Stretching Silicone tubing over 1/2" threaded camlock

[aslander]

I ordered a bunch of camlock fittings, and was wondering what input people had on the techniques to get the silicone tubing over the 1/2" threads on the Camlock B connector and street elbows?

I have a combo of regular silicone tubing and some of the thermoplastic tubing that is stronger and not see through.

 

[renrutle]

My setup uses threaded camlocks and 1/2" silicon tubing. I had read in various places that it is difficult to get the tubing on to the calmock but that was not my experience. My suggestions are to make sure that you cut the tubing carefully so that the ends are square and even. This will ensure a better seal. Also soak the calmock and the end of the tubing in hot water for a minute and immediately install. This will soften the tubing and heat the fitting some to reduce heat loss during installation.

 

[IslandLizard]

Bargain Fittings and BrewHardware both sell the machined-down "barb" versions of those. Look for Big-C and High Flow (Street) Elbow. Made to fit the 1/2" silicone much better.

[Fixed first vendor, per Gavin C]

 

[Gavin C]

Bargain fittings also does the big c camlocks. They work great..

 

[IslandLizard]

Bargain fittings also does the big c camlocks. They work great..

Oops, sorry, it is Bargain Fittings NOT Brewers Hardware. I'll correct it.

 

[stever1000]

Are hose clamps necessary over the tubing on the camlock ? I would imagine as the hose warms and softens it could slip off the threads?

 

[IslandLizard]

Are hose clamps necessary over the tubing on the camlock ? I would imagine as the hose warms and softens it could slip off the threads?

I use Bobby's "Liner Clamps" on silicone hoses, and yes, always use a clamp on a hose connected to a fitting.

Although it feels like a huge stretch to get the 1/2" silicone tubing over the barb of the Big-C camlock, and because the "engineered" barb is pretty sharp, it feels it may hold without, I feel more secure having a clamp on it. Not much worse than boiling wort spraying around.

After a few years of (on average monthly) use, I see a little tearing on the outside of the silicone hose, behind the clamp. I'll probably snip that 1/2 inch off, reseat and clamp it again.

 

[Justintoxicated]

I put on oetiker clamps on mine, which have barbs, got them from bargin fittings.
http://www.bargainfittings.com/inde...&keyword=camlock&category_id=0&product_id=236

 

[stever1000]

The tubing was easy to stretch over the fitting, I was surprised it was quick
I can't find the smooth clamps locally, are the regular hose clamps okay to use, as long as I dont over tighten?

 

[day_trippr]

Half my hoses are stretched over threads, the others are on Bobby's high-flow elbows.
All them have conventional SS worm clamps, gently tightened...

Cheers!

 

[Justintoxicated]

The tubing was easy to stretch over the fitting, I was surprised it was quick
I can't find the smooth clamps locally, are the regular hose clamps okay to use, as long as I dont over tighten?

Hose clamps work, but I ordered some oetiker's on ebay to replace my house clamps anyways. If you need the link shoot me a PM, but these were sized to fit over the barb after the hose was on it, but still tighten down enough. ymmv is you don't have a barb.