What fitting for end of 5/16 tubing ???

[TerryEspo]

Basic question I,m sure , but I dont know what fittings are out there. All I use are 3 way tees and have used nothing else. Kinda like a puzzle for me at times !!

My dilemma is when I reach the end of my line, lowest end of my 5/16 tubing. I install extra tee,s to make a fitting that will drip into a line that goes into my collection barrel but sure there must be a better way ? My way looks sloppy and just not right. I may have sap also sitting in the tubing that goes around the tree. I call that part the "belt" I wish I could leave the sap line separtae from the "belt". The way I have it now is my belt is part of the sap line.

It gets quite busy at the end, I have it around the tree to keep it tight (belt) ,,,, a drop line from that tree that needs to drip into the line and finally the end of the line needs to empty into a barrel. All that and the drain tube needs to be the lowest point !!

Does anyone else just use 5/16 and /or knows a better way for me to end a line where I collect into a barrel?

Input is appreciated.

Thank-you.

Terry

[wiam]

There is a T that is dead on one side. I do not know brand but some are made in red to avoid confusion. They are made for the other end but would work for what you are trying to do.

[unc23win]

If your concern is trying to get the line tight going into your barrel you could also use a slide fitting or something like it that will grip the line and then use a string or a wire to pull the line tight and then have the end drop into the barrel. You could probably make a grip pretty easy as long as it doesn't kink or crimp the line just about anything could work. Piece of rubber, small bungie cord etc..

[Mike R.]

I use the anchor fork fitting from Atkinson's. They work real well and leave no dead spot in the "belt" of the line. The last drop-line attaches right onto to it.

It is item ANCFOR_1

http://atkinsonmaple.com/catalogue/pipes/5_16

[RunInCircles]

Terry, from what I've seen everyone seems to have a different preference. There are a number of options. Up until this year I just used a "Y" fitting to loop around my terminating tree and cut a T and dropline into the loop. Now I'm trying a couple other options:

This fitting grabs onto the 5/16 tubing (rather than cutting and inserting) and using the second item can hook onto itself after looping around the tree.
https://www.bascommaple.com/item/lapelf/lapierre_fittings/
https://www.bascommaple.com/item/lapelst/lapierre_fittings/

This one from IPL is cut in and hooks on in the same method but also doubles as a terminating dropline fitting.
https://www.bascommaple.com/item/ipelh/ipl_fittings/

[spencer11]

i would use the 3rd on runincircles posted

[Starting Small]

I feel like I may be missing something as I read this. If you have your lines all going to the 5/16 mainline, why would anyone need anything else besides a 3 way tee? I am sure I am missing something I just do not know what it is. When you say "belt" are you referring to something like in this video? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3gCxJMzCPs
If so, why not just run the line behind the tree and not put the line in the front to make a loop? It seems like if this is to just keep tension on the line that running it behind the tree should work? Thanks for the help,
-Dave

[TerryEspo]

I am happy to see that there are different fittings available. Due to different companies making them, my best bet is to go to my nearest supplier and see what they carry. Darn, another trip to the supplier,,,YIPPEE, love going there.

I thought there was just one proper way to do it but now see there is more than one way to skin THIS cat !! :cool:

Thanks everyone.

Terry

[JAMIE]

I set up two steep gravity lines on 5/16 tubing with 30 taps on each line.I ended the lines just like you said into a collection barrel.I don't see why it will not work,but we are sure going to find out.With this tree being the lowest in line b4 the barrel i don't think much sap will sit in the line. I set these up to see if i can get this natural vac to work.One cold week ahead!!