Tubing size
1/4 in vinyl microtubing: DIG and Mister Landscaper sizes
DIG lists three 1/4 in vinyl sizes plus 1/8 in, up to 30 psi; Mister Landscaper's vinyl is .145 x .295 in. Sizes, pressure and heat catches.
Also listed as vinyl micro tubing, 1/4 in vinyl
Short answer
1/4 in vinyl microtubing is not one size. DIG's vinyl table lists .156 x .245, .160 x .220 and .170 x .250 in (ID x OD), plus a 1/8 in .118 x .187 in, rated up to 30 psi. Mister Landscaper's 1/4 in vinyl is .145 x .295 in. Drip Depot lists vinyl in high heat among the reasons tubing pops off fittings; see vinyl vs poly.
Key facts
- Names it is sold under
- 1/4 in vinyl micro tubing; DIG also lists a 1/8 in vinyl size[1]
- Outside diameter
- DIG 1/4 in: .245, .220 and .250 in; DIG 1/8 in: .187 in; DIG 12-018: .270 in; Mister Landscaper: .295 in[1][2][3]The .270 in OD is one DIG shop SKU (12-018), not a DIG-wide size.
- Inside diameter
- DIG 1/4 in: .156, .160 and .170 in; DIG 1/8 in: .118 in; DIG 12-018: .160 in; Mister Landscaper: .145 in[1][2][3]
- Tubing makers list at this size
- DIG 12-002/12-005 (.156 x .245 in), 12-055/56/57 (.160 x .220 in), 12-110/111/112 (.170 x .250 in); DIG 12-018 (.160 x .270 in, 1,000 ft); Mister Landscaper MLT-B30, MLT-B100B, MLT-T100B and MLT-S20 (.145 x .295 in)[1][2][3]
- Maker pressure rating
- DIG: up to 30 psi on its current vinyl page[1]DIG's 2016 greenhouse catalog listed the same family up to 60 psi; we use the current page.
- Compression fittings for this OD
- Not confirmedThe compression fittings in our sources are 1/2 in parts.
- Locking-nut and universal fittings
- Not confirmedNo locking-nut fitting for 1/4 in vinyl is in our sources.
- Barbed fittings
- DIG says both its vinyl and poly 1/4 in tubing accept 1/4 in barbed fittings[4]Mister Landscaper's .145 x .295 in vinyl is not assumed to fit .170 in ID parts.
- Reducers and adapters
- Not confirmedNo adapter between vinyl sizes, or from vinyl to poly, is in our sources.
- End closures, plugs and stakes
- Not confirmedNo plug or stake in our sources is listed for a vinyl size.
- How to identify it
- Vinyl is softer and more flexible than poly. Read the bag or print, then cut a fresh, square end and measure the OD with calipers and compare it with the sizes above. Drip Depot says to check a tube's ID and OD before buying fittings. Steps: [how to measure drip tubing](/guides/how-to-measure-drip-tubing); lookup: [tubing size finder](/tools/drip-tubing-size-finder)[5][4]
- Maker-page conflicts
- DIG's current vinyl page says up to 30 psi; its 2016 greenhouse catalog says up to 60 psi for the same family. DIG's 12-018 shop SKU lists .160 x .270 in, a size its professional vinyl table does not list[1][6][2]
- Not confirmed
- Not confirmedDIG publishes no temperature rating for its vinyl. No source confirms that Mister Landscaper's vinyl fits other makers' barbs. No source gives a measuring tolerance.
Watch out for
- Drip Depot lists vinyl tubing used in high temperatures among the four reasons microtubing pops off 1/4 in fittings.
- DIG says poly holds up better at high temperatures than vinyl.
- Mister Landscaper's 1/4 in vinyl is .145 x .295 in, not .170 x .250 in, and Mister Landscaper does not say it cross-fits other parts.
- DIG adds at least 2% carbon black to its vinyl micro tubing.
Questions
Is vinyl or poly 1/4 in tubing better in heat?
DIG says poly microtubing holds up better at high temperatures, and Drip Depot lists vinyl in high heat among the causes of tubing popping off fittings.[4][7]
What pressure is DIG vinyl tubing rated for?
DIG's current vinyl page says up to 30 psi. An older 2016 DIG catalog said 60 psi; we follow the current page.[1][6]
Will Mister Landscaper vinyl fit my other 1/4 in parts?
Mister Landscaper lists its vinyl at .145 x .295 in. No source confirms it fits barbs made for .170 in ID poly tubing.[3]