Most secure hardline tube fittings?

TechMinerUK · 11 Jan 2016 at 18:47

Hi everyone, I am currently in the process of planning out a new acrylic loop for my computer which I will be building later in the year. Currently I am using Primochill Revolver fittings but I was wondering if there were any fittings that offered a more secure grip on the tubing (Similar to push/lock in fittings for copper). Also I was wondering if there were any secure fittings that would look the part when used in combination with angled fittings.

I heard the Monsoon fittings are more secure but the collars can crack easily

Any help is appreciated

ErikN · 12 Jan 2016 at 08:14

I know the EK HDC fittings are extremely hard to push in and get out when disassembling the loop.

Then again I only have alphacool fittings to compare to, and with those, the tube almost fall out by itself

davido_labido · 12 Jan 2016 at 08:21

Yeh, the EK ones are the best I have used in terms of security... I have had a computer dropped, with the case completely miss shaped and there were no leaks or anything. Fantastic fittings.

Baboonanza · 12 Jan 2016 at 09:32

I've used the EK-HDC fittings will copper pipe that isn't even properly circular and they still work - even without the collars off!

Smffy · 12 Jan 2016 at 10:01

EK-HDC in my recent build, using 16mm PTEG. Like everyone says they are hard (frustratingly so at times!) to push in, especially at weird angles within the build, then once secure its pretty much impossible to pull them out without massive force.

No leaks in mine and I've got some pretty tight bends close to fittings in the loop:

Even tighter still in the back, no leaks at all in this - I would recommend getting a pipe deburrer to clean up your cuts but the fit is good I can assure you.

TechMinerUK · 12 Jan 2016 at 16:41

Excellent news about the EK HDC fittings

Just wondering, are they stronger than the Primochill Revolvers or the same and how delicate are the o-rings as EK claim you need to chamfer the tube to 45° angles so would I need to be more carefull than I am when using tubing with the Revolvers?

CaptainComedy · 12 Jan 2016 at 18:38

been using bitspower, I have 1 ek fitting and it's as good as the bitspower equiveland.

would like to try monsoon as they look interesting

don't go with bitspower, waaaaaay overpriced.

TechMinerUK · 12 Jan 2016 at 19:34

codec said:
been using bitspower, I have 1 ek fitting and it's as good as the bitspower equiveland.
would like to try monsoon as they look interesting
don't go with bitspower, waaaaaay overpriced.

Yep, I was thinking about Bitspower due to the huge range of fittings such as rotary fittings but then I saw the price and the length of tubing that sits in the fitting and I decided nope

Smffy · 15 Jan 2016 at 23:34

The fittings were fine, you do not need to 45 degree the tube but i'd recommend a deburrer just to remove the crap post cut. The internal o-rings sit a few mm from the metal base level you push the tube in to, ergo they will seal even if the cut is pretty bad. The additional o-ring is sealing outside the tube as a secondary measure so its pretty good as long as the ID/OD are correct.

Not gonna lie I was pretty heavy handed with mine but its all good, the PTEG tubing i'd recommend for sure as its seriously strong stuff compared to acrylic. Same stuff things like trolly shelters and bus shelters are made of I believe, made not to shatter. I did use a few Alphacool fittings, wouldnt say they were amazing quality but the EK fittings I had were fantastic and probably about £4-5 each.

My tubing ends look like this:

Not deburred to mad angles just tidy them up and make smooth.

Radox-0 · 16 Jan 2016 at 03:08

Use to use bitspower fittings. More recently for a new build used Barrow fittings. Feel just as good as bitspower tbh but a lot cheaper.

Rustyone · 16 Jan 2016 at 11:02

Radox-0 said:
Use to use bitspower fittings. More recently for a new build used Barrow fittings. Feel just as good as bitspower tbh but a lot cheaper.

Probably because they are made in the same factory as the Bitspoer one

Rustyone · 16 Jan 2016 at 11:03

TechMinerUK said:
Excellent news about the EK HDC fittings
Just wondering, are they stronger than the Primochill Revolvers or the same and how delicate are the o-rings as EK claim you need to chamfer the tube to 45° angles so would I need to be more carefull than I am when using tubing with the Revolvers?

The Primochill are fine and don't require as much tube finishing, but everyone has their favourite brands.

Radox-0 · 16 Jan 2016 at 14:34

Rustyone said:
Probably because they are made in the same factory as the Bitspoer one

That would explain it

to be honest the Matt black finish on the barrow fittings is nicer then the bitspower. The bitspower seem to have a sheen on them while the barrows have a proper Matt effect. Also no silly gold seahorse everywhere

TechMinerUK · 16 Jan 2016 at 20:06

I must thank everyone for their help with this, I ordered a test EK-HDC fitting and some EK 1210mm PETG tubing to see how it compared to the Revolvers I currently have. I must admit it does reassure me about the fittings as I thought the tubing ends would need a perfect smooth finish to prevent the o-rings being damaged when inserting tube. That was one of the main reasons why I chose the Revolvers originally. Are the HDC fittings resistant to multiple uses e.g. inserting and re-inserting the tube without damaging o-rings and could the o-rings be replaced easily?

One of the issues for the 1210 fittings appears to be the tubing as there is no coloured PETG tubing as far as I can see whereas Primochill and Monsoon cater this area perfectly for their 1310 fittings.

Once again, thank you all for the help and advice