Freebie Alert: SQUBE copper tube and fittings

[Ray Stafford]

Apologies for this coming up so late, but I have only just had the go-ahead from the manufacturer.

Perhaps it means that a different set of members will get the freebies?

Reviewing any past freebie is NOT a requirement for this one, but you do have to be a forum regular, and PM me your snail mail address.

I have an fairly large supply of these freebies which are some samples of the new SQUBE copper tube, and a starter pack of fittings.

Long lengths of tube are quite awkward to send by carrier, so the freebie lengths will be the 1800mm version that they make for the DIY stores.







Following the passing of EU directive 10413, from April 1st 2014 the use of high capacity, square section, thick wall tube will be a mandatory requirement for all renewable applications attracting government subsidy.

On the continent, these have been around for a while, particularly in Eastern europe, and SQUBE is the only square section tube currently meeting all european regs.

Overall, I quite like the look of it, although I am not sure if the compression fittings are going to catch on - tightening the square thread requires a specialist spanner and some practice.

Looking to the future, I suppose we have to get used to new ideas, so this is your chance to be amongst the first to work with the latest plumbing technology.


PM me a snail mail address to book your freebie now, but I might not answer until the morning, since its getting late. PMs wil be taken in the order of arrival in my inbox until we run out of freebies.

Cheers


Ray

 

[Whl4852]

Looks good Ray - have pmD you - would love some to take into college maybe?

 

[Dotty]

I've heard about sqube somewhere or other. Isn't it used in other countries for its low profile in square lidded ducting?

 

[lame plumber]

looks interesting, easier to squeeze in to small spaces than round

 

[Keefy]

My mate's an engineer in Yorkshire Copper's manufacturing factory in Kirkby and said they'd had to bring in extra hands from Eastern Europe to get the new machinery installed in time for when the new EU directive comes in.

 

[TBServices]

I'm not even going to waste your time or my garage space on this Ray lol, even though I'm intrigued.

 

[stoker122]

Would work well in joist notches.

 

[anz]

I'm not even going to waste your time or my garage space on this Ray lol, even though I'm intrigued.

Thinking the same.

But its free.

Hmmmmm

 

[TBServices]

Thinking the same.

But its free.

Hmmmmm

Haha, what the hell would you do with it?

 

[Howsie]

The planning that's gone into this amazes me!

 

[Ray Stafford]

I'm not even going to waste your time or my garage space on this Ray lol, even though I'm intrigued.

Thinking the same.

But its free.

Hmmmmm

Haha, what the hell would you do with it?

It depends on whether you do the sort of work which falls under EU directive 10413, which only applies to renewable technologies.

Other than that, I would imagine some people would like the look of it - particularly if they have those squarish taps, or the rad valves using the same squared off design.

 

[lame plumber]

Haha, what the hell would you do with it?

as shown here Square & Rectangle Tube | Precision Tube & Components for Land, Sea & Air

 

[Keefy]

Haha, what the hell would you do with it?

I don't know what you've got against it, the Chinese have been using it for ages. We're just behind the times as per usual, they knew the advantages of copper over lead long before this backward country of ours and now even former Soviet Bloc countries overtaking us with this new Sqube.



I just think it looks better too.

 

[anz]

Ahh, what the heck.

I'll give it a try, take a look at it, show it to my colleagues, post their comments.
Might be a little longer before I actually use it.

 

[TBServices]

I don't know what you've got against it, the Chinese have been using it for ages. We're just behind the times as per usual, they knew the advantages of copper over lead long before this backward country of ours and now even former Soviet Bloc countries overtaking us with this new Sqube.

View attachment 12039

I just think it looks better too.

I don't have anything against it, I'm not shapist! I just don't get why you'd want a sample of pipe and fittings that you have no use for!

And how is it better exactly? You can't even bend it properly.

I also don't understand why it would be mandatory in renewables installs?

 

[Dotty]

A mate of mine is in the refrigeration game and very often has to squeeze 20 odd pipes on a tray. Sqube would makes his life so much easier and look far neater.

I've pm'd his details to you Ray, and sent him a text too. Can you give him a shout on Tuesday? He's in Croydon so he can use that branch. I think he'll be interested,

 

[TBServices]

To your run of the mill plumber it's pointless. Hence, I say leave the free samples for the guys who have a use for it..... That's all.

