[PamAndJim]

As posted below I am building a co2 rector. I got all the parts from Home Depot. Among the parts I got are 3 brass hose barb adapters (2 for the filter hose and 1 for the co2 tubing) I have not assembled it yet as I needed some pvc primer and cement. While doing some web surfing this morning I came across a post saying that you should never thread metal male fittings into a female pvc threads. I googled and found that to be a pretty widely acceptec rule. So, I am re-thinking using the brass barb adapters as my plan would require them to be installed into pvc fittings. When I was at Home Depot I noticed they did have the fittings I need on nylon, but I got the brass ones thinking they'd be stronger. Should I exchange the brass ones for nylon? Are the nylon ones strong enough to hold up for a long time? Can I use the brass ones if I am careful not to over tighten?

 

[kevmo911]

Brass will probably be fine, though PVC would have been as well. With the low pressures we're dealing with, I doubt it will be an issue. Just make sure to use plenty of teflon tape. And, remember, tight, but not *too* tight.

 

[tfmcder]

I say save a couple of bucks and return the brass and go with the nylon, if it wouldn't waste more in gas returning to the store. We are not using the fittings in an environment that necessitates brass fittings so nylon will be fine.

 

[PamAndJim]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I think I am going to go ahead and exchange them. Not only are they a little cheaper, but they also have a one piece elbow/adapter, so I can do it with fewer joints.

 

[Jim Miller]

Ultra you have flow to burn I recommend avoiding the elbow hose barbs. Use you hose with non-kinking bends instead.

J

 

[PamAndJim]

Ultra you have flow to burn I recommend avoiding the elbow hose barbs. Use you hose with non-kinking bends instead.

J

Thank you for bringing that up. With my original plan that wasn't going to be possible. But, now that I have changed how/where it will be mounted I may be able to make it work. HD doesn't sell straight barbs in nylon so I guess I'll stick with the brass and see if I can eliminate the elbows all together. If I need more hose is the stuff they have at HD aquarium safe? I am assuming it will be OK as long as it doesn't have any anti-mildew chemicals, etc.

 

[Jim Miller]

Hose is fine.

I buy nylon 3/4"NPT to 5/8" hose barbs by the dozen when I need them.

Jim

 

[PamAndJim]

Do you order them online or something? I haven't seen them at the big box stores. I also tried to find something that would allow me to connect the 3/16" hose barb to the 1/2" threaded portion of a pvc T. Right now I have a brass 1/2" to 1/4" adapter, and then 1/4" fitting with a 3/16" barb. I couldn't find a nylon version of that set up either.

 

[Jim Miller]

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