Chiller - outer diameter or inner?

vlesperance · Feb 1, 2013

I see coils of 3/8ths copper tubing. Some are labled where 3/8ths is the inner diameter and some where its the outer diameter.

So, with all the posts on this site debating 3/8ths vs 1/2 inch, are people debating outer diameters or inner?

In other words, I can buy either. I want to know which size the homebrewers have been talking about all these years.

Misplaced_Canuck · Feb 1, 2013

Copper is not that thick. Using 3/8" ID tube is gonna be very similar to 3/8" OD tube (if that exists).

MC

freisste · Feb 1, 2013

I believe the walls of mine are 1/32" thick.

frazier · Feb 1, 2013

The general rule in the trade is, tubing is specified by OD, and pipe is specified by ID. So 3/8 copper tubing will have an OD of 3/8", but 3/8 pipe will have a larger OD. Also, tubing will be closer to the nominal dimension than pipe will.

The key is that if you buy tubing, buy tube fittings. If you buy pipe, buy pipe fittings.

Chiller - outer diameter or inner?

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Chiller - outer diameter or inner?

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