 

[Keefy]

I don't have anything against it, I'm not shapist! I just don't get why you'd want a sample of pipe and fittings that you have no use for!

And how is it better exactly? You can't even bend it properly.

I also don't understand why it would be mandatory in renewables installs?

Bend it like you do with any other square tube it's not rocket science is it? Plus there's less flow restriction in a square pipe bend.

As for your last question all I can say is if you kept up to date with renewables the answer would be obvious. You sure you're qualified?

 

[lame plumber]

You can't even bend it properly.

just use square tube dies!
Square Tubing Dies : Square Tube Bending : Tube Bender

 

[tamz]

I was working out in Gera (east germany) in 98-99 and came across some of this stuff fitted in some multi stories we were doing up.
First impressions of the stuff was wtf but then how good it looked. Very clean lines and very neat and why nobody had thought of it over here. There was a big range of fittings and adapters much like any other range of fittings
I think it was some Russian thing and never thought much about it after i came home

 

[Dotty]

Said in another thread about German efficiency. Figures that they'd have a handle on this stuff.

 

[Keefy]

Hope I haven't upset TBServices with that last post of mine, he went offline shortly after. :computer:

 

[dancinplumba]

Hook line and sinker... Hahaha sucker me 🙂

 

[Centralheatking]

I saw this in a German hotel. It looked good, must be dead easy to keep it straight and it clipped flat on to the wall.

Is it just in copper or is there plastic - what sizes ? Nice product Ray

 

[Rickster123]

:21: :icon14:

 

[AWheating]

best chuck my old fashioned round tools away then, and ive just brought a spare pipeslice wheel too. 🙂

 

[Centralheatking]

Ray is sellin sqube tools aswell ? how mucht

best chuck my old fashioned round tools away then, and ive just brought a spare pipeslice wheel too. 🙂

 

[SimonG]

But it'll only last until EU directive 010414 comes in next year 🙂

 

[AWheating]

and they have banned the bent banana now to, those eu guys. Im going to tescos to stock up on bent and round things before they all get banned 🙂 especially before 12pm today!

 

[Mike Jackson]

Are there any plans for push fit couplings? I'm surprised Yorkshire haven't tooled up for this yet, it's unlike them to miss out an opportunity. Could make quite a difference on pipe sizing as well with it's larger cross sectional area.

 

[Mike Jackson]

And have PMed you.

 

[Centralheatking]

Tesco is closed all day Easter Monday :stuart:

and they have banned the bent banana now to, those eu guys. Im going to tescos to stock up on bent and round things before they all get banned 🙂 especially before 12pm today!

 

[AWheating]

Tesco is closed all day Easter Monday :stuart:

not for me, i put a bent banana in my pocket and held up the security guard 😉


waiting for the is that a banana in your pocket jokes..............

 

[TBServices]

Bend it like you do with any other square tube it's not rocket science is it? Plus there's less flow restriction in a square pipe bend.

As for your last question all I can say is if you kept up to date with renewables the answer would be obvious. You sure you're qualified?

Yeah of course it can be bent, but everything would have to be at 90 degrees. Thus requiring more fittings, thus MORE restrictions overall. Not rocket science is it?

And if I had any need or desire to keep up with renewables, I would have. Unfortunately it's not something that would benefit me. I asked out of curiosity, so instead of making some snide comment questioning my qualifications, you could have just answered the question, providing you knew the answer.

 

[Dannypipe]

I'm afraid I'm with TB on this one. I'll wait for a sample that I might actually have a practical use for! Thanks anyway Ray.

I always knew you other lot were square.

 

[stoker122]

Yeah of course it can be bent, but everything would have to be at 90 degrees. Thus requiring more fittings, thus MORE restrictions overall. Not rocket science is it?

And if I had any need or desire to keep up with renewables, I would have. Unfortunately it's not something that would benefit me. I asked out of curiosity, so instead of making some snide comment questioning my qualifications, you could have just answered the question, providing you knew the answer.

Everyone should keep up with new technical innovations, this product is the future and its entirely possible that EU directive 010414 or soon after will make this mandatory for all plumbing/heating applications.
Especially when they bring out a flexible version.

