McMaster-Carr logo
    Filter by
    Sealing Location
    Deflated Diameter
    Handle Material
    Seal Material
    Industrial Info Compare
    With Bypass
    DFARS Specialty Metals
    Maximum Pressure
    Export Control Classification Number (ECCN)
    Industrial Info Snippet
    Plate Color
    Required Inflation Pressure
    Forward
    Enter e-mail addresses in the fields below
    Message
    Cancel
    Print
    How can we improve?
    Comments
    E-mail address (if you would like a response)
    28 Products

    Wing-Nut Expansion Plugs

    Image of Product. Front orientation. Expansion Plugs. Wing-Nut Expansion Plugs, Style A.
    Image of Product. Front orientation. Expansion Plugs. Wing-Nut Expansion Plugs, Style B.

    Style A

    Style B

    Image of Product. Front orientation. Expansion Plugs. Wing-Nut Expansion Plugs, Style C.
    Image of Product. Front orientation. Expansion Plugs. Wing-Nut Expansion Plugs, Style E.

    Style C

    Style

    E

    Twist the wing nut on these plugs to expand the seal and close off pipe openings.
    Style A—Style A aren’t recommended for pressure testing, so they’re often used as a dust cover.
    Style B—Style B have a wide top flange so they don’t fall into your pipe. They’re often used for plumbing pressure tests.
    Style C—Style C are the easiest to grip. The handle has more surface area than that of our other styles.
    Style E—Style E have an eyebolt, so you can tether or hang them for convenient storage.
    Plastic Plate—Plugs with a plastic plate weigh less than plugs with a metal plate.
    Zinc-Plated Steel Plate—Plugs with a zinc-plated steel plate have fair corrosion resistance.
    Stainless Steel Plate—Plugs with a stainless steel plate have excellent corrosion resistance.
    Maximum Air Back Pressure—Maximum air back pressure is the amount of pressure a plug can withstand without moving.
    Maximum Water Back Pressure—Maximum water back pressure refers to the pressure resulting from the height of the water above the plug.
    For
    Pipe
    Max. Back
    Pressure
    Material
    Size
    ID
    Air,
    psi
    Water, ft.
    of head
    Overall
    Ht.
    Temp. Range,
    ° F
    Seal
    Eyebolt
    Each
    Style A
     
    Zinc-Plated Steel Plate
    1 1/2
    		1.44" to 1.65"252 9/16"-20 to 125Natural Rubber
    		—000000000000
     
    Stainless Steel Plate
    1 1/2
    		1.44" to 1.65"252 9/16"0 to 175Buna-N
    		—000000000000
     
    Style B
     
    Yellow Plastic Plate
    1 1/2
    		1.48" to 1.65"17401 3/4"-20 to 125Natural Rubber
    		—00000000000
     
    Style C
     
    White Plastic Plate
    1 1/2
    		1.48" to 1.75"501152 1/2"-40 to 180Natural Rubber
    		—000000000000
     
    Style E
     
    Zinc-Plated Steel Plate
    1 1/2
    		1.31" to 1.70"15346"-20 to 225Neoprene
    		Zinc-Plated Steel000000000000
     

    Hex-Nut Expansion Plugs

    Image of Product. Front orientation. Expansion Plugs. Hex-Nut Expansion Plugs, Style B.
    Image of Product. Front orientation. Expansion Plugs. Hex-Nut Expansion Plugs, Style C.

    Style B

    Style C

    Tighten the nut on these plugs to expand the seal and close off pipe openings.
    Zinc-Plated Steel Plate—Plugs with a zinc-plated steel plate have fair corrosion resistance.
    Stainless Steel Plate—Plugs with a stainless steel plate have excellent corrosion resistance.
    Maximum Air Back Pressure—Maximum air back pressure is the amount of pressure a plug can withstand without moving.
    Maximum Water Back Pressure—Maximum water back pressure refers to the pressure resulting from the height of the water above the plug.
    For
    Pipe
    Max. Back
    Pressure
    Size
    ID
    Air,
    psi
    Water, ft.
    of head
    Overall
    Ht.
    Temp. Range,
    ° F
    Seal
    Material
    Each
    Style B
     
    Stainless Steel Plate
    1 1/2
    		1.44" to 1.55"5122 1/16"-40 to 250Neoprene
    		0000000000000
     
    Style C
     
    Zinc-Plated Steel Plate
    1 1/2
    		1.33" to 1.61"1002302 1/2"-20 to 225Neoprene
    		000000000000
     

