Question About Iron Pipe Dimension

[dcyrilc]

If you're just needing a short piece for using with a pin, why not use DOM tubing and just buy the length you need?

 

[OldMcDonald]

All very interesting, and confusing for those not familiar with what a couple of posters have already said - the measurements (Imperial and originally for Englsih use only) relate to the OD of the pipe for threading purposes. Try living in a metric country (I am in Portugal) everything except metal pipe is meaured in millimetres, but metal pipe is in inches. Very amusing to hear non-English speaking people talking about "eenches" unless you are the poor character trying to match up their metric measurements with your Imperial ones. But, they are such nice people so something is always worked out.

 

[rjmack]

Boy ,all this pipefitter talk makes me want to unretire!!!
ya right.................25years UA Locals 117&73

hey bro', 488 :thumbsup:

 

[Raspy]

The problem is using the word "pipe". Since that word usually means a measurement close, but not exactly, the inside diameter (depending on what schedule it is) but refers to a standardized material that is the same on the outside, but no where near the listed size (1/2 inch pipe is about 7/8"OD, 1"pipe is about 1 3/8" OD, etc). Instead, use the word "tubing". Now you are referring to the outside diameter. So, 7/8" copper tubing is 7/8" OD and it's the same exact thing as 3/4' copper pipe. Then you have to mention it's wall thickness by using letters such as "M" or "L" and then call out if it's hard or soft. Now go to the metal yard and get some steel tubing and call out its OD by refering to its size and then call out it's wall thickness in thousandths. Sheesh :laughing: :laughing:

For structural stuff where hinges and pins and fabricating frames and such is concerned, use steel tubing if you can. The ID of water pipe is very rough and has a welded seam that makes its ID non exact. Plus, you can get square tubing. :laughing: Try threading that!