Retract & Extend

Telescopic PVC Pipe Sizes

Do FORMUFIT PVC pipe sizes fit inside one another? By regular Schedule 40 standards, they do not, however FORMUFIT stocks three different PVC sizes in what is known as ‘thinwall’ pipe, which provides telescoping capabilities for PVC pipe. Replacing certain sizes of Sch 40 pipe with thinwall pipe allows for stacking or nesting of other pipe sizes in between them to create a telescoping effect.

What is Thinwall PVC Pipe?

Thinwall PVC pipe is exactly what it sounds like: a pipe with a thinner wall. While it maintains the same outside diameter as standard PVC pipe sizes, it features a larger internal bore or opening. This larger opening allows it to accommodate other PVC pipe sizes within it. Made by FORMUFIT, it is extruded from the same high-quality Furniture Grade PVC material as our other products and includes UV protection that has become very popular.

Despite its advantages, Thinwall pipe does have some limitations. Its thinner wall means it is not as structurally strong as standard Schedule 40 pipe and can be easily knocked out of roundness or distorted under too much weight. Additionally, cutting Thinwall pipe requires special attention; traditional plastic or ratcheting pipe cutters can cause distortion.

Nevertheless, Thinwall PVC is an excellent choice for creating extendable or retractable projects with PVC pipe.

PVC 101: How to Measure PVC Pipe

How do you telescope PVC pipe with Thinwall?

By combining our Schedule 40 PVC pipe with specific segments of Thinwall PVC pipe, you can create telescoping pipe assemblies ranging from our 1/2" size up to our 2" size.

This method involves replacing the standard 3/4", 1", and 1-1/2" Schedule 40 PVC pipe with our Thinwall Furniture Grade PVC pipe. The Thinwall pipe, with its larger internal bore, allows for a seamless fit of smaller pipe sizes within it, facilitating the telescoping function.

Below, you will find a detailed chart that illustrates how all the pipe segments fit together. This chart provides clear guidance on where to use Thinwall pipe when constructing telescoping assemblies. It serves as a helpful reference to ensure you achieve the desired extendable or retractable functionality in your projects.

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Nested Dimensional Table

The following table outlines a more detailed level of the actual PVC dimensions that can be telescoped, along with information in regards to how much gap is between the two pipes when inserted:
(A) Pipe Size (B) Can be Inserted Into (C) Can Accept Pipe Size (D) Diameter Gap*
1/2" Sch. 40 3/4" Thinwall N/A N/A
3/4" Thinwall 1" Thinwall 1/2" Sch. 40 0.040"
1” Thinwall 1-1/4" Sch. 40 3/4" Sch 40 or Thinwall 0.067"
1-1/4" Sch. 40 1-1/2" Thinwall 1" Sch 40 or Thinwall 0.032"
1-1/2" Thinwall 2" Sch. 40 1-1/4" Sch 40 or Thinwall 0.045"
2" Sch. 40 N/A 1-1/2" Sch 40 or Thinwall 0.073"
* (D) Diameter Gap indicates the evenly distributed space between the source pipe (A) and the size accepted inside of it (C).

Why Telescoping PVC Pipe?

Telescopic PVC pipe is an excellent solution for adding adjustability, vertical height, or collapsibility to your PVC projects. By using FORMUFIT Quick Release Pins or cotter-pin connections between the two segments of PVC pipe, you can easily achieve an adjustable or break-down configuration. Simply pre-drill holes at the desired connection points, insert the pins to secure the segments, and remove the pins when you want to collapse the project back into a storable size. This method offers a convenient and efficient way to make your PVC projects more versatile and portable.