quick connects for 1/2" setups
 

Anyone have a link to a site where I can purchase quick connects to join 1/2" ID tubing. The connects should seal closed when they are separated. Preferably nonmetal parts. I've seen these on some rigs and want to use them in mine. Thanks.

Basicly they only go up to 3/8id 1/2 od tubing but if you are 1/2id tubing right now on 1/2 x 14npt barbs you are only getting a flow if 1/4 because of the barbs. If you use the quick disconects they whey will give 3/8 flow with the corect tubing. Isn't it funny how that works?

The bore on 1/4" NPT is usually fairly near 3/8" which gives about 56% of the flow of a 1/2" bore tube.

Actualy thats why they call it 1/4npt. It will depend on the manufacturer but the internal diameter is supposed to be 1/4. This will varrry from manufature to manufacturer Some make it a litle bigger than others but it's supposed to 1/4. On some that I have lying around here they actaully came out to about 5/16.

Thanks for the info.

Damn that stuff is expensive. I think I came up with a cheaper solution. Not quite ghetto but not completely pro either.

I haven't looked into these yet, but one guy used hydraulic quick-releases. The kind you find on farm equipment. You can find these at any farm and ranch stores and they come in a variety of large sizes. Should be easy to find one that would flow as good or better than standard 1/2" fittings.

I think you (Tweekster) might be referring to my setup. I used Stainless Steel Non-Spill couplers that were originally intended for Hydraulic applications. I had the unit attached underneath the tower in a Lexan Box and the disconnects mounted in the bottom of the case.

Unfortunately, I had no idea how much these couplings cost (the company I was working for made them and I got them free) so, I had suggested other people use similar for their needs. Afterwards I found out that they cost almost $200 per coupler.. OUCH! So... I don't think they are very practical (although its highly likely that competing companies could offer products as much as 1/4 of the price of Parker's).

But, I can get you info on those couplers if you have deep pockets. At this point, I'm redesigning my watercooler and don't even use the ones I have.. not sure if I'll incorporate them into the next version or not.

James

I used some hydraulic quick connects for a project of mine recently, mine were 1/2" NPT fittings, made from brass. I ordered them from the Surplus Center, cost listed in the catalog for 1/2" was $12.95 for the male/female set. I'll list the relevant information below:

Surplus Center year 2000 catalog
contact# 800-488-3407

Item# 928, 1/2" NPT female 2 peice coupler $12.95

Item# 928-C 3/4" NPT female, 2 peice coupler $19.95

Item # 928-AA 1/2" male tip only $3.95

Item # 928-D 3/4" male tip only $6.95

I'm not sure if they're in the newer catalog or not, as I haven't got it handy. Couldn't hurt to call and ask, however. Hope the information helps.

--HP

So basically with my dangerden block with the 1/2" setup the ID of the 1/2" barbs is near 1/4" right? So if I got the 1/2" NPT female and 1/2" male tip as listed above it should work fine right? I'm assuming that the 1/2" NPT male tip for the coupler has a ID similar to the 1/2" barbs I have on my waterblock?

Home Depot, Gardening section, the selection is virtualy infinate...

No as someone said the ID of 1/4" NPT x 1/2" hosebarbs is right at 3/8":

http://phaestus.procooling.com/hosebarb.jpg

You can drill them out tho :)