General Pneumatic Advice and Help

[JamesCH95]

Aside from the nit below, great post!

Originally Posted by ToddF

Wren,
Theoretical question: Given that the sealing surface of a push to connect fitting is the OD of the tube, well away from the end, why is the end of tube geometry critical to the sealing of the fitting? In other words, WHY does the end of the tube need to be perfectly square to seal properly?

I like this diagram to explain how the fittings work:



The packing seals against the outside of the tube near the end. It is quite possible to cut the end of the tube at an angle and achieve a sealed joint. I have personally run this experiment to satisfy my own curiosity.

However, I strongly agree that tubes should be cut with a tubing cutter only. It is an inexpensive and easy way to make sure the tubing is cut without burrs or excessive deformation. Tubing that gets mashed flat with wire cutters doesn't seal well...