Video: Swagelok® Tech Clip - Swagelok Tube Fitting Installation

New Tech Clip quickly covers the three steps to installing a Swagelok tube fitting

We have previously blogged about our Swagelok Tech Tip on tube fitting assembly. Just in case you don't have time to watch a five minute video, we have created this two minute Swagelok Tech Clip - Swagelok Tube Fitting Installation. In this video, we quickly review the three steps involved in installing a Swagelok tube fitting and also reveal two of the most common installation errors. In two minutes, you can double check the tube fitting assembly instructions to make sure you are installing it correctly and learn two common tube fitting assembly mistakes to avoid. 

The error of feeling

As you will see when you watch the video, it's not hard to correctly assemble a Swagelok tube fitting.

Even so, at our Tube Fitting Safety seminars, experienced installers regularly discover that they've not been doing it right. After years of assembling fittings, many people can fall into the trap of tightening the tube fitting by "feel" instead of following the three step assembly instructions. 

Tightening by "feel" often results in a connection that is under-tightened and could be prone to leakage. Here are couple reasons why relying feel can let you down. First, the feel of installing a brass tube fitting on copper tubing is much different from assembling a stainless steel tube fitting and stainless steel tubing. And different tubing outside diameters take more or less effort to assemble. What's worse, the leak may not develop until the connection is subjected to the vibrations and temperature cycling of normal operation. Small leaks in a gas system may go undetected for years, resulting in higher operating costs and the potential for environmental impact.

A little training goes a long way

At our two hour Tube Fitting Safety seminar, you can learn how to do the job right with hands–on demonstrations. But that's only the start. You'll also learn about tube fitting design and function, a comparison of a tube system and a pipe system, thread sealants and lubricants, how to select and handle tubing, and more. You can take advantage of our summer special and register for the course for on $99, and we will even buy you lunch. Learn more » 

Tube bending too

Most people learn how to bend tubing by working with someone with more experience. It's tough to learn by trial and error, and it requires a lot of faith that the older craftsman really knows all the best practices.

A better approach is our Tube Bending seminar. Again, this class covers a lot more than how to bend tubing. One of the most important lessons involves determining the exact length of tubing needed for a job. Some companies have had to scrap thousands of dollars' worth of tubing because it wasn't cut to the right length the first time.

We'll also discuss the impact workmanship has on total system performance. A well-fabricated system looks good too, which can enhance the esthetics and reflect on the quality of the product. Watch our latest Swagelok Tech Clip, then sign up for one or both of the seminars for only $99 each here »

Additional Resources

Swagelok Hose Solutions	Swagelok Regulator Assemblies	Other Swagelok Training Seminars