Use 3/8" ID tubing on 1/2" barbs? - Overclock.net

sadiq · 07-08-08

Well, I just realized that either the barbs Petra's Tech shop sent me are the wrong ones or I messed up with the order. They sent me 1/2" barbs and I use 3/8" tubing. Well, I was wondering, is it alright if I put the 3/8" tubing onto the 1/2" barbs because I cannot afford to buy another barb and the only money I have left is for my reservoir.

dr4gon · 07-08-08

Get a T-Line, save some money. Tubing can also be found at any hardware store or online. If not you'll have a fun (hard) time getting 3/8" to fit on 4/8"

sadiq · 07-08-08

Quote:

Originally Posted by dr4gon

Get a T-Line, save some money. Tubing can also be found at any hardware store or online. If not you'll have a fun (hard) time getting 3/8" to fit on 4/8"

I can get it to fit for some weird reason. I just want to make sure it's safe.

Martinm210 · 07-08-08

Definately, it's the only way I would recommend running 3/8" lines. There's a significant restriction in the smaller barbs, and it's easy enough to get on. Just use some needlenose plyer and stretch out the ends of the tubing a little with the plyer before slipping it on...nice solid leake free fit then.

That's the way to go...so it's a good mistake..

*radodrill* · 07-08-08

If you can get the smaller tubing onto the oversized barbs, there's nothing wrong with that; you just don't want to use undersized barbs.

AFAIK Petra's defaults to 1/2" barbs with the blocks, but you can change that option in a drop-down.

sadiq · 07-08-08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martinm210

Definately, it's the only way I would recommend running 3/8" lines. There's a significant restriction in the smaller barbs, and it's easy enough to get on. Just use some needlenose plyer and stretch out the ends of the tubing a little with the plyer before slipping it on...nice solid leake free fit then.

That's the way to go...so it's a good mistake..

I feel stupid now though because my other barbs are a smaller size. Is that okay? I don't know why, but i'm a perfectionist.

Ao2 3lit3 snip3r · 07-08-08

Just a little knowledge, the 3/8" id (id stands for inside diameter) meaning the inside of the tube is 3/8". The barb connectors are 1/2" od (outside diameter) which means they are 1/8" larger than the tubing. Basically rubber is flexible and the tighter a fitting is the less likely it will leak. Take it from an ex tradesman plumber, i used to do new construction plumbing and i know how this stuff works. You want the barb to be a larger outside diameter than the inside diameter of your tube but it needs to be a very small difference or you won't be able to make it fit. In this case an 1/8" difference will work fine.

waqasr · 07-08-08

Exactly..you get a very nice water tight seal with 3/8 ID hose over 1/2" barbs..you could get away with using no sort of clamps..but id never recommend that..even though i do.

Hersha · 07-08-08

I ran my first WC rig like that i actually put the ends in boiling water for a moment before i put them on the barbs. Worked like a charm. Taking the thing apart was another thing entirely.

Martinm210 · 07-09-08

Quote:

Originally Posted by sadiq

I feel stupid now though because my other barbs are a smaller size. Is that okay? I don't know why, but i'm a perfectionist.

Yeah it's fine, but I'd buy 1/2" barbs from here on forward..

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Use 3/8" ID tubing on 1/2" barbs?

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