Compression Fittings

[Gun Freak]

Hello. I just have two quick questions:
Do most compression fittings (say I buy them online) come with the nut and the thingy in-between?
And, what are he advantages of using compression fittings over generic threaded fittings?
Thanks
~Gun Freak~

[MrCrowley]

The "thingy in between" is also known as an olive. All the fittings I have seen come with them unless otherwise stated but I have seen olives sold separate. If the picture shows a fitting with a nut threaded on but no olive, unless it says it doesn't come with an olive, it will. If there's no photo, you're taking more of a risk but I would say 90% of the time it should come with a nut and an olive, I've only seen one online supplier who sells them separately.

Compression fittings are most beneifical when using copper I would say. Usually for people who can't solder, don't have access to the proper tools or equipment or don't trust their soldering ability...so people like me

The difference is between soldering and compression fittings. Not threaded fittings and compression fittings. You don't use a compression fitting on threaded pipe.

Basically it means you don't need to solder/epoxy a fitting on. You probably can also use them with other metals (aluminium, brass etc) as well.

[Gun Freak]

Thanks very much! That's one of the most helpful responses I've ever gotten. So they can hold onto copper at high pressure huh?

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

what are the advantages of using compression fittings over generic threaded fittings?

For a permanent joint, a compression fitting is ideal but if it's something you plan on removing regularly go with a conventional threaded fitting.

[metalmeltr]

The "thingy in between" is also known as an olive. All the fittings I have seen come with them unless otherwise stated but I have seen olives sold separate. If the picture shows a fitting with a nut threaded on but no olive, unless it says it doesn't come with an olive, it will. If there's no photo, you're taking more of a risk but I would say 90% of the time it should come with a nut and an olive, I've only seen one online supplier who sells them separately.

Compression fittings are most beneifical when using copper I would say. Usually for people who can't solder, don't have access to the proper tools or equipment or don't trust their soldering ability...so people like me

The difference is between soldering and compression fittings. Not threaded fittings and compression fittings. You don't use a compression fitting on threaded pipe.

Basically it means you don't need to solder/epoxy a fitting on. You probably can also use them with other metals (aluminium, brass etc) as well.

I have never herd of the brass ring in a compression fitting being called an olive. In the US I have always herd them called compression rings. What country do you live in that they are called olives?

[joepage2008x2]

I live in the UK and call them olives too

I used compression fittings once before - much easier when you dont want to use the blow torch or have to buy a die for threading. The olive crimps onto the pipe and make it thinner at that section - if you make a muzzle loading cannon this is a good idea to limit how far the ammo can go down the barell (thats it you use soft tubing like copper).

My fittings have always come with the nut and the olives - good idea to check first though.

[Gippeto]

And in Canada....olive/compression ring = ferrule.

At least insofar as compression fittings are concerned.

[metalmeltr]

I thought I had herd them refered to as ferrules, but could'nt find any written information with that term.