tubing dimensions

Tobywon · 1 Oct 2013 at 18:39

Another queary from me...

This time tubing thickness, On half inch barbed fittings would it be better to use 16/10mm or 16/11mm tubing? Both will give a tight solid hold and currently using 16/11 but wondering if there any any advantage/extra security gained from using 16/10.

Also is primochill worth the extra premium over xspc?

minicle · 1 Oct 2013 at 18:52

I think you will struggle to fit them, 10mm on to a 13mm barb. am not saying you couldnt, just that if it is playing on your mind that much perhaps barbs are not for you? Or add clips.

The other factor to consider would be that thicker tube walls will make it harder to bend. So 16/10 is less useful in tighter builds.

ubersonic · 1 Oct 2013 at 19:05

Quite a few European companies make their fittings/tubing to mm not inch standards, I.E 13mm instead of 12.7mm (true 1/2 inch).

IIRC tubing advertised as 1/2" ID + 3/4" OD and tubing advertised as 1/2" ID + 5/8" OD are actually different sizes, both have a 3mm wall but the 3/4" OD is actually 12.7mm ID whereas the 5/8" OD one is 13mm ID. For this reason I use the 3/4" OD tubing as 12.7mm on a 13mm barb secured with a cable tie is never coming off.

Tobywon · 1 Oct 2013 at 19:17

Cheers guys,

I hadn't considered the thickness and bend radius point so that is useful to know.

Think i'll just be sticking with 16/11 then, currently have it fitted without any cable ties or any tube clamps and its absolutely solid so i'll happily continue to do that.

Any thoughts on my second question regarding the tubing brand, is there much benefit to the primochill or is it not worth the premium?