Watercooling fixings

Darkzy

Darkzy

Darkzy

Associate
Joined
11 Oct 2010
Posts
140
Location
Ashford, Kent, UK
So which fixings do you swear by

Some people like compression fixings or some normal barbs with jubilee clamps

Idea's??

also is there any anodised red compression fixings out there?

Darkzy
 
They are both good and secure. I prefer compression since they look better in my opinion. Barbs are usually cheaper though.
 
yeah cheers for reply, To be Honest money isnt my concern its only a couple of pounds dearer and compression fixings would give me peace at mind, wouldnt have to worry about pipes slipping off of barbs
 
Pipes don't slip off barbs if they're fitted correctly. 7/16" ID pipe over ½" barbs won't come off without a knife. And if you're paranoid use jubilee clips as well.

In my considerable experience barbs are safer than compression fittings and a lot less hassle.
 
+ 1 on the 7/16" pipe with 1/2" fittings.
I have used them for years without any problems.

As for red fittings. PrimoChill make Ghost Compression Fittings in different colours.
I have not used these, so I can not personally recommend them.

If you google "1/4" BSPP - 3/8" ID - 5/8" OD Ghost Compression™ - UV Red" & use the fourth selection.
 
piggin said:
+ 1 on the 7/16" pipe with 1/2" fittings.
I have used them for years without any problems.
Click to expand...

Agree with this 100000%

1/2" barbs such as the EK ones combined with 7/16" tubing like the Masterkleer stuff is a great combo. The tubing comes in seperate 1m lengths also.

I prefer barbs over compressions but thats just me, no need to worry about tube wall thickness and compression fitting compatibility then.

If you feel still unsure about just the tubing over the barb a small cable tie or some of these tubing clips work well to keep the tubing on tight. You can get flashy metal clips but then you might as well buy compressions when you factor in the cost.
 
I have also used the koolance clips to add a little bling to my system.
I would add a picture at this point but I am on my phone.
Have a look in the building logs for the STY.
 
Barbs for me too - really are fool proof

I use the primochill metal ghost ones and they are completely invisable with black tubing and within .4mm of the widest ID available.
But the DD 1/2 fat boys, are the high flow kings (Bitspower, dtek are a close second)

As above 7/16 over 1/2 barbs is a winner - 7/16 is easier to route and kinks less, and 1/2 barbs are as cheap as pie.
The EK barbs are fine - but personally I like the barbs that 'bite' the tube (sharp barb tail)

Cheap compresion fitting can also unscrew them self if you are not careful and twist the tube during instilation.
The larger compression fitting don't fit on every block
The plastic ghost fitting are not compatable with all blocks (a set of wider o'rings will sort that out)

The best I found are the koolance compression fitting. As they have barb tails on the body. Only down side is the retention nut is steel not nickle plated brass :(
compressionfittingscg2.jpg
 
I use 7/16th tubing with 1/2inch barbs, a little warm watter to heat the tubing up, works a treat.

I did have some nobrand compressions but they failed and I got p**s off with them so ditched them.

Probably my fault trying to save money, as I have heard nothing but good about the Bitspower fittings. Only trouble is they are very expensive in my book and hard to get.
 
Using the EK 1/2" barbs with the 7/16" tubing here. Dip the end of the tube in hot water for a few seconds the soften. Fits very tight and is difficult to get off once fitted. Simple but very effective.
 
7/16" Bitspower compressions with 7/16" tubing is my preferred combination. Just the right amount of friction so that its still easy to get the tubing off without a knife but you still get a secure fit.

3/8" tubing and 1/2" barbs aren't compatible. There is no way that 3/8 tubing will fit over a 1/2" barb and if you do manage it you'll probably tear the tubing in the process.
 
Ive used 1/2 barbs with 7/16 tubing and i have had leaks (dont shout at me im telling the truth :)) mainly due to moving watercooled parts then not retesting before turning on.

Also be careful with cheap 45 degree swivel fittings i have had them leak aswell.

Im currently using the Primochill ghost fittings that i got for £1.50 each ive been impressed, i also used the Primochill tubing which they are made for. (and was carefull not to overtighten them as that seems where most of the reported problems came from.)

In fact i used all Primochill fixings including some 45 black nickel and to buy the equivalent Bitspower fittings would have cost me £80 more!!!

My fave barbs are also called Primochill ghost..(i dont work for primochill i just rate the cheap but decent products :))
 
I've used 3/8" with barbs + clips and compression fittings, only had one angle swivel compression fitting fail, and that failed during testing so no big problem.

I'll be watercooling my next build with 1/2" tubing and 1/2" barbs as I have the gear already, I don't have any clips though so will try using cable ties (it's not going to be on show).
 
I'm a full convert to 11/8mm tubing and compression fittings, never had one fail on me. Makes for a much neater and compact watercooling build. Last bunch I bought were black nickel and are awesome.
 
Sayso said:
Why are they simpler?

Cheaper maybe but doing up a screw thread isnt difficult?
Click to expand...

Yeah, I suppose you're right. I just feel that understanding the process of putting a tubing on a fitting and then putting a clip round it is easier for beginners than comp fittings. Having said that, there's no real reason not to go for comp fittings. It comes down to personal preference, although beginners won't have a preference, having never done it before.
 
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