Looking for durable and reliable tubing for your next project? 1/8 copper tubing is a top choice among DIYers, homeowners, and professionals alike. Known for its corrosion resistance and flexibility, this tubing is ideal for plumbing, refrigeration, and automotive applications. In this shopping guide, discover what makes 1/8 copper tubing the smart, versatile option for your needs.
Comparing 1/8″ Copper Tubing: Types, Variations, and Applications
| Tubing Type | Typical Length | OD (Outer Diameter) | ID (Inner Diameter) | Wall Thickness | Application Areas | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utility Copper Tubing | 1 ft, 6 ft, 10 ft | 1/8″ | Varies | Varies | Hobby, DIY, light plumbing, crafts | Easy to cut, basic finish |
| Refrigeration (ACR) Coil | 50 ft (coiled) | 1/8″ | ~0.065″ | 0.030″ | HVAC, refrigeration, appliances | Soft coil, easy bending |
| Cleaned Copper Tubing (Lab/GC) | 50 ft (coiled) | 1/8″ | 0.065″ | 0.030″ | Gas chromatography, analytical equipment | Ultra-clean, high pressure |
| Soft (Flexible) Copper Tubing | 10-50 ft (coiled) | 1/8″ | Varies | 0.030″-0.040″ | HVAC, water, gas, instrumentation | Flexible, easy installation |
| Hard (Rigid) Copper Tubing | 1-6 ft (sections) | 1/8″ | Varies | 0.030″ + | Structural, visible piping, water supply | Durable, holds straight shape |
Everyday Usage of 1/8″ Copper Tubing
Where and How Is 1/8″ Copper Tubing Used?
1/8 inch copper tubing is one of the most versatile and reliable small-diameter tubing available for a variety of tasks. Common everyday uses include:
- Refrigeration & HVAC: Used for liquid and gas lines in air conditioning or refrigeration systems because copper is non-reactive, durable, and easy to form into coils.
- Plumbing: Employed for low-flow water supply lines, humidifiers, and ice makers.
- Instrumentation: Found in laboratory, analytical, or medical equipment due to its excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance.
- Crafting & DIY Projects: Favored by hobbyists for model-making, jewelry, and structure frameworks.
- Automotive Applications: Useful for gauge lines, oil, or fuel transfer in classic cars and custom installations.
Benefits of 1/8″ Copper Tubing
Why Choose 1/8″ Copper Tubing?
- Corrosion Resistance: Copper is naturally resistant to corrosion, prolonging its lifespan and ensuring water and gas purity.
- Ease of Forming: Small-diameter copper tubing can be easily bent and shaped for installation in tight spaces without kinking (especially soft copper).
- Thermal Conductivity: Perfect for heat-exchange applications such as refrigeration, as copper conducts heat rapidly.
- Pressure Tolerance: Even fine tubes can withstand significant internal pressures (up to 2800 psig for certain cleaned types).
- Hygienic Properties: Does not support microbial growth, making it suitable for potable water or laboratory uses.
- Solderability and Joinability: Connects quickly with standard fittings (compression, flare, solder), saving you installation time.
- Recyclability: 100% recyclable material, making it environmentally friendly for both installation and disposal.
Choosing the Right 1/8″ Copper Tubing
Factors to Consider
- Usage/Application Needs
- HVAC/Refrigeration: Use ACR (Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) grade soft copper coils, compatible with refrigerants, with proper wall thickness for pressure.
- Plumbing/Water: Ensure it’s rated for potable water, typically Type K, L, or M copper.
- Laboratory/Instrumentation: Opt for cleaned, high-purity copper tubing designed to avoid contamination.
-
Crafts/Light Duty: Utility copper tubing or shorter lengths is sufficient.
-
Length & Packaging
- Coils (25, 50 ft) are ideal for longer runs and easy routing.
-
Straight sections (1-5 ft) are better for visible, rigid, or structural projects.
-
Type: Soft vs. Hard
- Soft copper bends easily by hand and is used for coiled piping or tight spaces.
-
Hard copper remains straight—best for exposed runs and visible installations.
-
Wall Thickness (Gauge)
- Thicker walls handle more pressure but are harder to bend.
-
Match tubing gauge to your system’s required working pressure.
-
Certifications & Cleanliness
- Drinking water requires NSF-certified or potable-grade copper.
-
Analytical/lab applications may need “cleaned and capped” tubing free of contaminants.
-
Fitting Compatibility
- Ensure the OD matches your connectors and fittings (compression, flare, or push-fit types).
User Tips and Best Practices
Installation, Handling, and Maintenance Advice
- Bending: Use a tubing bender for precise curves and to avoid kinks, especially in longer runs.
- Cutting: Always use a sharp, fine-tooth tube cutter for square, clean ends—avoid hacksaws that produce burrs or uneven cuts.
- Joining: Clean ends thoroughly before soldering, flaring, or using compression fittings for reliable, leak-free joints.
