A collection of heavy-duty forged steel NPT and NPTF pipe fittings, including elbows, nipples, and plugs, ready for industrial use.

Steel NPT & NPTF Pipe Fittings - Wholesale & OEM Supply

Q: What's the difference between NPT and NPTF (Dryseal)?

Standard NPT threads require sealant to fill a built-in leak path. NPTF (Dryseal) threads are designed to crush and deform when tightened, creating a metal-to-metal seal without sealant, though a lubricant is still recommended.

Q: Should I use Teflon tape or pipe dope for NPT fittings?

Pipe dope (sealant) is often preferred for high-pressure hydraulic systems as it lubricates threads and resists vibration. The key is to apply it only to the male threads, leaving the first two threads bare to prevent system contamination.

Q: Can I connect NPT and BSPT threads?

Absolutely not. They have different thread pitches and angles (NPT is 60°, BSPT is 55°). Connecting them will damage both fittings and guarantee a leak.

The Old Workhorse. When It Has to be Pipe Thread, It Has to be Done Right.

There's a Big Difference Between a Fitting That's "To Spec" and One That Actually Works.

National Pipe Taper is on damn near every machine in North America, but that doesn't mean it's simple. The entire seal relies on brute force—a tapered thread jamming itself into a port. If the angles are off, the material is weak, or the threads are cut sloppy, it's going to leak. That's a fact. We manufacture both standard NPT (which requires sealant) and the tougher NPTF (Dryseal) fittings to the absolute letter of the law—ANSI B1.20.1 and SAE J476.

What does that mean for you? It means when you wrench on one of our forged steel fittings, the threads engage clean and the taper is true. For NPTF, it means the threads are designed to crush and form a mechanical seal like they're supposed to. We forge these from high-strength carbon steel and then zinc-plate them to fight off rust. For a part this common, you can't afford to stock junk. Get the parts that keep your customers running.

NPT / NPTF Pipe Fitting Catalog

NPTF Pipe Female Coupling

Part #: 5000

Connects two male NPT/NPTF threaded pipes or fittings of the same size. Female NPTF threads.

NPTF Pipe Male Hex Nipple

Part #: 5404

Connects two female NPT/NPTF ports. Hexagonal body for wrench tightening. Male NPTF threads.

NPT Pipe Seamless Male Nipple

Part #: 5404N

Seamless construction nipple for connecting two female NPT ports. Male NPT threads.

NPT Hexagon Pipe Male Long Nipple

Part #: 5404L

An extended length hex nipple for connecting female NPT ports with added reach. Male NPT threads.

NPTF Pipe Internal External Connector

Part #: 5405

Adapter fitting, typically male NPTF x female NPTF, for connecting different components.

NPTF Pipe Hex Reducer Bushing

Part #: 5406

Reduces port size. Male NPTF thread externally, smaller female NPTF thread internally. Hex head.

NPTF Pipe Hex Socket Plug

Part #: 5406-HP

Seals a female NPTF port. Features an internal hex (Allen) socket for flush installation.

NPTF Pipe Hex Head Plug

Part #: 5406-P

Seals a female NPTF port. Features an external hex head for easy wrench installation/removal.

NPTF Pipe Hollow Hex Head Plug

Part #: 5406-P-Hollow

Similar to a hex head plug but potentially hollow for specific applications like drainage or venting.

NPTF Pipe Square Head Plug

Part #: 5406-HP

Seals a female NPTF port. Features an external square head for specific tool engagement.

NPTF Pipe Cap

Part #: 5406C

Seals the end of a male NPT/NPTF threaded pipe or fitting. Female NPTF threads.

NPTF Pipe 90° Male Elbow

Part #: 5500

Changes flow direction by 90°. Connects two female NPTF ports. Male NPTF threads both ends.

NPTF Pipe 45° Male Elbow

Part #: 5501

Changes flow direction by 45°. Connects two female NPTF ports. Male NPTF threads both ends.

NPTF Pipe 90° Street Elbow

Part #: 5502

Changes flow direction by 90°. Connects male NPTF to female NPTF port. One male, one female NPTF end.

NPTF Pipe 45° Street Elbow

Part #: 5503

Changes flow direction by 45°. Connects male NPTF to female NPTF port. One male, one female NPTF end.

NPTF Pipe Female 90° Elbow

Part #: 5504

Changes flow direction by 90°. Connects two male NPTF pipes/fittings. Female NPTF threads both ends.

NPTF Pipe 45° Female Elbow

Part #: 5505

Changes flow direction by 45°. Connects two male NPTF pipes/fittings. Female NPTF threads both ends.

NPTF Pipe Male Tee

Part #: 5600

Creates a 90° branch from a main line. Connects three female NPTF ports. All ends male NPTF.

NPTF Female Pipe Branch Tee

Part #: 5601

Tee fitting with female NPTF threads on the branch and potentially male/female on the run ends.

NPTF Pipe Street Tee

Part #: 5602

Tee fitting typically featuring one male NPTF end and two female NPTF ends for versatile connections.

