copper diameter question

[gotbags-10]

When you guys talk about 3/8 and1/2 inch copper for an immersion chiller is that ID or OD?

 

[Hello]

OD if I recall.

 

[Gaurhoth]

Copper is usually distinguished by OD. Plastic tubing by ID. So typically, 3/8 plastic Tubing fits nicely on 3/8 Copper with clamps when making something like an immersion chiller.

 

[gotbags-10]

I was going to purchase some what I thought was 3/8 copper coil. It said 3/8 OD and 1/4 ID. They also have 1/2 OD with 3/8 ID.

 

[Hello]

I have 1/2 OD with 3/8 ID. The problem with that is my tubing bender didn't fit the 1/2" so I had to buy those god awful spring things. Either way, it works but it's a beast. I got a great deal on the copper so I used whatever brought me the best deal via craigslist.

 

[bobeer]

I have 1/2 OD with 3/8 ID. The problem with that is my tubing bender didn't fit the 1/2" so I had to buy those god awful spring things. Either way, it works but it's a beast. I got a great deal on the copper so I used whatever brought me the best deal via craigslist.

I went with the spring bender too and the packaging was deceptive. It said "3/8" in big letters so I assumed it would bend 3/8 pipe but nooooooo. I needed the 1/2 to bend my 3/8 pipe. So I had to return it and get the 1/2 one. 1/2 plastic tubing fits nicely on it though with a clamp to keep it tight. I don't think I'll ever have a need for the spring bender again but whatever, it worked and it was only 3 bucks. The chiller works like a champ but it's a hoss. I think I made mine for about 30 bucks.

 

[bsperr]

For the copper tubing used in plumbing, the sizing refers to CTS (copper tubing size) and is just a nominal measurement. 1/2" CTS tubing has an ID under 1/2" and the OD is 5/8". The copper tubing used in refrigeration is measured by OD. You'll probably see coils of both types in the store and CTS tubing may be labeled " 1/2 inch nominal."

 

[MindenMan]

I bought 50' of 5/8" copper tubing CHEAP, when Home Depot was clearing out their old stock. $27.00, and OBTW, trying to make 5/8" bend in a nice circle was a bitc*. Since I got turned around during the winding, what should have been a nice rib cage turned into an Oh, Sh*t moment. I fixed it though, I have a 45' dual pass IC. The coolant goes through the tubing through both coils at the same time, as opposed to 25' and then 25'. It is like putting 2 ice cubes in a glass together, as opposed to one at a time, if that makes sense.


EDIT:
There are a few of us that have " finally" figured an easier way to coil an IC with little to no kinking: start at the middle of the roll when winding, if not, it is a real bitc* because when you get towards the middle, you have a tight coil to try to open and a short handle. When you start in the middle, you have a lot of leverage, due to the length and larger diameter of the remaining tubing. Trust me, don't ask.

 

[ShineOn]

Fellas:

If your buying refer pipe (the ones at the box stores that are coiled in the box) DO NOT straighten it out then try to coil it!
Refer tube WORK HARDENS! the more you bend it the harder it becomes and will kink really easily! If it kinks you CAN re-anneal it with a propane torch but if you have never seen it done I wouldn't recommend trying to do it alone.

Just keep it coiled and wrap it around a paint can, corny keg or whatever.