Water Cooling Help

[acacia666avenue]

I was wondering if tube that has a 3/8 inch inner diameter and 5/8 inch outer diameter would work with 3/8 inch parts, or does the outer diameter have to be 3/8 inch?

 

[KingCody]

well, it depends on the specific "parts" you want to use. It's important to read the specs of the fitting itself.

• most fittings use standard hose sizes...
  • some fittings (like hose barbs) reference only the inside diameter (ID) of the tubing they are designed for. with this type, the hose goes over the fitting, so the OD is irrelevant, only the ID matters.
    
  • some fittings (like compressions fittings) reference both the ID and the OD of the tubing they are designed for. with this type, the hose goes inside the fitting so both the ID and the OD are important.
• then there are other fittings which are proprietary...
  • these will often state the physical ID or ID (or both) of the fitting itself, or sometimes just say which "model" of their own branded tubing they are designed for). these fittings may be used as well, but the sizes may not be standard so you'll have to test fit them first.

the bottom line is; there is no simple answer because there is no labeling standard for all "parts" to conform to. read the packaging carefully and if possible test fit the part before purchasing.

hope this helps :wave: