1/2" Fittings... which type are best?
 

Hi,

I'm going with 1/2" fittings on my rig but 7/16" tubing.

In general, are push on fittings better (I'm sure that's not an option in my case with odd size tubing), barbs (like on the swifttech blocks), or something else?

What about clamps. I would rather be safe than sorry even though the 7/16" over 1/2" is tight... What clamps are easiest to work with, attractive, and do a good job?

Finally, what about elbows? Do they really restrict flow? I may need a couple due to the way I'm mounting my rads.

I need the following:
- 1/2" ID fittings for the DDC Ultra pump with G1/4 taps
- 1/2" ID fittings for my Black Ice GT rads with G1/4 taps... I might need an elbow or two here instead of straight fittings depending on my mounting situation.
- Some kind of T to mount a thermal probe in the water line... ideally a G1/4 tapped T so I can use the same fittings on it as well as a thermal probe with G1/4 male threads.
- I'm also using the Innovatek flow meter which has G1/4 male threads so I need a F G1/4 to 1/2" ID fitting

I'll be using Swifttech water blocks so black PVC type barbs like what they use might be the best for consistency.

Any thoughts from the experienced peeps in the crowd would be appreciated. ;)

Thanks!

Re: 1/2" Fittings... which type are best?
 

As long as the fittings (i.e. barbs, specifically) are of equal or larger size than the tubing, it's ok. Use a clamp, any clamp, just for safety, in case you accidentally tug a hose. Any clamp will do, even a zip tie.

I have no opinion on push-on fittings versus barbs, but I prefer what I can see.

Elbows (90 degree turns) are restrictive, but not significantly enough to make a measurable difference. One elbow (at 1/2" diameter gives roughly the same restriction as a 12" section of straight hose, of the same diameter (if that means anything to you)).

The 1/4 connections (of the flow meter) might interfere with your flow; try to avoid it.

Re: 1/2" Fittings... which type are best?
 

Thanks for the info. I agree with the clamps.

I really want a flow meter and the Innovatek with G1/4 fittings is the best one I can find. Are there any with higher flow and an electrical output?

Re: 1/2" Fittings... which type are best?
 

People worry about push fittings leaking or being pulled out.

I"m not sure if that is a neccessary concern or being paranoid but I would go with a barb if you have the choice. I would also use zip ties on the barbs. Looks the cleanest, cheap, and easy to install.

I think there was an article written by pH here that explains about flowrates and restriction from elbows.

So what waterblock are you using?

the g 1/4" is the thread and not ID I believe and matches 1/4" NPT.
The ID should be 1/2" or 3/8"th and that flow meter looks restrictive. I think there are better options for $40 for flowmeters.

Re: 1/2" Fittings... which type are best?
 

Hey!

People are very pleased with these fittings:
http://ekwaterblocks.com/shop/images...jucki-14mm.jpg

Re: 1/2" Fittings... which type are best?
 

http://www.freshwatersystems.com/pro...392/1392/60/86 Only about 1/4gpm resolution and rather reatrictive at about a 3/8" minimum ID. I have one on a bypass so I can read flows and then take it out of the loop if I want.

Re: 1/2" Fittings... which type are best?
 

Eddy, got specs? I like the short barbs.