![1 inch measurement actual size 1 inch measurement actual size](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/da/da/85/dada8546359f873b5f0c83c1426e7b7a.jpg)
Is the dimension precise, (taken with a micrometer or calipers)?.Is a dimension OD (outside diameter) or ID (inside diameter)?.So, given all the possible tube and pipe sizes and all the various names used to describe them, how is the average person supposed to keep it all straight? Whether you think your material is tube or pipe, when describing it, remember these key points:
![1 inch measurement actual size 1 inch measurement actual size](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V6NGF9Mv10s/VIc0PVCJarI/AAAAAAAAACM/suIwUPDWddk/s1600/my%2Bonline%2Bruler.png)
![1 inch measurement actual size 1 inch measurement actual size](https://www.cool2bkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Printable-6-Inch-Ruler-768x1086.jpg)
This is only a partial list! You can see that all of the materials listed are about 2 inches, but depending on the tolerance and precision of the tool or mating part, describing all of them as 2-inch pipe is bound to cause problems. While a specific pipe schedule will mean different wall thicknesses depending on the pipe size, a specific gauge is consistent regardless of tube OD (outside diameter).Ī purchasing agent is told to buy a “2 inch pipe notcher,” there are actually many different sizes that could possibly fit this description, as shown below. To further complicate matters, some companies market pipe to the fence industry as “fence tubing.” The thickness of a tube’s wall is normally described as a gauge. Because it is typically more costly to produce it is seldom used for chain link fencing, scaffolding, etc. Tubing, on the other hand, is typically produced to tighter tolerances and designed for consistent mechanical and structural properties. The exact wall thickness of anyone schedule changes with the pipe size. The wall thickness of pipe is designated by various “schedules,” most commonly schedule 5, 10, and 40. However in the fence and construction industry, where pipe is commonly used, it will often be referred to by its outside dimension, since fittings, caps and other parts most commonly mate the the outside of the pipe. Pipe is typically manufactured to looser tolerances and less expensive to purchase. So, 1½ inch pipe is NOT 1½ inch outside diameter, but instead is nominally, (approximately) 1½ inch inside diameter. The nominal dimension for pipe is the ID. However pipe and tubing are not the same materials! Pipe was originally used for the movement of water, and therefore the ID (inside diameter) was the critical dimension. Pipe is a commonly used material in the fencing industry, most commonly for chain link fences and gates. Differences and difficulties in correctly describing a tube and pipe are common in the metalworking industry. Webster’s describes nominal as “in name only.” In other words, you can’t trust the “name” dimensions in actual measurements or calculations. These are sometimes referred to as nominal dimensions. Many products have a name that for convenience only approximates the material’s size. Is it pipe or is it tube? Understanding the differences can make sure you get the material you want in the size you need.ĭo you remember being surprised when you learned that a “2 by 4″ doesn’t actually measure 2 inches by 4 inches? Have you ever been told that 1-1/8” pipe doesn’t exist? Using the correct terminology when ordering material (or fittings, tools, or other items that must be used with these materials) can save a lot of time, headaches and money! Posted by Larry Siegal on Febru12:18 pm | 3 Comments