Pipe Clamp vs Tubing Clamp
One of the most common issues that we come across with our clamps is that customers tend to be confused about which specific clamp they are needing. Whether they need a pipe clamp or a tubing clamp. Hopefully the below information will help.
The way the clamps are measured is what differentiates pipe and tubing. To break it down simply, pipe measures differently than stainless steel tubing. Pipe is measured by nominal pipe size and tubing is measure off of its diameter.
Warning...Here come some numbers.
1.50” pipe would actually have a diameter of 1.90”
Tubing is measured based off the outside diameter so
1.50” tubing would have an outside diameter of 1.50”
To make it easier for our customers, all of our clamps have the inside diameter (I.D.) dimension listed in the product’s description. This is the measurement of the inside diameter of the clamp itself.
For an example, part number “RAPR-212,7” has an inside diameter (I.D.) of .500”. This clamp is designed to be used with half inch (.500”) tubing which has an outside diameter (O.D.) of .500”. The two of these together make the best fit.
Another instance would be part number “RAPR- 321,3” which is for .500" pipe. This clamp has an inside diameter (I.D.) of .840”. The outside diameter (O.D.) of .500" pipe is .840” so they will work nicely together.
See the below chart for more clarification
Material | Outside Diameter |
1" Pipe | 1.315" |
1" Tubing | 1.0" |
1" Copper Tubing | 1.125" |
Copper Tubing
There are a couple of different types of copper tubing. Types L and K have different diameters and measurements differently then pipe and tubing. See below chart that has the size and diameters related to the diameters.
Copper Tubing Type L Size |
Outside Diameter |
1/4” |
.375” |
3/8” |
.500” |
1/2" |
.625” |
5/8" |
.750” |
3/4” |
.875” |
1” |
1.125” |
1-1/4” |
1.375” |
1-1/2” |
1.625” |
2” |
2.125” |
2-1/2” |
2.625” |
3” |
3.125” |
3-1/2” |
3.625” |
4-1/2” |
4.125” |
Pipe Diameters
Pipe Size |
Outside Diameter |
1/8” |
.405” |
1/4” |
.540” |
3/8” |
.675” |
1/2" |
.840” |
3/4" |
1.05” |
1” |
1.315” |
1-1/4” |
1.660” |
1-1/2” |
1.900” |
2” |
2.375” |
2-1/2” |
2.875” |
3” |
3.50” |
3-1/2” |
4.00” |
4” |
4.50” |
4-1/2” |
5.00” |
5” |
5.563” |
6” |
6.625” |
7” |
7.625” |
8” |
8.625” |
Tubing Diameters
1/8” |
.125” |
1/4” |
.250” |
3/8” |
.375” |
1/2" |
.500” |
5/8” |
.625” |
3/4" |
.750” |
7/8” |
.875” |
1” |
1.00” |
1-1/4” |
1.25” |
1-1/2” |
1.50” |
2” |
2.00” |