How to find the right Compression Fitting Ferrules AI guide
Written by an AI model from its trained knowledge.
What the AI looks for in Compression Fitting Ferrules
- Same maker and series as the body and nut
- Buy replacement ferrules from the fitting's own manufacturer and series. Two-ferrule sets need both the front and back ferrule. Ferrule cone angles and lengths are proprietary, and mismatched ferrules leak or blow off.
- Ferrule material
- Use brass for copper or soft tube, stainless for stainless tube, and nylon or acetal ferrules for plastic tubing where the maker offers them. The ferrule must be harder than the tube to bite, but not so hard that it crushes soft tube.
- Tube OD
- Match the tube OD exactly, in inch or metric. Ferrules seal on a single specific diameter.
- Single ferrule (olive) for plumbing
- For household copper water lines, use a brass or copper sleeve sized to the tube OD. Plumbing fittings use one sleeve, and instrumentation ferrule sets will not fit them.
Brands that matter
- Swagelok: Front and back ferrule sets sold separately for its fittings.
- Parker: Replacement ferrules for its A-Lok and CPI fittings.
- Hy-Lok: Replacement ferrule sets for its fittings.
- Anderson Metals: Brass compression sleeves for low-pressure fittings.
What to avoid
- Mixing ferrule brands with another maker's body and nut
- Reusing a ferrule that has been cut off one tube and moved to another
- Installing only one ferrule of a two-ferrule set, or installing the pair backwards
Questions
Can I remove an old ferrule and reuse it?
No. A swaged ferrule is permanently deformed onto the tube. Cut the tube behind it and install a new ferrule.