[dmhnc]

Compression looks neater but it seems to me that most of you only use barbed fittings. Is barbed more leak resistant or is it just a matter of preference?

 

[DrDeville]

I imagine you'll get a range of responses on this.

By "barbed", I'm assuming you're meaning ties or hose clamps, and by compression, the nut-type screw down. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

My system has compression fittings, and I love them--very neat and easy to use, easy to undo/redo, and no leaks.

I think compression leaves more room for user error though--they should just be tightened a small amount, say 1/4 turn after they touch. Most folks think more is better, and overtighten them, which can rupture the tubing or make them hard to undo.

My guess is that many here will say they love their tie-down/hose clamps, and compression sucks. I'm with them on the first half, but not the second.

Hope this helps.

 

[pauldovi]

I think the screw down give you more leak security, but the others look better. Personnel preference, as there are people with great watercooling systems using both. I use the scew for ease of use, reliablility, and cost.

 

[ThaWaxShop]

well basically if you go around 3/8 tube or bigger youll be using barbed

 

[DrDeville]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThaWaxShop well basically if you go around 3/8 tube or bigger youll be using barbed

No compression fittings in that size? I suppose the variation in OD makes it hard too... With clamps or tie-downs, that's a non issue.

 

[DrDeville]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pauldovi I think the screw down give you more leak security, but the others look better. Personnel preference, as there are people with great watercooling systems using both. I use the scew for ease of use, reliablility, and cost.

Hey Paul, I'm not sure of the terminology. What do you mean by "screw down"? Thanks!

 

[ThaWaxShop]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrDeville No compression fittings in that size? I suppose the variation in OD makes it hard too... With clamps or tie-downs, that's a non issue.

the biggest they have is 3/8 OD that IS NOT 3/8 tubing its acutally 5/16 tubing

 

[lenzo]

I use both.
Personally, I like the compression fittings because they are more visualy appealing. Barbed fittings allow better visual inspection if leaking.
Both work fine if installed with care. Dont sweat it either way.

 

[pauldovi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrDeville Hey Paul, I'm not sure of the terminology. What do you mean by "screw down"? Thanks!

Go to Home Depot and ask for #5 Hose Clamps. A pack of 10 is about $4.

 

[Goldenpi]

Hose clamps are sometimes called Jubilee clips, after the origional menufacturer.

Compression, barbs, both work. The most important difference is that barbs take tubing with a given ID, and compression with a given ID and OD. If you have unusual tubing, compression fittings dont.