 

[ecowarm]

Hi Ray, I have a large job coming up, it is to be done in 2" BSP threaded steel pipe. It would look really neat if available in square section, could you advise please.

 

[Dannypipe]

There's no way this is going to be made mandatory for a looooong time. The entire country has standard round pipe.

I agree it's good to keep up with innovations.

As for EU directives. They just annoy everyone, surely!?

 

[wheeto]

There's no way this is going to be made mandatory for a looooong time. The entire country has standard round pipe.

I agree it's good to keep up with innovations.

As for EU directives. They just annoy everyone, surely!?

The directive came into force nine hours ago along with the welfare reforms. Not sure EU010413 will last as long though.

 

[Dannypipe]

I better chuck all my old tools out then!

 

[Dotty]

Hi Ray, I have a large job coming up, it is to be done in 2" BSP threaded steel pipe. It would look really neat if available in square section, could you advise please.

What pressure you going up to Eco? Every thing over 500mbar MUST be welded in accordance with IGEM/UP/2 and EU10116.

 

[Mike Jackson]

Well surely that's easier then? Welding in a straight line has got to be easier than welding a curve. Win win, looks neater, easier to work with.

 

[Mike Jackson]

Yeah of course it can be bent, but everything would have to be at 90 degrees. Thus requiring more fittings, thus MORE restrictions overall. Not rocket science is it?

And if I had any need or desire to keep up with renewables, I would have. Unfortunately it's not something that would benefit me. I asked out of curiosity, so instead of making some snide comment questioning my qualifications, you could have just answered the question, providing you knew the answer.

No reason why this can't be bent using the correct guide and former. Surely it depends on how the pipe is annealed before it leaves the factory.

 

[Ray Stafford]

STILL A FEW FREEBIES LEFT - at the rate the PMs are coming in, I reckon we will have to close the offer in about an hour and a half.

Ray

 

[Dotty]

Guys

As always with Rays freebies don't forget the feedback.

Thanks again Ray.

 

[dancinplumba]

I have pm'd. 🙂

 

[stoker122]

I sent a PM earlier hope you got it.

 

[wheeto]

Is Ray going to let us know who got a PM in to him before the cut-off?

 

[dancinplumba]

Is Ray going to let us know who got a PM in to him before the cut-off?

I am one, cannot wait 🙂 🙂 soooo excited, never had owt for nowt

 

[Ray Stafford]

Is Ray going to let us know who got a PM in to him before the cut-off?

The list is quite long, its just as well that Sqube were generous with the freebie stock.

 

[ecowarm]

What pressure you going up to Eco? Every thing over 500mbar MUST be welded in accordance with IGEM/UP/2 and EU10116.

Its vacuum lines Cropster

 

[Dotty]

Ahhhh you'll be ok then.......

 

[CXR100]

never heard of this square tube before, thought at first it was an april fools joke , but have jest google'd it!!!

 

[ecowarm]

Ahhhh you'll be ok then.......

Just had an email back from RIGID and they are having problems getting the square dies for the threading machines approved by the EU, typical!

 

[stoker122]

Thought it was compression with squlives

 

[on31ll]

What are the prices like ? For fittings and pipe ?

 

[SimonG]

I bet we have to wait until next year for the square drills!

 

[Ray Stafford]

OFFER CLOSED. No more stock available until next April Fools day!

Now lets analyse the OP shall we. The clues were all there.

Apologies for this coming up so late, but I have only just had the go-ahead from the manufacturer.

Perhaps it means that a different set of members will get the freebies?

Reviewing any past freebie is NOT a requirement for this one, but you do have to be a forum regular, and PM me your snail mail address.

I have an fairly large supply of these freebies which are some samples of the new SQUBE copper tube, and a starter pack of fittings.

Long lengths of tube are quite awkward to send by carrier, so the freebie lengths will be the 1800mm version that they make for the DIY stores.

View attachment 12035

View attachment 12036



Following the passing of EU directive 1/04/13, from April 1st 2014 the use of high capacity, square section, thick wall tube will be a mandatory requirement for all renewable applications attracting government subsidy.

