Tubes

[Suskmorrison]

Can someone tell me how to measure a tube? I have many tubes and can't figure which is 10mm and etc?

 

[KenB259]

Calipers or a micrometer would be my choice. If you don't have them, drill a 10 mm hole in a piece of hardwood and see how the tube fits into it.

 

[jttheclockman]

Calipers and measure OD.

 

[ed4copies]

A "10 mm tube" is NOT 10 mm!!

One of my pet peeves about this industry.
It fits in a 10 mm hole, but the actual diameter can vary a little.

 

[Darios]

Measure the outer diameter of the tube itself. For example here's a 15/32 tube I had on top of the work pile.

 

[SteveJ]

Also, the ID can also vary depending on the kit and if you bought spare lengths which you intend to cut down.

 

[JohnU]

If you have pen kit bushing stick them in and see which one fits.

 

[Morse]

Or this from Amazon,

Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

Note to myself. Must learn how to do links properly
I bought two one metric the other standard, good for quick drill sizing.

 

[randyrls]

Ken; There are several lists of tube and bushing sizes in the "Resources", "IAP Library". The "Tubes n' Bushings" app can be downloaded onto either Apple or Android smartphone devices.

As Ed said, those 10mm sizes are not exact! They can vary by a little bit. That is why a set of caliper or micrometer is a good idea. Digital calipers are best because of a trick they can do. When you want to turn down the blank to the fitting size, put the calipers on the fitting and press the zero button. Now your caliper will register the amount you need to remove from the blank. I try to make the fit -0.000/+.003"

 

[ed4copies]

Popular conception is that a "sierra" tube is 27/64" (.0421875")
The actual OD measurement of the tube is .40-.41"