    T-Handle Expansion Plugs

    Image of Product. Front orientation. Expansion Plugs. T-Handle Expansion Plugs.
    Twist the easy-grip T-handle on these plugs to expand the seal and close off pipe openings.
    Zinc-Plated Steel Plate—Plugs with a zinc-plated steel plate have fair corrosion resistance.
    Stainless Steel Plate—Plugs with a stainless steel plate have excellent corrosion resistance.
    Maximum Air Back Pressure—Maximum air back pressure is the amount of pressure a plug can withstand without moving.
    Maximum Water Back Pressure—Maximum water back pressure refers to the pressure resulting from the height of the water above the plug.
    For
    Pipe
    Max. Back
    Pressure
    Brass Handle
    Stainless
    Steel Handle
    Size
    ID
    Air,
    psi
    Water, ft.
    of head
    Overall
    Ht.
    Temp. Range,
    ° F
    Seal
    Material
    Each
    Each
     
    Zinc-Plated Steel Plate
    1 1/2
    		1.44" to 1.55"5122 3/4"-40 to 250Neoprene
    		0000000000000———0
     
    Stainless Steel Plate
    1 1/2
    		1.44" to 1.55"5122 3/4"-40 to 250Neoprene
    		———00000000000000
     

    Expansion Plugs with Bypass

    Image of Product. Front orientation. Expansion Plugs. Expansion Plugs with Bypass, Style A.
    Image of Product. Front orientation. Expansion Plugs. Expansion Plugs with Bypass, Style D.
    Image of Product. Front orientation. Expansion Plugs. Expansion Plugs with Bypass, Style F.

    Style A

    Style D

    Style F

    Image of Product. Front orientation. Expansion Plugs. Expansion Plugs with Bypass, Style G.
    Image of Product. Bottom orientation. Expansion Plugs. Expansion Plugs with Bypass, Style K.
    Image of Product. Bottom orientation. Expansion Plugs. Expansion Plugs with Bypass, Style L.

    Style G

    Style K

    Style L

    Use the bypass tube on these plugs to add air, water, and other fluid to your pipeline or to relieve pressure while testing. The seal expands to temporarily close off pipe openings.
    Style A—For Style A, twist the wing nut to expand the seal. They have an NPS threaded bypass for routing moderately pressurized fluids.
    Style D—For Style D, twist the wing nut to expand the seal. They have an NPT threaded bypass for making leak-tight connections.
    Style F—For Style F, twist the easy-grip T-handle to expand the seal. They have a barbed bypass for quick connections to tubing.
    Style G—For Style G, twist the easy-grip T-handle to expand the seal. They have a Schrader valve bypass. An internal spring holds the valve shut until you depress the pin, giving you control over air flow.
    Style K—For Style K, twist the wing nut to expand the seal. They have a Schrader valve bypass. An internal spring holds the valve shut until you depress the pin, giving you control over air flow.
    Style L—For Style L, twist the wing nut to expand the seal. They have a GHT bypass that connects to standard garden hoses. Ideal for pipe cleanout, they allow for easy, controlled drainage.
    Maximum Air Back Pressure—Maximum air back pressure is the amount of pressure a plug can withstand without moving.
    Maximum Water Back Pressure—Maximum water back pressure refers to the pressure resulting from the height of the water above the plug.
    For
    Pipe
    Max. Back
    Pressure
    Material
    Bypass
    Size
    ID
    Air,
    psi
    Water, ft.
    of head
    Overall
    Ht.
    Temp. Range,
    ° F
    Seal
    Bypass
    Cap
    Hose
    Size
    Pipe
    Size
    Thread
    Type
    Thread
    Size
    Gender
    For Tube
    ID
    Connection
    Each
    Style A
     
    Aluminum Stem
    1 1/2
    		1.53" to 2.25"1252888 1/4"-20 to 170Natural Rubber
    		Metal—3/8
    		NPS
    		—Male——0000000000000
     
    Style D
     
    Plastic Stem
    1 1/2
    		1.42" to 1.93"501154 1/2"-40 to 180Natural Rubber
    		Plastic—1/2
    		NPT
    		—Male——000000000000
     
    Style F
     
    Stainless Steel Stem
    1 1/2
    		1.44" to 1.58"5124"-40 to 250Neoprene
    		——————1/4"Barbed0000000000000
     