On the continent, these have been around for a while, particularly in Eastern europe, and SQUBE is the only square section tube currently meeting all european regs.

Overall, I quite like the look of it, although I am not sure if the compression fittings are going to catch on - tightening the square thread requires a specialist spanner and some practice.

Looking to the future, I suppose we have to get used to new ideas, so this is your chance to be amongst the first to work with the latest plumbing technology.


PM me a snail mail address to book your freebie now, but I might not answer until the morning, since its getting late. PMs wil be taken in the order of arrival in my inbox until we run out of freebies.

Cheers


Ray

Now lets sing a song to the tune of a well known Christmas favourite:

On the fifth day of easter my little prank gave to me...
Five normal plumbers
Four pub members
Three trusted advisors
Two college lecturers
and a moderator in a square tree

Credit to Croppie and Tamz as co-conspirators, but a big thanks to CentralHeatKing for the original concept, production, direction, product development and best original screenplay!

Well done also to those who picked up the gag and played along with it - Keefy gets credit for catching on quick, but several other also saw through it.

My wife thinks I have regressed back to childhood - giggling like a schoolboy.

🙂

 

[stoker122]

Nice one Ray good work. 🙂

 

[SimonG]

Nearly as good as the extra wide goals on the back page of the Sun today 🙂

 

[Dotty]

Well done Rob and Ray for keeping me entertained this morning, and for all of you who kept it going, thank you!

 

[SimonG]

Is somebody going to spill the beans on who fell for it? 🙂

 

[Ray Stafford]

Is somebody going to spill the beans on who fell for it? 🙂

I'm tempted. The evidence is all in my PM inbox. Maybe in the arms?

 

[dancinplumba]

Is somebody going to spill the beans on who fell for it? 🙂

Sadly, I did :-( but was very drunk 🙂

 

[Ray Stafford]

Perhaps I should let them "out" themselves, and make their excuses... 🙂

 

[Dotty]

I think a name and shame so we can point fingers and laugh.........

 

[Ray Stafford]

I think a name and shame so we can point fingers and laugh.........

I already have several threats of vengeance... 🙂

Most of last night's victims blaming alcohol - don't know what the excuses for this morning will be.

 

[dancinplumba]

I already have several threats of vengeance... 🙂

Most of last night's victims blaming alcohol - don't know what the excuses for this morning will be.

Are all your branches insured ? Are you RAY ? They don't call me Don Craneone for nothing, Do you have a horse 🙂 🙂

 

[lame plumber]

it was only 1220, 3 single malts and free, never turn down free even if you leave it in the garage for ever more and besides, theres always scrap value, its not the getting caught out that hurts just not getting free copper!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[lame plumber]

And I want to know the mod who was caught as they are the only one to trust in future! 🙂

 

[MickW]

I'm tempted. The evidence is all in my PM inbox. Maybe in the arms?

NO!!! Not in the arms - I'm not allowed in there :bigcry:

 

[villa_tom]

​ray you are my hero 🙂

 

[lame plumber]

​ray you are my hero 🙂

sounds like another one caught out using a double bluff technique, how you gonna prove otherwise?

 

[julesverne]

Great april fools

 

[CXR100]

i fell for it!!!! ba done!! but google it and there is such a thing!!!! so i dont know if that makes me a total idiot!!! as i did my own investigation work before sending ray a message regarding the price and sizes 🙁 haha

 

[CXR100]

Copper Tube Rectangular - Buy Copper Tube Rectangular,Insulated Copper Tube,Square Copper Tube Product on Alibaba.com

 

[Ray Stafford]

i fell for it!!!! ba done!! but google it and there is such a thing!!!! so i dont know if that makes me a total idiot!!! as i did my own investigation work before sending ray a message regarding the price and sizes 🙁 haha

In fairness, you took the hook, half the line, but not the sinker. Still no excuse for not querying the square thread bit though. I thought I might have overcooked it with that little detail, but I couldnt resist leaving it in. 🙂

 

[Whl4852]

I must be the dumbest person out there, I thought it sounded great! Until next year Ray - watch out!

 

[Ray Stafford]

Until next year Ray - watch out!

