COPPER PIPE CHARACTERISTICS (USA)

Wall thickness of copper pipe varies with the pipe schedule.  The four common standards are named K, L, M, DVW (Drain/Waste/Vent-non pressuruzed), with color codes of K=Green, L=Blue, M=Red, and DVW=Yellow. 

Nominal
Pipe
Size
 O.D.
 I.D. Wall
Thickness


S#-K
 S#-L
 S#-M
 S#-DVW
 S#-K
 S#-L
 S#-M
 S#-DVW
1/4
 3/8"
 0.305
 0.315
 -
 -
 0.035
 0.030
 -
 -
3/8"
 1/2"
 0.402
 0.430
 0.450
 -
 0.049
 0.035
 0.025
 -
1/2"
 5/8"
 0.527
 0.545
 0.569
 -
 0.049
 0.040
 0.028
 -
5/8"
 3/4"
 0.652
 0.565
 -
 -
 0.049
 0.042
 -
 -
3/4"
 7/8"
 0.745
 0.785
 0.811
 -
 0.065
 0.045
 0.032
 -
1"
 1-1/8"
 0.995
 1.025
 1.055
 -
 0.065
 0.050
 0.035
 -
1-1/4"
 1-3/8"
 1.245
 1.265
 1.291
 1.295
 0.065
 0.055
 0.042
 0.040
1-1/2"
 1-5/8"
 1.481
 1.505
 1.527
 1.541
 0.072
 0.060
 0.049
 0.042
2"
 2-1/8"
 1.959
 1.985
 2.009
 2.041
 0.083
 0.070
 0.058
 0.042
2-1/2"
 2-5/8"
 2.435
 2.465
 2.495
 -
 0.095
 0.080
 0.065
 -
3"
 3-1/8"
 2.907
 2.945
 2.981
 3.030
 0.109
 0.090
 0.072
 0.045
S# = Schedule

The pressure a copper pipe can handle is dependent on temperature and the size of the pipe.  Joints are usually rated for less pressure than the pipe itself.

During manufacture copper pipe is drawn through a die.  This work-hardensthe metal, making it quite rigid.  Flexible copper pipe (K and L only) are annealed afterwards to return it ot a flexible state.

Drawn copper pipe makes nice axles.  A 1/2" copper pipe will fit snugly in a 5/8" bearing.  Just remember that copper pipe is not as strong as a proper steel rod, especially in bending, and that over-tightening set screws can deform the pipe.  K-series pipe, having the thickest wall, will be the strongest for use as axles.

Copper pipe fittings can be used as bushings.  A 1/2" pipe coupling is 5/8" I.D., though you will have to file off the nubs to allow your axle to push all the way through the fitting.  You can use a T-fitting with a cap and fitted with a grease fitting as a lubable bushing...or just leave the cap off and use it as an oil cup.


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