Where to buy black pipe fittings (China: second mortgage, house, buying)

[hts]

My girlfriend has this crazy notion that she wants me to build her some simple curtain rods around the house out of black pipe fittings. Fine. Any suggestions where I can buy them relatively cheaply? We have a lot of windows in this stoopid house. Not that it matters as I'll pick them up anywhere in the ATX metro, but we're down in the Drip/Henly area just in case there's any place down this way.

[wpme]

I've been seeing a lot of that look, my honest opinion is it would look better if you found some quality USA fittings, everything from the big box stores is clearly stamped CHINA

[hts]

Yes, I know I can get from HD/Lowes, etc, but that's not what we're looking for.

I just don't know the good/inexpensive plumbing supply companies that I can buy from locally without having to take out a second mortgage.

[TexasHorseLady]

Have you checked Harrell's on Oltorf? They're not strictly plumbing supply, but have a bit of everything, and I've found the oddest things there, very inexpensively. They're where I go when at a loss, now that Crump's has closed.

[JT-3]

I was going to build a laundry rack out of those. But, I returned them all because of weight - I had a rather exact location and there was not a stud. Plus they were way pricey compared to a traditional laundry rod.

You can order online, although one advantage to buying local is that you can test the pipe threading for fitment. Some seemed a little crooked.

"floor flange" is the search term...

[hts]

Thanks guys. I've never heard of Harrell's and I'll check them out this week.

I had thought about on-line, but would prefer to buy local this time, jsut in case we have any issues (most of the pipes will have to be certain lengths in order for us to get them into the studs).

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by hts

Thanks guys. I've never heard of Harrell's and I'll check them out this week.

I had thought about on-line, but would prefer to buy local this time, jsut in case we have any issues (most of the pipes will have to be certain lengths in order for us to get them into the studs).

Don't want to quash or squash anybody's sense of style; but this project will be much more expensive than it's worth, IMO; especially if it's to be incorporated throughout the home. Custom lengths, custom threading, not much fun, I don't imagine. The actual black pipe isn't very attractive and the 'chromed' or otherwise nicer finishes will be darned spendy. Back when galvanized pipe was plentiful, a plumber might have had enough hanging around to pull off such a project...not so easy nowadays, I reckon. Good luck!

[hts]

10scoachrick, thank you for sharing your learned opinion with me!