Reference
Drip connection types: compression, barbed, spin-lock and threads
Pick a connection type to see how it grips the tubing or thread, which other types it meets only through an adapter, and the fittings made to it.
- Compression fittings
- Barbed insert fittings (1/2 in, 16 and 17 mm)
- Locking-nut and spin-lock fittings
- 1/4 in barbed connectors
- Hose thread (FHT and MHT)
- Pipe thread (FPT, MPT, NPT)
- 10-32 thread on emission devices
Choose your connection type to see the key facts and what fits. Each fact links to its source on the full page.
All connection types
- Compression fittings Compression fittings grip the outside of the tubing, so OD decides fit. DIG's green, black and blue inserts and Rain Bird Easy-Fit's 0.63-0.70 in range.
- Barbed insert fittings (1/2 in, 16 and 17 mm) Barbed insert fittings go inside the tubing. DIG labels its 1/2 in barbs 16 and 17 mm; Rain Bird's XF insert fittings are 17 mm, 0-50 psi, for XFD.
- Locking-nut and spin-lock fittings Locking-nut fittings pair a barb with a nut or collar, so ID and OD both matter. NUTLOC, Smart Loc and Orbit 67466 ranges, pressures and steps.2 products that fit
- 1/4 in barbed connectors Rain Bird's 1/4 in barbed fittings push together at 0-50 psi; its SPB-025 self-pierces 1/2 in tubing. Punch sizes, goof plugs and why barbs pop off.3 products that fit
- Hose thread (FHT and MHT) Drip head parts use 3/4 in hose thread: DIG's D45 and D57A are FHT x MHT. Raindrip says to match hose thread to hose thread. Adapters to pipe thread.1 product that fit
- Pipe thread (FPT, MPT, NPT) ASME B1.20.1 covers inch pipe threads including NPT. Which drip regulators, filters, emitters and adapters use 1/2 or 3/4 in pipe thread, by maker.1 product that fit
- 10-32 thread on emission devices Some emitters and jets screw on with a 10-32 thread: Rain Bird Xeri-Bug -1032 models, DIG's bare jet heads and Rain Bird's PFR-12 riser.