    Style G
     
    Zinc-Plated Steel Stem
    1 1/2
    		1.44" to 1.58"10234"-40 to 210Neoprene
    		Plastic——Schrader
    		0.305"-32
    		———00000000000000
     
    Style K
     
    Plastic Stem
    1 1/2
    		1.50" to 1.71"40923 3/4"—PVC
    		Plastic——Schrader
    		0.305"-32
    		———000000000000
     
    Style L
     
    Plastic Stem
    1 1/2
    		1.50" to 1.71"40923 3/4"—PVC
    		Plastic3/4—GHT
    		—Male——00000000000
     

    Quick-Snap Expansion Plugs

    Image of Product. Front orientation. Expansion Plugs. Quick-Snap Expansion Plugs.
    Turn the cam handle to expand the seal, then snap the handle down to hold it in place and close off pipe openings.
    Zinc-Plated Steel Plate—Plugs with a zinc-plated steel plate have fair corrosion resistance.
    Stainless Steel Plate—Plugs with a stainless steel plate have excellent corrosion resistance.
    Maximum Air Back Pressure—Maximum air back pressure is the amount of pressure a plug can withstand without moving.
    Maximum Water Back Pressure—Maximum water back pressure refers to the pressure resulting from the height of the water above the plug.
    For
    Pipe
    Max. Back
    Pressure
    Brass Handle
    Stainless
    Steel Handle
    Size
    ID
    Air,
    psi
    Water, ft.
    of head
    Overall
    Ht.
    Temp. Range,
    ° F
    Seal
    Material
    Each
    Each
     
    Zinc-Plated Steel Plate
    1 1/2
    		1.38" to 1.55"5122 3/8"-40 to 250Neoprene
    		0000000000000———0
     
    Stainless Steel Plate
    1 1/2
    		1.38" to 1.55"5122 3/8"-40 to 250Neoprene
    		———00000000000000
     

    Long-Reach Wing-Nut Expansion Plugs

    Image of Product. Front orientation. Expansion Plugs. Long-Reach Wing-Nut Expansion Plugs, Stainless Steel Plate with Brass Stem.

    Stainless

    Steel Plate

    with Brass

    Stem

    Insert these plugs deep within your pipe to temporarily block off a line. Twist their wing nut to expand the seal.
    Stainless Steel Plate—Plugs with a stainless steel plate have excellent corrosion resistance.
    Maximum Air Back Pressure—Maximum air back pressure is the amount of pressure a plug can withstand without moving.
    Maximum Water Back Pressure—Maximum water back pressure refers to the pressure resulting from the height of the water above the plug.
    For
    Pipe
    Max. Back
    Pressure
    Size
    ID
    Air,
    psi
    Water, ft.
    of head
    Overall
    Ht.
    Temp. Range,
    ° F
    Seal
    Material
    Each
     
    Stainless Steel Plate with Brass Stem
    1 1/2
    		1.40" to 1.65"174011"0 to 125Neoprene
    		0000000000000
    1 1/2
    		1.40" to 1.65"174017"0 to 125Neoprene
    		000000000000
     

    Square-Head Expansion Plugs

    Image of Product. Front orientation. Exploded view. Expansion Plugs. Square-Head Expansion Plugs.
    Turn the square head of the plug into the sealing ring to close off pipe openings.
    Maximum Air Back Pressure—Maximum air back pressure is the amount of pressure a plug can withstand without moving.
    Maximum Water Back Pressure—Maximum water back pressure refers to the pressure resulting from the height of the water above the plug.
    For
    Pipe
    Max. Back
    Pressure
    Size
    ID
    Air,
    psi
    Water, ft.
    of head
    Overall
    Ht.
    Temp. Range,
    ° F
    Seal
    Material
    Each
    Plastic Head
    1 1/2
    		1.61" to 1.71"21502"35 to 210PVC
    		0000000000000
     

