Olives [plumbing variety] - copper or brass?

[Poignard]

1. The olives used in compression fittings are available in copper or brass. Which is it best to use on copper pipe, and why?

2. If one is better than the other - why do manufacturers bother to make the other?

 

[raggy]

Copper is softer therefore the better material but is also more expensive hence allot of cheaper fittings can be found in brass.
This is just my educated opinion and may not be fact.....

 

[rascacio]

It makes no difference whatsoever. The only thing to watch out for is to not over-tighten the nut with either type.

This is the most common fault caused by inexperience. Best to just 'nip' it up and add about 1/2 to 3/4 turn.

You can always add a bit but if you over-tighten and have a leak you have to start again or start bodging with ptfe tape etc. Done correctly you don't need any extra tape,compound etc.

After you've done a few you get the 'feel' for the job, and rarely get a problem. Practice on a bit of pipe. Olives don't cost much in either material at the end of the day !!

30 years a plumber !!

 

[AIDY]

Not the 'on the buses' variety then.... sorry that's no help either

 

[Hoolie]

Copper is recommended for gas fittings, as has been pointed out, it's softer and gives a better seal.

 

[saltylegs]

Copper is recommended for gas fittings, as has been pointed out, it's softer and gives a better seal.

correct, its listed in the codes of practice to only use soft copper olives for copper gas piping

 

[Poignard]

Thanks for the responses