Stainless Coiled or straight tubing?

[Mob_Barley]

Coiled 1/2" annealed stainless tubing is much cheaper than straight 6' tubes. How is it working with the coiled stainless tubing? Can it be straightened easily, or is it better to use the straight tubes (and pay much more)?

 

[Hound_Dog]

What exactly are you using the tubing for?

 

[Mob_Barley]

I was going to hard plumb the plumbing on a RIMS system, using swagelok fittings and tri-clamps instead of silicone tubing.

 

[BargainFittings]

From experience working stainless tubing requires tools to bend and straighten. It can be done but not without the right tools.

 

[Mob_Barley]

I bought Ridgid tubing benders, but was wondering about straightening a coil. I'm getting the idea that it's probably better to bite the bullet and get straight tubes.

 

[Bobby_M]

I think the price has to do with the ease of handling between the manufacturing and retail.

 

[pickles]

I bought 3 - 8ft lengths of 1/2 304 SS for about $60 shipped. I played around with shipping costs for different lengths and found this to be the cheapest.

 

[bendavanza]

If you buy coiled, and manage to straighten it to your liking, most likely it will be out of round which will make connecting it to anything very difficult. When tubing is coiled it becomes more oval in shape.

 

[Mob_Barley]

Pickles, do you remember where you got those three 8' joints of 1/2" 304 SS?

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

You will not be able to straighten the coil into anything you would want. Just get the straight stuff.

Also, check your manual that came with your bender, for 1/2" tube, it probably recommends a wall thickness no thinner than 0.035" to avoid buckling. I didn't know this and will find out soon if I can manage with the 0.028" wall I have.

 

[pickles]

Sorry I got it from www.onlinemetals.com

 

[Mob_Barley]

Thanks for the link. I didn't think of them and you are right, they are the cheapest.