Problem tightening compressions

Solemn

Solemn

Solemn

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Joined
14 Apr 2010
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430
Location
Milton Keynes
So, I have compression fittings and tubbing bought from OCUK

OCUK Nickel 1/2 Compression fittings
XSPC 7/16 Clear Tubing metre


But its near impossible to tightening them when the tubbing is on... anyone have any tips of a decent tool I could use that would help. Being a girl doesnt help either!!

anyways, anything you guys can think of would be great, thanks!
 
PTFE tape from any plumbers merchant will reduce thread friction. A pair of small adjustable wrenches will hold and turn the fittings.

Pictures?
 
Unlike when using barbs (7/16th over a 1/2 barb for extra snuggness) you need to match id and od measurements of both the tubing and fitting when using compressions. I would not suggest using any tools to tighten a compression or the use of ptfe, wear some thinish gloves as the gnarling on the compression will give you a nasty blister the more you tighten. There is the possibility of twisting the hose if you over tighten a compression also. Compressions will often not fully tighten up when the hose is in them as collar locks onto the hose, as i found out :)

tube1.jpg
 
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Looks to me you have the wrong size tubing for your fittings. You need to use 1/2 id on 1/2 inch copmpressions.
 
I dead read somewhere that these were a good combination for a snug fit... but seriously!!!

Anyways I dont have very strong hands (i r a girl!!!) so i am really struggling to tighten them by hand, I understand you cant tightening them all the way and i know not to over tighten them but right now i have a few where the threads haven't even touched!

I read somewhere about a rubber coated wrench? but cant seem to find any when i search online...


Cheers guys =)
 
ask a chap to do it for you :p

in all seriousness though, use 1/2" ID 3/4" OD with the same size compressions, that's what i've done and got a nice tight fit. some of them are right buggers to get the outer bit onto the thread (especially if you're trying to tighten it in a confined space), so use gloves as mentioned so you can get a bit of grip and avoid blisters.

just to give you an idea, this is how tight mine are:

DSCN0106.jpg
 
Cant really afford to buy another 24 Compression fittings.. and the only tubing OCUK sell is the stuff ive mentioned...

bought the compressions from here as well.. i find it hard to believe that the only tubing and the only compresions (at the time) that OCUK were selling for the 1/2 mark, can't work together..
 
don't buy new compressions, get new hose.

there's plenty of places on the net where you can get tubing from.

if you activate your trust, i can send you a few links to places
 
You can use tubing which is too big for compression fittings, but it's difficult to get the thread to bite. As above, by far the best plan is to buy new tubing which matches the compression fittings.

OcUK is entirely capable of having one size of compression fitting in stock, and one size of tubing in stock, which simply don't work together. I don't think it was intentional.
 
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The Compressions i bought of OCUK didn't have anymore information other than 1/2 compresions... so does anyone have an idea of what size tubing i would need?

Thanks.
 
Personally I would be worried if the nut tightened such that it screwed all the way down to be flush with the fitting, especially if hand tightening. A gap is a sign it is as tight as it is going to get.
 
Bubo said:
Personally I would be worried if the nut tightened such that it screwed all the way down to be flush with the fitting, especially if hand tightening. A gap is a sign it is as tight as it is going to get.
Click to expand...

I agree but at the moment, im having difficulty getting the nut to make contact with the compressions thread....
its difficult getting it over the tube..


Also when talking about getting different tubbing..

The 7/16 is is a VERY tight fit on the 1/2 barb of the compression... and i dont see how you can get it so its any smaller that 1/2 od...

Also when i bought the compressions i did ask OCUK staff if the 1/2 is for the ID of the compression and they said yes..
 
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if you've got a ruler handy, you can measure the inner diameter of the compression ring, it should either be 3/4" or 5/8".

the 3/4" will have a larger gap (obviously).
 
JeffyB said:
All my sizes are correct, most compressions don't fully do up once the hose is in them.
Click to expand...

wrong size OD mate

I swear by bitspower - expensive but the quality is immense and its a small price to pay for piece of mind and protection of expensive hardware ;)
 
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