Funny pipe compression couplings

[gorilla]

I have tried to use the compression couplings sold in the local orange big box store to repair some existing irrigation lines in my wife's flower beds it's 5/8" tube. I cannot get the tube to go into the coupling any ideas what I'm doing wrong?

 

[Firebrick43]

Are you talking about these used with hard black plastic (UHMW) line? Have you tried heating the end of the tube, my dad usually uses a propane plumbing torch on low and is very careful to play it over it quickly without burning/melting it. A cordless heat gun would work as well if you don't have the strength to manually force it cold

 

[jubilee]

Agree with the heat.
Sometimes just the heat of your hand and some silicone spray lubricant will do it.

 

[esben57]

Sit pipe end in hot water, makes it pliable.

 

[DaveAndStuff]

Another vote for hot water, a kettle works perfect is the wife is out.

Soap helps also

 

[pcmeiners]

If you think this is tough try getting a 1 1/2" OD fitting on 1 1/4" 200psi poly tubing. HVAC tube expanders with heat work great on smaller tubing.

 

[rlitman]

Another vote for hot water, a kettle works perfect is the wife is out.

Soap helps also

I fill a thermos with hot water when I'm doing a lot of irrigation work and dip the pipe into it. It makes a huge difference with how workable the PE tubing is.

 

[yatg]

If its 5/8 thinwall drip line, that's probably the wrong coupling for it. I've always used the compression type on the right.

 

[dynatrix]

Hot water usually works best for these fittings. Dip the tubing end for 20-30 seconds and maybe use a little soap or silicone spray. PE tubing gets really stiff when cold.

 

[Fav Onefour]

Funny pipe and drip lines are two different items.
Which type of pipe are we talking about?

 

[gorilla]

Funny pipe and drip lines are two different items.
Which type of pipe are we talking about?

I'm talking about the 1/2" diameter tube that you attach drip tubes to.