A customer recently contacted me because he had two concerns before placing an order.
His first concern was the CamLock dimensions. After measuring the outside diameter of his valve at 2.4375 inches, he couldn’t understand how it could seal inside a female CamLock connector advertised with an inside diameter of 2.51 inches.
His second concern was the Amazon kit he was considering. He only needed a CamLock fitting and a shut-off valve, so the kit looked like it contained four unnecessary parts. Buying just the two pieces he needed seemed like the logical choice.
As it turned out, both concerns had perfectly reasonable explanations—and both were misleading at first glance.
This is a quote from his email: (The inside dimension of the camlock is not clearly provided. The left side of the white arrow extends past the inside. How is 2.53″ the correct size for my male connection, which is less than 2.5″?) Here is a photo of his valve and a pic from the Amazon listing.
He’s doing everything right- -measure first, then order. I wish everyone was this thorough. He noticed and was concerned his valve measured slightly smaller than the fitting he thought should order. On that, I assured him that when the fitting’s wings are compressed, the connection is perfect–water tight.
The second concern involved this kit.
His words. The attached picture that contains 8 pieces is overkill as I just need the two at top left, the camlock and the brass valve. I agree 100%. Most people will never use half of the items in this kit. Why should he pay for them when all he wants is the CamLock and valve? After reading this, I shopped for exactly what he asked for. I found it but learned something. The cost of buying the CamLock and brass valve is much more expensive than a kit. This is my reply. I spent some time looking through Amazon to find the best combination for what you’re trying to do. I found separate CamLock and valve options that would work, but after comparing prices, this kit is actually the better value. Even though it includes things you won’t need, it still costs about half as much as buying the CamLock and valve separately.
I enjoy the back and forth with this format. Here was his reply. Thanks for your helpful and speedy response. My plan is to order just the pieces I need. Would you please confirm that these two items will work? The two items he chose were not compatible and I explained why. Unfortunately, those two parts won’t connect to each other. The CamLock fitting has 3/4″ garden hose threads, while the valve has 3/4″ pipe threads. Even though they’re both called “3/4 inch,” they have slightly different thread standards. On top of that, both fittings have male threads, so they couldn’t screw together anyway.
I spent some time looking through Amazon to find the best combination for what you’re trying to do. I found separate CamLock and valve options that would work, but after comparing prices, this kit is actually the better value. Even though it includes parts you won’t need, it still costs about half as much as buying the CamLock and valve separately.
As a long time Amazon seller as well as being familiar with the products, I assumed it would be easy to find the best deal. It took much longer than I thought. There is a lot of products to sort through. The last email Thanks, Will. I very much appreciate your input. We will order the kit you recommended. The lesson we both learned is that shopping for the best-suited IBC accessory can be more complicated than you realize. If you’re not sure which fittings work together, send me a few clear photos of your valve. I’d rather help you order the right parts once than have you buy the wrong ones twice.
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