There is a broad market for tube fittings. Narrowing your choice of tube fitting manufacturers and supply companies can be a large task when you are unclear as to what you are looking for. With products and prices varying from the different tube fitting distributors, it is important to locate a company that carries the tube fittings you need at the right price.

While tube fittings come in a myriad of styles, there are three basic materials from which they are made: plastic, aluminum and steel. Doing your homework by researching the different types of pipe fittings will help you narrow your choices as you discover what fittings best suit your needs. As you narrow down your tube fitting supplier choices consider the selection, price and quality of the fittings.

1. Browse through the companies' online catalogs to make sure the fittings you need are available in your choice of materials.

2. Consider the price of shipping before deciding on a vendor. High shipping costs may nullify any savings a particular vendor offers.

3. Understand which materials will are compatible with your tube structure.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy aluminum tube fittings when you need fittings that are lightweight and rust-free

Aluminum tube fittings are a good choice when you are looking for a metal that is lighter than steel and you need a rust-free fitting. Because of aluminum's lighter weight, it does not put an increased burden on the pipes to which it is attached. Pipes will maintain a rust-free interior when you choose aluminum over steel.

I recommend: Wagner Companies has a wide range of aluminum tube fittings that slide-on and are reusable. Wagner's fittings are perfect for railings and rack systems, and can be reused multiple times. Hydraulic Supply carries a large variety of threaded aluminum tube fittings.

Use steel tube fittings for rugged use and tough conditions

Stainless steel industrial tube fittings are resistant to corrosion but are not immune to it. Stainless steel fittings offer more durability than plastic fittings and are heavier duty than either plastic or aluminum. Stainless steel tube fittings form a tight seal and hold up even under the toughest amounts of stress.

I recommend: Sealexcel is a distributor of fittings that are stainless steel and push in. Push in fittings connect easily without tools, yet are durable and leak proof. Buyfittingsonline.com carries Stainless steel tube fittings that have silver plating on the nut threads. Silver plating on the steel tube fittings reduce corrosion and extends the life of the tube fittings.

Purchase plastic fittings when your tubing systems are lightweight

Plastic tube fittings are for use with low, medium and high pressure fluid applications. Corrosion is not an issue with plastic fittings. They are ideal for use with fluids whether you are working with oil and gas or food processing.

I recommend: Valin specializes in thermoplastic tube fittings. Thermoplastic fittings are the best choice when working with plastic tubing. Compression, push-to-connect and standard barb connectors are available in varying colors and styles. P.E.P. has an extensive supply of plastic tube fittings as well as tubing and tools.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Work with tube fitting suppliers that offer aluminum, steel and plastic fittings to save on shipping costs when your business works with multiple materials.