NPTF Pipe Run Tee

Part #: 5603

Tee fitting where the branch connection might differ from the main run connections.

NPTF Male Pipe Branch Tee

Part #: 5604

Tee fitting with a male NPTF thread on the 90° branch connection.

NPTF Pipe Branch Tee

Part #: 5605

A standard tee configuration for branching hydraulic lines with NPTF connections.

NPTF Pipe Female Cross

Part #: 5652

Connects four male NPTF threaded pipes or fittings at 90° angles. All ends female NPTF.

NPTF Pipe Cross

Part #: 5655

Connects four female NPTF threaded ports at 90° angles. All ends male NPTF.

NPTF Pipe Male x Pipe Swivel Male 90° Elbow

Part #: 5700

90° elbow featuring one standard male NPTF end and one male NPTF end with a swivel nut for easier installation.

37° JIC Male to NPTF Male Pipe Swivel 90° Elbow

Part #: 5701

Adapter elbow connecting a male JIC fitting to a female NPTF port at 90°, with a swivel NPTF end.

NPTF Pipe Female x Pipe Swivel Male 90° Elbow

Part #: 5702

90° elbow featuring one female NPTF end and one male NPTF end with a swivel nut for easier installation.

The Shop Floor Truth: Getting Pipe Thread Right

NPT is old tech, but it's not going anywhere. The key is to know how it works, what it's good for, and—more importantly—what it's NOT good for. Here's the rundown, no fluff.

How It Works: It’s All About the Wedge

The whole game with a tapered pipe thread is wedging a male cone into a female cone. As you tighten, the threads jam together, creating a seal out of friction. But because the threads are cut in a spiral, there's a natural leak path. For a standard NPT fitting, you have to fill that path with pipe dope or Teflon tape. That's what makes the seal complete.

What About NPTF (Dryseal)?

The "F" stands for Fuel, and it means the threads are cut to a tighter tolerance (SAE J476). The peaks and valleys of the threads are designed to crush into each other when you tighten them down. This metal-on-metal deformation is what seals the leak path, so in theory, you don't need sealant.
Real-world talk: Use a little thread lubricant or sealant anyway. In high-pressure systems, it prevents the threads from tearing themselves up (galling) and just gives you a more reliable seal. Don't risk a leak to save two cents on dope.

The Good (Why it's still around)

It's Everywhere: Finding a replacement NPT fitting is never a problem.
It's Cheap: It's a simple design to machine, making it the most cost-effective fitting on the market.
It's Strong: When made from forged steel, it can handle a good amount of pressure in static systems.

The Bad (And How to Work Around It)

Vibration Will Kill It: A rigid metal wedge seal is the natural enemy of vibration. If a machine shakes hard, NPT will eventually work itself loose and leak. That's a fact.
Risk of Cracking a Port: A rookie with a four-foot cheater bar can easily crack a female port by overtightening. It takes feel, not just muscle.
It Wears Out: The threads deform to seal. You can only tighten and loosen it so many times before it won't seal properly anymore. It’s not designed for constant servicing.

How to Install it Like a Pro

Clean the threads. Both of them. Get the old gunk and grit out.
Dope the MALE threads only. Leave the first one or two threads bare so the dope doesn't get pushed inside the system and clog something up.
Start it by hand. If you can't get it started by hand, the threads are either dirty or damaged. Don't force it.
Wrench-tighten 2 to 3 turns past hand-tight. That's the general rule. You'll get a feel for when the fitting is properly seated.
NEVER back it off. If you need an elbow to point a certain way, tighten it to that point. If you go past it, don't back it off to get it aligned. You'll break the seal and it will leak. Start over.

Straight Answers to Common NPT Questions

What's the difference between NPT and NPTF (Dryseal)?

Standard NPT threads have a small gap at the crest and root, requiring sealant (tape or dope) to fill this leak path. NPTF (Dryseal) threads are designed to crush and deform when tightened, creating a metal-to-metal seal without sealant. However, using a lubricant is still recommended to prevent galling.

See our NPT Playbook for the full breakdown →

Should I use Teflon tape or pipe dope for NPT fittings?

Both can work. Pipe dope (sealant) is often better for high-pressure hydraulic systems as it resists vibration and helps lubricate threads. Teflon tape is clean but can shred, potentially contaminating the system. The key is to apply either sealant only to the male threads, leaving the first two threads bare.

Learn how to apply sealant like a pro →

Can I connect NPT and BSPT threads?

Absolutely not. They look similar but have different thread pitches and angles (NPT is 60°, BSPT is 55°). Attempting to connect them will damage both fittings and result in a guaranteed leak. Always verify the thread type before installation.

Read our Field Alert on NPT vs. BSPT →

Stock the Pipe Fittings That Don't Cause Headaches.

These fittings are the bread and butter of any hydraulic shop or OEM assembly line. As the direct factory, we keep a deep inventory of NPT & NPTF parts ready to ship for your wholesale needs. Get a quote for parts you can rely on.

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