I think I might have to be abroad this time next year. 🙂

 

[Centralheatking]

So do I ... centralheatking

And I want to know the mod who was caught as they are the only one to trust in future! 🙂

 

[Ray Stafford]

sounds like another one caught out using a double bluff technique, how you gonna prove otherwise?

I can confirm that (for once) Villa_Tom is innocent.

Probably the first and last time I will ever type those words.

 

[Ray Stafford]

Also on the innocent list, because they sussed out the gag but played along:

Keefy, Mike Jackson, Stoker122, Wheeto, SimonG and Ecowarm.

CentralHeatKing, Croppie and Tamz innocent of falling for it, but guilty of conspiracy to embarrass their fellow tradesmen.

 

[Centralheatking]

Croppie, Ray and I spent quite a while gettin this together - Croppie as mod man , Ray was essential as he sells stuff and myself (i started it) as i really do design plumbing innovations - so it is ok to be scammed the 3 of us are all experts in our own fields - really glad all are happy.......centralheatking

I must be the dumbest person out there, I thought it sounded great! Until next year Ray - watch out!

 

[Centralheatking]

Thanks to all for playing along ..centralheatking

Also on the innocent list, because they sussed out the gag but played along:

Keefy, Mike Jackson, Stoker122, Wheeto, SimonG and Ecowarm.

CentralHeatKing, Croppie and Tamz innocent of falling for it, but guilty of conspiracy to embarrass their fellow tradesmen.

 

[Centralheatking]

The square thread bit was ace ...but not my idea sadly...chk

In fairness, you took the hook, half the line, but not the sinker. Still no excuse for not querying the square thread bit though. I thought I might have overcooked it with that little detail, but I couldnt resist leaving it in. 🙂

 

[Dotty]

Didn't really have much to do. It was all Rob and Ray..... Being as I now know who fell for it!

 

[Keefy]

I'd had 7 bottles of lager when this thread popped up and was also in the middle of writing up an official-looking draft copy of my own April Fool - "HMRC Unveils Plumbers Tax" which I intended to post this morning but after choking on my beer laughing at Rays OP decided it would be best to go along with the new SQUBE tube.

 

[Rickster123]

Thankfully I Sussed it early on but it did look like a great product! Last year the sun did a story about dart boards being made square from now on! I totally fell for it and rang my brother inlaw to see if he'd seen it. He told me I was a ***** and to ring him back when I'd grown a brain!

 

[Keefy]

When I was a kid Blue Peter said everyone who owned a bike needed a bike license and needed to go the Post Office to get one so me and my cousin did, the queue was huge with kids on their BMX's moaning about how stupid it was.

 

[Howsie]

I had a skin full of Murphys but that's no excuse.

There are square threads though in all fairness 🙂

 

[Keefy]

I'm still yet to find out if TBServices was just playing along or he really thinks I was being horrible to him. Bit worried he's going to hold it against me forever.

 

[Rickster123]

I'm still yet to find out if TBServices was just playing along or he really thinks I was being horrible to him. Bit worried he's going to hold it against me forever.

Haha I read that bit and thought he sounded serious!

 

[Keefy]

Men's Toiletries from ScrewFix: BodyFix

 

[Centralheatking]

Mind you Ray is introducing a bespoke range of Plumbers & C/H Engineers fragrances
available at all branches next April ! called Squent ..centralheatking

Men's Toiletries from ScrewFix: BodyFix

 

[Keefy]

[DLMURL="https://www.google.co.uk/intl/en/landing/nose/"]Google Nose[/DLMURL]

 

[JCplumb]

Hmmmm.... Do I mention that I spoke to another member of this site today who is also a plumber from Bolton and he's convinced this is real?
Nah I'd better not actually as he mentioned that he has a bag of freebies for me :hurray:

 

[TBServices]

I'm still yet to find out if TBServices was just playing along or he really thinks I was being horrible to him. Bit worried he's going to hold it against me forever.

I was playing along........... Lol.

 

[Keefy]

I was playing along........... Lol.

Thank god for that, thought you had a right strop on. You got me then lol.

 

[Ray Stafford]

Just had another forum regular claiming his Sqube freebie! 🙂

I wonder how long this will run for...?

 

[TBServices]

Thank god for that, thought you had a right strop on. You got me then lol.

Takes 2 to make it stick lol.