We'll try to answer some of the more common questions related to our products here. Please make contact with us should you need any further assistance.
Table of Contents
- What is an End Cap and how do I select the right one?
- What is a Plug and how do I select the right one?
- How do I select the right adjustable foot?
- How do I select the correct washer for my application?
- What does the colour coding on plumbing prepacks mean?
- What should I do if I want to convert from bulk stock to prepacks?
- What colours are the end caps and plugs available in?
What is an End Cap and how do I select the right one ?
End caps are often referred to as ferrules. They are female formed parts that fit over a tube, pipe or rod made from steel, plastic, wood or any other material. They are named by their size, shape (square or round) and by the material that they are made from (i.e. plastic or rubber). The size of the end cap that you choose is determined by the outside diameter (OD) of the tube or rod that you are using. For example, if you have a 25mm OD tube, you will use a 25mm end cap. The end cap's ID will then be 25mm and will match your application perfectly. If you have a sample of an end cap or ferrule that you need to match, measure the ID and not the OD of the end cap. Quote this figure when ordering more stock. Unlike plugs, the wall thickness of the material you are using is irrelevant when selecting an end cap.
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What is a Plug and how do I select the right one ?
Plugs are often referred to as end plugs or inserts. They are male formed parts that fit into pipes and tubes. They are mushroom shaped and have a part that goes into the pipe and another part that remains visible when inserted (head). They are named by their size and shape (round, square or rectangular). As with end caps, the sizing is determined by the outside diameter (OD) of the tube you are using. For example and 25mm round tube with a 1.6mm wall thickness (therefore a 22mm inside diameter) will use a 25mm plug, not a 22mm plug. When requesting plugs please specify if the wall thickness of your tube is anything other than 1.6mm. Most plugs are made for steel of that thickness, but there are variations available in most of the most common sizes.
If you have a sample of a plug that you need to reorder, please measure the top of the head (widest part) and provide us with that measurement.
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How do I select the right adjustable foot ?
Adjustable feet are often referred to as height adjusters. They are made by molding a plastic or rubber base onto a steel bolt and are used to level a desk, table or any other piece of equipment that stands on an uneven floor. Some adjustable feet have hexagonal sections on them which allow you to adjust them with a spanner once they are bearing weight.
There are two types of adjustable foot: swivel base and fixed base. The fixed type are the most common and are available in many variations (see the adjustable foot page for pictures). The swivel type is for use on very uneven floors (such as sloped floors in cold rooms).
First decide if you need a swivel base or a fixed base. Then see which diameter and length bolt you need. After that, choose one that suits your application.
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How do I select the correct washer for my application ?
We have used application descriptions for all our fibre washers and o-rings rather than sizes. We have done this for two reasons: 1) most people don't really know what size washer they want, but they know where it fits; 2) most washers swell and soften over time, making measuring of used samples impossible and therefore making their sizes irrelevant. Choose the washer from our list that has a description that matches your application.
If you only have a size and not a description, please contact us and we will advise on which washer it is.
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What does the colour coding on plumbing prepacks mean?
Our prepacked washer solution uses a colour coding scheme to take the guess work out of selecting matching washers. A different colour stripe on the barcode label identifies the different size washers.
GREEN - All 15mm Light Pattern washers are coded with green.
ORANGE - All 15mm Heavy Pattern washers are coded with orange.
PURPLE - All 20mm Heavy Pattern washers are coded with purple.
If you need a fibre washer or o-ring to match the tap washers, conical tap washers or reseating kits that you have bought, simply select the one that has the same colour marking.
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What should I do if I want to convert from bulk stock to prepacks?
Contact us to discuss your plan. If you are nearby, we will pop in to look at your setup. We will use our experience to recommend a plan based on your needs.
We will provide a list of our prepacked products with descriptions, code, barcode and price for you to load in your system before we make the first delivery. If need be, we will provide samples to check that our barcodes are recognised by your system.
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What colours are the end caps and plugs available in?
All end caps and plugs come standard in black. Many sizes and shapes are available ex-stock in white in limited quantities. Some variations (dependent on factory and material type) are available in a chrome or gold plated finish. Some other variations are available in any colour from khaki to blue and red. Colours are produced on demand and may be subject to a minimum order and a deposit.