what is the outside dia. of 3/16 tubing going that route next year

[Chickenman]

I may go to tubing and some sort of mechanical vacuum or just natural vacuum next year. I need to really plot out how I plan to run lines, position tanks and be able to gather sap as it tends to be wet and stay wet all year. No there is no electric on this lot so solar will be incorporated or possibly a small windmill using an alternator to charge and maintain battery. . I want to gather up materials as time and money permit. I plan on building a 1 or 2 handed tubing tool but don't know what the OD if the 3/16 tubing is to make the jaws on the tool. I have 5/16 tubing that I will most likely save for something else as it seems that 3/16 is the way to go now. So, what say you that are using 3/16. What is the OD of the tubing.

[wnybassman]

I am not sure, but I think the exact O.D. on 3/16 tubing varies slightly from one manufacturer to the next. For the most part for me, 3/16 tubing slips very tightly into 5/16 tubing. So I would put the O.D. at roughly 5/16ths. :D

[Chickenman]

Thank you. That gives me a starting point for a build.

[minehart gap]

When I built my 3/16" tubing tool, I used 5/16" threaded couplers and drilled 5/16" drill bit about half way through then cut in half length ways.

Just a tidbit that I heard before building mine, get good vice grips. You don't want to be in the middle of your woods with a broken tubing tool and sap running the next day.

[bmbmkr]

I have a single 5/16 tool, I took a 1 1/2"- well several, and sometimes have to make em in the woods- cut a 1 1/2" piece of 5/16,cut a slit end to end, slip it over the end of your 3/16 and clamp it in the tool- works great for anyone who needs to work 3/16 with a 5/16 tool that is.

[wnybassman]

I have a single 5/16 tool, I took a 1 1/2"- well several, and sometimes have to make em in the woods- cut a 1 1/2" piece of 5/16,cut a slit end to end, slip it over the end of your 3/16 and clamp it in the tool- works great for anyone who needs to work 3/16 with a 5/16 tool that is.

Yup, I just came back to this thread to say the same thing. I use my one handed 5/16 tool for 3/16 all the time.

[Chickenman]

I guess I could build a universal tool to do both but I like one tool for one job. Thank you, I've seen some really nice builds on this site over the years and I have my own take that I will try.

[Wanabe1972]

I just built mine for both sizes19209

[Stiets]

On a side note I used 5/16" OD quick disconnect fittings for my 3/16" tubing into my vacuum. Works great so far. Now I can switch around or add lines more easier then barbed fittings
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