Brass fittings are used to connect two or more pieces of pipe together for transporting various liquids and gasses. They are highly versatile and can be used across a number of different industries and use cases.
You will find that brass fittings come in many different types, sizes, and shapes, each designed to serve a unique purpose. Some of the main types that we’ll discuss in this guide include:
- Couplings
- Elbows
- Tees
- Nipples
- Caps
Below, we will walk you through the many different types of brass fittings available, the variations for each type, and what they are typically used for. Afterward, you will have a better idea of the unique qualities and features they each have that make them better suited for different scenarios and use cases.
Compression Fittings
Compression fittings are a common type of brass fitting, made from two components: the compression nut and compression ring. The compression nut is threaded to the end of the pipe, then the ring is placed on the connection and fastened tightly to create a seal. Compression fittings are known for being easy to use and install and are compatible with various materials like copper and PVC.
Here are the main applications of brass compression fittings:
- Hydraulic systems
- Industrial piping
- Gas distribution
- Plumbing
- HVAC systems
Coupling Fittings
Brass couplings create a connection between two pipes, and can either be threaded or welded on. They are very versatile and available in a number of sizes and varieties to help you join two pipes of the same or two different sizes. They can be found in the following applications:
- Residential plumbing
- Irrigation systems
- Water distribution networks
- HVAC systems
- Refrigeration units
- Hydraulic equipment
Tee Fittings
A tee fitting is shaped like the letter “T”, and is used to connect three pipes. They can either be threaded or welded on, like couplings and come in many different sizes and variations, including the Fixed Male Branch Tee ⅜ x ⅛ from Midland Metal. Here are the main variations of brass tee fittings:
Branch Tees
These fittings feature an inlet and two outlets, and are commonly used to create a branch or split in a pipeline so fluid can flow in two different directions. As such, you’ll mostly find them in the following applications:
- Water distribution systems
- Irrigation networks
- Pneumatic circuits
Run Tees
Run tees have three openings of the same size, forming a straight line. They are used to connect three pipes or fittings in a straight run, allowing fluid to flow continuously without branching. They are commonly used in:
- Plumbing
- Heating and cooling
- Hydraulic circuits
Street Tees
These have a male-threaded connection on one end and female-threaded connections on the other two ends of the tee fitting. These allow for easy integration into existing pipe runs or fittings and are often used to repair projects where the compatibility of existing threaded connections is essential, including in:
- Plumbing
- HVAC
- Gas distribution
Elbow Fittings
Elbow fittings can change the direction of gas or liquid flow at various angles, depending on the exact variation you use. There are a few main variations of elbow fittings you can choose from, which include options that are compatible with female threads, male threads, different sizes, and more, including:
45-Degree Elbows
A 45-degree elbow fitting has a bend of 45-degrees, as the name suggests, creating a moderate change in the direction of the pipeline. They can redirect flow at a gentle angle, which makes it ideal for applications where space constraints or specific flow requirements make a gradual change in direction necessary. These are typically found in:
- Plumbing
- Irrigation networks
- Fluid handling
90-Degree Elbows
Similarly, 90-degree elbows have a bend angle of 90-degrees, providing a sharp change in the direction of a pipeline. They create right-angle turns so pipes can navigate around obstacles or connect at perpendicular angles. These are highly versatile and can be used in:
- Plumbing
- HVAC systems
- Industrial applications
Female/Male Elbows
Female elbows have female-threaded connections on both ends, allowing for the attachment of male-threaded pipes or fittings. On the other hand, male elbows, like the one featured in the photo above, feature male-threaded connections on both ends, allowing for the attachment of female-threaded pipes or fittings. These can come in different sizes and angles and used in the following ways:
- Plumbing
- Gas distribution
- Fluid transfer
Street Elbows
These feature a male-threaded connection on one end and a female-threaded connection on the other. This makes it easy to integrate into existing pipe runs or fittings and is often used in retrofitting or repair projects since they can create an angled connection while maintaining compatibility with standard threaded fittings. These are mainly used in the following projects:
- Plumbing
- HVAC
- Gas distribution
Cross Fittings
Similar to tee fittings, cross fittings are used to join more than two pipes together. Specifically, cross fittings allow you to join four pipes together instead of just three. Tee fittings come in a variety of sizes to fit the size of pipe in your system, with their main use cases including:
- Plumbing
- Water distribution networks
- Instrumentation systems
- Hydraulic systems
- Pneumatic circuits
Cap Fittings
A cap fitting is used to seal off the end of a pipe, either by being threaded or welded on. Specifically, they are used on a pipe end with a male thread. They come in a variety of sizes so you can fit the specific diameter of pipe you’re working with, and are commonly found in these applications:
- Pipe terminations
- Pressure testing
- Temporary closures
- Contamination protection
- Hydraulic systems
- Pneumatic circuits
Plug Fittings
Providing a similar purpose to cap fittings, a plug fitting seals off the end of the pipe that has a female-threaded end. They also come in different sizes and shapes, and are used for the same types of applications as a cap fitting.
