Collection: Close Nipples
Close Nipples
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Close Nipples for Tight Fitting Assemblies
Every wasted inch on a pump manifold costs you somewhere else, usually in leverage that snaps a fitting on the first bump. A close nipple is all thread from end to end, so two female fittings pull together with almost no gap. Sun Brite Supply carries brass close nipples from 1/8" to 3/4" NPT in Gaithersburg, MD. Questions on fit? Call 301-519-9274.
When a Close Nipple Beats a Hex Nipple
Both connect two female fittings. The difference is the middle. A hex nipple has wrench flats between the threads, which makes tightening easy but adds length. A close nipple deletes the flats and the length with them. Use close nipples where compactness matters: stacking a gauge port off a pump head, snugging an unloader against a manifold, or keeping a chemical injector tucked in tight on a skid. Use hex nipples where you expect to break the joint apart for service, because a wrench on close nipple threads chews them up.
Installation is the part people get wrong. Thread one end into its fitting by hand, then drive the joint home by turning the mating fitting, not the nipple. If you ever need to back one out, an internal nipple wrench grips from the inside and saves the threads. Pliers on the outside ruin a close nipple in one squeeze, and a scarred thread is a leak you will chase for weeks. These are tapered NPT threads, so wrap them with tape or dope from our joint sealant and thread locker shelves before assembly. Brass earns its keep on wash rigs because it shrugs off detergents and never rust-welds itself into a fitting the way plated steel can after a season outdoors.
Brass Close Nipples by Size
| Size (NPT) | Typical Use on a Wash Rig | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8" x Close | Gauge and thermostat ports | $1.21 |
| 1/4" x Close | Injector and bypass plumbing | $1.73 |
| 3/8" x Close | Discharge side fitting stacks | $2.18 |
| 1/2" x Close | Pump inlets and manifolds | $1.21 |
| 3/4" x Close | Supply plumbing and tank bulkheads | $6.92 |
Buying a handful? Call ahead and we will pull them so they are waiting at the counter.
More Fittings Worth Grabbing in the Same Order
- All fittings and adapters
- Brass pipe fittings
- Stainless steel pipe fittings
- Hex couplers and hex bushings
- 90 degree elbows and tees
- Quick connects
Or skip the shipping wait and visit the Gaithersburg store, where the fitting wall is sorted by size.
Frequently Asked Questions
What separates a close nipple from a standard pipe nipple?
Length and thread coverage. A close nipple is the shortest nipple made for its pipe size, threaded end to end with no bare center. Two female fittings threaded onto it nearly touch.
How do you remove a close nipple without destroying it?
Unthread the fitting around it instead of gripping the nipple. If the nipple must come out on its own, use an internal nipple wrench that grips the bore. Outside jaws crush and tear the threads.
Do close nipples need thread sealant?
Yes. They carry tapered NPT threads, which seal on the taper plus a sealant. Use PTFE tape or a paste rated for hot water if you run a hot machine, and keep the first thread bare so shreds do not enter the pump.
Why buy brass instead of steel for a pressure washer?
Brass stands up to wash chemicals and weather without rusting, so joints come apart cleanly years later. Steel is stronger for high-torque structural spots, but it seizes and stains once corrosion starts.