/16" tubing over 1/2" barbs for a good tight fit but I have changed everything to 7/16" compression fittings now as it's easier to take it all apart. With the tubing fitting tightly over barbs you had to cut it off but with compression fittings you just undo it and pull the tubing off. Looks better too without jubilee clips or similar getting in the way.

 

[Bryan Kortez]

Thanks guys

Also, what do you do for your drainage? Do you just use a T connect and then have a valve on the end?

 

[BattFink]

Personally I just use a QDC connector on my lowest point (my bottom radiator - multiple ports), but a T connector & a valve would do just fine

 

[MrMD]

On the subject of drainage,what fitting do you connect to a T-connect to act as drain valve/hose?

 

[keikeimok]

Compression for me, always. Never had a leak problem.

Same here.. been more than 1 years now.

 

[almightydutch]

been using 7/16th for over 3 years now and they are amazing. EX fittings to be precise but never leaked and a joy to work on.

I'll never use barbs again!

 

[Sarah469]

people normally use compression for the aesthetic looks as well