How can I achieve a tighter fit for my aluminum pipe in a clamp-on tee?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenge of achieving a tighter fit for an aluminum pipe within a clamp-on tee fitting. Participants explore potential solutions for a structural application where the pipe's outer diameter is significantly smaller than the fitting, complicating the attachment process.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using a larger piece of pipe or a round bar to fill the gap, indicating that milling may be necessary due to the size difference.
  • Another participant proposes obtaining a different clamp that fits both the pipe and the tee, although this suggestion does not consider the specific requirements of the application.
  • A later reply emphasizes the need for the current pipe size due to user grip considerations and the compatibility with existing structural fittings, arguing against switching to a larger pipe.
  • Participants express uncertainty about alternative solutions without further details on the application context.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to achieve a tighter fit, with multiple competing views on how to address the size discrepancy between the pipe and the clamp-on tee.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the specific requirements of the application, the fixed nature of the treadmill leg, and the existing structural fittings that must remain compatible with the chosen pipe size.

trannh
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Hello,

I am currently doing a project and have ran into a problem. I have a structural fitting (clamp-on tee) that fits around a fixed structure. I am trying to fit an aluminum pipe into it, but the pipe's outer diameter is much smaller than the clamp-on fitting. I'm attach 2 images that show what I'm describing. The first picture is the clamp-on tee. The clamp portion will go around a fixed pipe. The other section will fit the aluminum pipe. The second picture shows the pipe that will go into the tee. As you can see, it is much smaller than the tee. I was wondering if anyone has any ideas on how I can get a tighter fit. The tee has a screw to tighten the pipe but because the pipe is so small, the tightening screw cannot reach it. I know I could go with a larger alum pipe, but that is the pipe and tee that is required for this application. If anyone has any ideas, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
 

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Could always just get a piece of larger pipe just to go on the end to fill the gap. Although the gap is pretty big, so might have to get a round bar and mill it out to fit. Kind of hard to suggest something elese witohut knowing its' application.
 
Last edited:
trannh said:
that is the pipe and tee that is required for this application.

... so get the right size clamp to fit both pipes. They only cost a few dollars.
 
I can't get a smaller clamp because I need to attach the clamp to the leg of a treadmill. The leg is fixed, and that is the only clamp that will fit around that. Unfortunately, the other side of the clamp is too big for the pipe size I have. I could get a bigger pipe, but the pipe size I've chosen works best. One reason is because users will need to hang on to this pipe, so if the pipe is too thick, people won't be able to get a good grip. Also, I already have other structural fittings that fit this pipe size perfectly. The only one that doesn't fit my pipe size is that clamp. So if I was too get a bigger pipe for that clamp, I would have to re-buy all the other structural fittings. I'm stuck with those two pieces, so I'm just wondering if anyone has any ideas on what I can possibly do to get a nicer fit.

Thanks
 

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