Nipple Fittings
Nipple fittings are a common type of brass fitting and are characterized by having male threads on both ends. This means they are used to connect two pipes that end in female threads, and the size of each side can vary so you can join together pipes of varying or the same sizes. Here are the main variations of brass nipple fittings and what they are used for:
Close Nipple
A close nipple fitting is a short length of male-threaded brass pipe. It is used to connect two female threaded fittings or components closely together, typically in tight spaces where a longer nipple would not be feasible or would add significant length.
Long Nipple
A long nipple fitting is a threaded brass pipe with male threads on both ends, but has a longer length compared to the close nipple. It can extend or connect two female threaded fittings over a greater distance, providing more flexibility in plumbing configurations. They are best used for situations where additional reach or clearance is needed, like when connecting two pipes through walls or between fixtures.
Hex Nipple
Another variety is the hex nipple, which is close to a long nipple fitting, but features a hexagonal flat in the middle for easy tightening with a wrench. This provides a secure connection between two female threaded fittings, allowing for a tighter seal during installation. These are commonly used in:
- Plumbing
- HVAC systems
- Industrial applications
Reducing Hex Nipple
Lastly, the reducing hex nipple is a variation of the standard hex nipple we discussed above but features two different-sized male threads on each end. This is used to connect two female threaded fittings of different sizes, allowing for a smooth connection between pipe sizes or types. So, these are commonly used in piping systems where you need to reduce from a larger pipe diameter to a smaller one or connect pipes with different thread standards.
Union Fittings
Union fittings connect two pipes where one end has a female thread and the other side has a male thread. Union fittings are designed to be easily removed for replacement or repair jobs without damaging the pipe system it’s connected to. This includes applications such as:
- High-pressure applications
- Plumbing
- Systems that require regular maintenance/repair
- System testing
Valve Fittings
Another type of brass fitting is the valve fitting, which is a bit more advanced than the other ones we have covered until this point. They can be used to control the flow of liquids through a piping system with an attached handle. These can come in a few different sizes and styles, and are mostly used for the following purposes:
- Temperature control
- Flow regulation
- On/off control
- Contamination prevention
- Pressure relief
- Directional control
Pipe Adapters
A pipe adapter is a brass fitting that can be used to convert the connection type at the end of a pipe. So, if you need to change the pipe ending from male thread to female thread, or the other way around, you can use a pipe adapter to get the job done. These are available in many different sizes to fit a range of applications, including:
- Pipe repairs and retrofitting
- Size compatibility
Pipe wyes
Lastly, pipe wyes are designed in the shape of the letter “Y”, hence the name. These can be used to join three pipes together like the tee fitting. However, they create a 45-degree angle connection instead of 90-degree. Pipe wyes come in different sizes and thread types to fit your specific needs in projects like:
- Plumbing
- Industrial applications
- HVAC systems
- Drainage systems
- Irrigation systems
Brass fittings stand out for their durability, corrosion resistance, and versatility, making them a top choice for projects that demand reliability and longevity. Whether you are undertaking plumbing work, engaging in automotive repairs, or dealing with the intricacies of gas connections, the importance of selecting the right type of brass fitting cannot be overstated. Now that you're armed with this knowledge, take the next step in your project's success by exploring the high-quality selection of brass fittings at IMSBolt.com.