Compression Fitting Nut Won't Thread - Help?

[MiRai]

So, it's just as the title states. I have six Bitspower compression fittings in place, with tubing on top of it, and I can't seem to get any of the six compression nuts to thread onto the fitting itself. With the fittings in place, I can only get so much of an angle, and exert so much force while attempting to do this before I feel like I'm going to damage the hardware itself.

This really seems like it shouldn't be this difficult, and I have no idea what I'm doing wrong.

Here's a video to help demonstrate what I'm talking about.

Black tubing used in the demonstration.
Red tubing used on the build.

I almost feel as if the inner wall is just too thick, and if compression fittings can't be used, then I guess barbs are the only way to go about this? Seeings as I need fancy angles and what not it's going to be another $120+ in f'ing fittings. -_-

 

[MrTeal]

So, it's just as the title states. I have six Bitspower compression fittings in place, with tubing on top of it, and I can't seem to get any of the six compression nuts to thread onto the fitting itself. With the fittings in place, I can only get so much of an angle, and exert so much force while attempting to do this before I feel like I'm going to damage the hardware itself.

This really seems like it shouldn't be this difficult, and I have no idea what I'm doing wrong.

Here's a video to help demonstrate what I'm talking about.

Black tubing used in the demonstration.
Red tubing used on the build.

I almost feel as if the inner wall is just too thick, and if compression fittings can't be used, then I guess barbs are the only way to go about this? Seeings as I need fancy angles and what not it's going to be another $120+ in f'ing fittings. -_-

Have you tried dunking the end of the tubing in boiling water for a bit to soften it up?

 

[MiRai]

Have you tried dunking the end of the tubing in boiling water for a bit to soften it up?

I haven't tried boiling water, no, but I did try hot water. I'll give it another shot later today.

 

[aigomorla]

might be manufacturer error or tubing size is wrong and its not 3/4OD.
contact the vendor which u bought the fittings from.
Maybe he has also heard complaints or may have ideas on how to make your life easier.

i remember compressions being a PITFA to install, which is why i stopped using them and prefer using clamps.

 

[MrTeal]

might be manufacturer error or tubing size is wrong and its not 3/4OD.
contact the vendor which u bought the fittings from.
Maybe he has also heard complaints or may have ideas on how to make your life easier.

i remember compressions being a PITFA to install, which is why i stopped using them and prefer using clamps.

I wasn't a fan of compressions fittings either. I also tried using those reusable Primochill hose clamps in the correct size on their tubing, but I could barely get one tooth on and it was extremely sketchy. In the end I just used hardware store stainless hose clamps. Not as pretty, but I don't worry about a hose coming off.

 

[rgallant]

might not work if the tube sizing is off too much but this is what I do

I use WD 40 when installing any O ring fittings or tube on compression fittings ,sli fittings
I find I even have to use it to remove any fitting installed with it , as the O ring is compressed so tightly with only finger tightening.
never had a O ring rip or leak/ loosen off.

for the tube
using hot water works as a lube also , but the WD 40 lube is better until it drys up and disappears [yea not a great long term lube]
or use both soften hose with hot water dry then use the lube.
with the lube you can most likely tighten the compression fitting 100 % on avg. fittings but I stop tightening when at 80-90% if it starts getting hard to turn by hand.

also I never move a rotary fitting with out using the lube and feel some leaking rotary fitting seen on the net to be the internal O rings binding/ripping. still a QC issue but why not lessen the odds of a leak if you can.

can't speak for other spray lubes ,but do not use any oils..

 

[MiRai]

Thanks to everyone for the advice. I was able to get one compression nut onto the threads of a piece that isn't connected to anything, but it's not possible for me to pull this thing off of there. Unfortunately, even if I was able to get everything threaded it would be an absolute nightmare if I ever needed to replace any of the components of this machine, since the way the tubing is routed pretty much locks everything in place (not much I can do about that unless I go with rigid tubing, which I'm not).

I'm just going to have to wait until Performance PCs is open again on Monday, and then place a new order for a bunch of barb fittings that I think I may need.

I also think I'm going to drop the size of the tubing down to 3/8" ID 1/2" OD because this 3/4" OD stuff is pretty massive, and from what I understand, there's almost no difference between the two sizes of tubing (temperature-wise), especially when only one component is part of the loop.

 

[Elganja]

i've never had an issue with compression fittings before in the past... but i'm using 3/8ID 5/8OD tubing and bitspower fittings

 

[dlerious]

I'm using 3/8 x 5/8 here with EK and Monsoon fittings. The only problem I've had was getting the compression ring on certain batches of tubing - don't remember if it was the Primochill LRT or EK ZMT.

 

[moonbogg]

I had a sizing issue where none of my hose clamps fit around the hose I bought. I had to use zip ties and worm gear clamps instead. I feel your pain. So benchmarks by tonight then?