- Support: Support runs every 18-24 inches to prevent sagging and vibration, especially with soft tubing.
- Protection: Avoid direct contact with dissimilar metals (steel, aluminum) to prevent galvanic corrosion; use plastic or rubber grommets where pipes pass through walls or metal.
- Leak Testing: Always pressure-test your installation before covering or insulating lines.
- Storage: Keep tubing capped and stored off the ground to prevent dust and dirt buildup, especially for tube intended for refrigeration or clean applications.
- Working Safely: Wear gloves and eye protection while cutting or joining copper tubing.
Technical Comparison Table: 1/8″ Copper Tubing
| Model/Type | Length | OD | ID | Wall Thickness | Max Pressure | Cleanliness | Key Application | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utility Copper Tubing | 1 ft | 1/8″ | ~0.070″ | ~0.030″ | ~300-600 psi | Standard | Hobby, light duty | Short, easy to cut |
| Copper Ref. Tubing – Soft Coil | 50 ft | 1/8″ | 0.065″ | 0.030″ | ~2800 psi | As manufactured | HVAC, refrigeration | Soft, coil, easy bend |
| Laboratory Cleaned Copper Tubing | 50 ft | 1/8″ | 0.065″ | 0.030″ | 2800 psi | Ultra-clean | Analytical, lab gas delivery | Proprietary cleaning process |
*Values may vary by manufacturer; confirm technical specs for critical applications.
Best Practices: Choosing and Using 1/8″ Copper Tubing
- Match Grade to the Need: Soft copper for ease of installation; hard copper for exposed, durable installations.
- Mind the Pressure: Check system working pressure and ensure your tubing’s pressure rating exceeds it for safety.
- Length and Waste: Purchase slightly more than needed to allow for errors and future repairs.
- Cleanliness Counts: For sensitive or laboratory systems, ensure tubing is pre-cleaned and packaged to avoid contamination.
- Connection Method: Choose tubing compatible with the fittings you (or your contractor) will use—compression, flare, solder, or press.
Related Video
Conclusion
1/8 inch copper tubing is a proven solution for a range of applications— from precision refrigeration and plumbing to laboratory and hobbyist uses. Its blend of durability, resistance to corrosion, ease of shaping, and reliability makes it an outstanding choice for professionals and DIYers alike. By carefully selecting the right type, grade, and size for your needs—and following best practices for cutting, bending, and joining—you will ensure a long-lasting, leak-free installation.
FAQ
-
What is the most common use for 1/8″ copper tubing?
1/8″ copper tubing is most often used in HVAC and refrigeration applications for delivering refrigerant lines, as well as in water lines for appliances like ice makers, humidifiers, and sometimes for instrumentation and laboratory setups. -
What is the difference between soft and hard (rigid) copper tubing?
Soft copper is flexible and can be easily bent by hand or with a bender, ideal for running in continuous runs and tight spaces. Hard copper is rigid, often supplied in straight lengths, and is used where a straight, durable installation is required. -
How do I cut 1/8″ copper tubing cleanly?
Use a dedicated tube cutter designed for small-diameter copper. Place the cutter around the tubing, tighten slightly, rotate, tighten again, and repeat until cut through. This yields a smooth, square end. Always deburr the inside after cutting. -
Can I use 1/8″ copper tubing for drinking water?
Yes, if the tubing is rated for potable water—ensure it is NSF-certified, clean, and intended for potable use. Never use tubing that was previously used in gas or oil applications for water. -
How do I make tight bends in 1/8″ copper tubing without kinking?
For tight curves, always use a tubing bender specifically sized for 1/8″ diameter tubing. Do not attempt to bend small copper by hand or with pliers, as kinks will restrict flow and weaken the tube. -
What fittings work with 1/8″ copper tubing?
Common fittings include compression, flare, and push-to-connect (press) types. Always select the correct fitting type for your application and ensure the inner diameter matches the tubing’s outer diameter. -
How much pressure can 1/8″ copper tubing handle?
Pressure ratings vary, but cleaned, lab-grade 1/8″ copper tubing often withstands up to 2800 psi. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications for your particular use case. -
Is 1/8″ copper tubing suitable for outdoor applications?
Copper is naturally weather and corrosion-resistant. It can be used outdoors, but for extra longevity, protect it from physical damage and avoid contact with dissimilar metals to prevent galvanic corrosion. -
Can I solder 1/8″ copper tubing?
Yes, you can solder 1/8″ copper tubing, but it requires practice and high-quality flux, as the small size can be challenging. Many users prefer compression or flare fittings for ease of assembly at small diameters. -
How should I store unused 1/8″ copper tubing?
Keep tubing in a dry, clean place, preferably sealed or capped to keep dust and debris out. Store coils or sticks off the ground, and avoid areas where it may be stepped on, bent, or contaminated before use.