Olive too small for pipe; imperial/metric issue??

[pcatterall]

Just trying to make new connections to my drip rail which uses a 3/16th connector.
I bought some 3/16th pipe and from another dealer some 3/16th olives.
The olives were too small for the pipe.
Measurement of the pipe OD was 0.19" and the ID of the olive 0.18" .
I calculate that 3/16ths is 1.875" indicating that the pipe is a true 3/16ths and the olive is too small.

Could this be the old issue of people selling imperial equivalents or what?
Is there a solution beyond new drip rail or similar.

I made sure that the pipe was true round and that there were no squashed ends or burs.

Thanks as ever!!

 

[coopec]

Sigh:disgust:

Is this another case of the strange way they measure pipes?

[PDF]Measuring Pipes and Pipe Fittings
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71UackAKDQS.pdf

Copper 3/4-inch pipe, for instance, doesn't measure 3/4-inch anywhere — its outside diameter (OD) is 0.875 inch and inner diameter (ID) is 0.811 inch for Type ...


Measuring Pipe and Tube (Whats the differance) - JD Squared Australia
jd2.com.au/pipe-vs-tube.html

Keep in mind that pipe size refers to a nominal - not actual - inside pipe diameter. Schedule refers to the pipe's wall thickness. The actual physical OD is larger ...

Wrong Size 3/4" Imperial Tube ? | Plumbing Forum | Gas Engineers ...
https://www.ukplumbersforums.co.uk › ... › Fittings & Pipes

Jan 27, 2010 - Now, 3/4" is literally 19mm. So, what do I need to order to get what I thought was 3/4" tube but needs to measure 21mm (OD) to match the olives ...

Copper pipe 21.68mm? - Page 1 - Homes, Gardens and DIY - PistonHeads
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=207&t=1076174

Nov 13, 2011 - 20 posts - ‎12 authors
You can buy imperial olives but a 22mm wound on usually does the trick.(don't think i`d trust it on ... OD of 3/4" pipe is about 21.5mm. Huntsman.


Clive

 

[pcatterall]

Thanks Clive. Don't quite understand the sigh though!
On larger pipe sizes I am quite used the metric equivalents on larger sizes.
In this case the items were sold as imperial 3/16ths and the olives were too small to fit the pipe.
The olive seller has since come back to me saying he now has stock where the olives do fit the pipe and is sending
me some of each so problem sorted!
My 3/16th pipe does measure 3/16th OD and my 1/4 " does measure 1/4" OD
Thanks again

 

[coopec]

Actually Peter it is all very simple: here is an explanation.

http://www.atc-mechanical.com/tube-pipe-101/tube-pipe-size-overview/

Not that hard is it?

Clive

 

[pcatterall]

Actually Peter it is all very simple: here is an explanation.

http://www.atc-mechanical.com/tube-pipe-101/tube-pipe-size-overview/

Not that hard is it?

No, and I welcome advice whenever it is offered even when a bit of condescension seems to come with it.

Currently the ODs of the copper 'pipe' in my shed measures pretty much the exact size usually quoted for that 'pipe' ie 3/16th" 1/4" 10mm and 8mm.

Your table is useful in that it makes the distinction between tube and pipe. It would seem that tube sizes relate pretty accurately to OD while pipe sizes are quite nominal.
It would seem that we should refer to fuel pipe ( at the smaller engine sort of sizes) as fuel 'tube'.

Thanks again

Clive

 

[coopec]

"It would seem that we should refer to fuel pipe ( at the smaller engine sort of sizes) as fuel 'tube'."

Yes! I think you are spot on there. These days I take the tube (pipe?) in and tell the guy behind the counter that "the fitting must fit this".

Good that you got it sorted......

Clive

PS No condescension intended. I think you'll find the same diameter galvanized pipe as PVC pipe is entirely different measurements. I give up......

 

[coopec]

Peter

If you are still interested maybe this explains pipe/tube sizes much more clearly.

https://mrhardware.com/articles-and-videos/pipe-sizes/

Thank heavens I've finished all my plumbing so it is of passing interest only: too many other problems to sort out.

Clive