Hose Barb Fittings

Barbed fittings are constructed with ridges that grip the inside of a tube without damaging it. Hose barbs include elbow and straight fittings with male and female-threaded ends in brass and plastic materials. Brass barbs work best for hot-water applications, and plastic barbs work best with cold water. Metal fittings are not always stronger than plastic fittings. They perform better under high pressure, but plastic fittings are just as secure and cost less.

Frequently asked questions: Where are hose barb fittings used? How do you size a hose barb fitting? Why is my hose barb fitting leaking?

Visit our blog for the full list of FAQs about hose barbs and answers to these questions.

Plastic barbs, including nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene, and PVC fittings, are used for home and commercial plumbing. Types of barb fittings range from garden hose adapters to fittings for fountain beverage machines. An adapter is a type of barb fitting with a barb and threaded connector.

Knowing whether a type of fitting and tube work well together is key to establishing a strong connection.

Factors to consider when looking for a hose barb fitting

• • Inside diameter of tube
• • Intended use
• • Tube material

If you’re not sure of what thread size you need, check out our 5-step guide to determining thread type and pipe size.

Flexibility determines the strength of the connection. Hose barbs perform best with softer tubing. If a barb’s ridges are too sharp for the tubing material, pulling the fitting in and out could damage the tubing.

When to use a clamp with a hose barb

Sometimes, a clamp helps strengthen the grip of the barb. Usually, a barb is secure enough without a clamp; however, if your tubing is extremely flexible or the barb has been removed and reused multiple times, then a clamp may be necessary.

CPC FitQuik Connectors

FitQuik connectors from Colder Products Company provide a secure fit, designed to eliminate leaks in tubing and withstand the most demanding applications.

For more information on Colder fittings, visit the CPC collection.