    Air-Inflatable Plugs with Bypass

    Conform to wide and out-of-round pipes with these inflatable plugs. Also known as pneumatic plugs, they're designed for temporary seals since they can lose pressure over time. Use the bypass tube on these plugs to add air, water, and other fluid to your pipeline or to relieve pressure while testing.
    Inflate with a hand pump (sold separately); an air compressor may overinflate the plug and cause damage. Tether the plugs using either the eyebolt or chain/ring so they don't get lost or stuck in your pipes during installation. Pull on the tether for quick and easy removal once testing is complete.
    With Zinc-Plated Steel Chain/Ring
    Image of Product. Front orientation. Expansion Plugs. Air-Inflatable Plugs with Bypass, With Zinc-Plated Steel Chain/Ring.
    Maximum Air Back Pressure—Maximum air back pressure is the amount of pressure a plug can withstand without moving.
    Maximum Water Back Pressure—Maximum water back pressure refers to the pressure resulting from the height of the water above the plug.
    For
    Pipe
    Deflated
    Max. Back
    Pressure
    Bypass
    Size
    ID
    Dia.
    Ht.
    Chain Lg.,
    ft.
    Air,
    psi
    Water, ft.
    of head
    Req. Inflation
    Pressure, psi
    Pipe
    Size
    Thread
    Type
    Gender
    Temp. Range,
    ° F
    Seal Material
    Each
    1 1/2
    		1.49" to 1.88"1 3/8"3 13/16"12250401/4
    		NPT
    		Male-20 to 125Natural Rubber
    		00000000000000
    With Zinc-Plated Steel Eyebolt
    Image of Product. Front orientation. Expansion Plugs. Air-Inflatable Plugs with Bypass, With Zinc-Plated Steel Eyebolt.
    Maximum Air Back Pressure—Maximum air back pressure is the amount of pressure a plug can withstand without moving.
    Maximum Water Back Pressure—Maximum water back pressure refers to the pressure resulting from the height of the water above the plug.
    For
    Pipe
    Deflated
    Max. Back
    Pressure
    Bypass
    Size
    ID
    Dia.
    Ht.
    Air,
    psi
    Water, ft.
    of head
    Req. Inflation
    Pressure, psi
    Pipe
    Size
    Thread
    Type
    Gender
    Temp. Range,
    ° F
    Seal Material
    Each
    6
    		4.50" to 6.25"4 1/2"7"1330351 1/2
    		NPT
    		Female-20 to 125Natural Rubber
    		00000000000000

    Long-Reach Hex-Nut Expansion Plugs with Bypass

    Image of Product. Front orientation. Expansion Plugs. Long-Reach Hex-Nut Expansion Plugs with Bypass.
    Plug your pipe from the inside. Insert these expansion plugs deep into your pipe, and then tighten the nut on the stem. Use the bypass tube to add air, water, and fluid or relieve back pressure.
    Maximum Air Back Pressure—Maximum air back pressure is the amount of pressure a plug can withstand without moving.
    Maximum Water Back Pressure—Maximum water back pressure refers to the pressure resulting from the height of the water above the plug.
    For
    Pipe
    Max. Back
    Pressure
    Bypass
    Size
    ID
    Air,
    psi
    Water, ft.
    of head
    Overall
    Ht.
    Temp. Range,
    ° F
    Seal
    Material
    Pipe
    Size
    Thread
    Type
    Gender
    Each
     
    Zinc-Plated Steel Stem
    1 1/2
    		1.58" to 1.61"751736 3/8"-20 to 225Neoprene
    		1/8
    		NPT
    		Male00000000000000
     

    Remote-Access Air-Inflatable Plugs

    Image of System. Front orientation. Contains Annotated. Expansion Plugs. Remote-Access Air-Inflatable Plugs.
    Image of Product. Front orientation. Expansion Plugs. Remote-Access Air-Inflatable Plugs.
    Plug underground sewage lines, water supply lines, and other pipe that’s hard to reach. These plugs attach to a 6-ft. extension pole with an adapter (both sold separately) so you can place them in confined spaces from a distance. Before placing them in your line, connect them to your air compressor with a hose to inflate them remotely. Also known as pneumatic plugs, they’ll seal wide and out-of-round pipe. Since they can lose pressure over time, they’re intended for temporary seals. Use them in lower-pressure applications than water-inflatable plugs.
    Maximum Air Back Pressure—Maximum air back pressure is the amount of pressure a plug can withstand without moving.
    Maximum Water Back Pressure—Maximum water back pressure refers to the pressure resulting from the height of the water above the plug.
    For
    Pipe
    Deflated
    Max. Back
    Pressure
    Connection
    Material
    Size
    ID
    Dia.
    Ht.
    Air,
    psi
    Water, ft.
    of head
    Req. Inflation
    Pressure, psi
    Pipe
    Size
    Thread
    Type
    Gender
    Temp. Range,
    ° F
    Seal
    Eyebolt
    Features
    Each
    6 to 106.00" to 10.58"5"17"1330301 1/2
    		NPSM
    		Female35 to 125Natural Rubber
    		Zinc-Plated SteelAdjustable-Angle Connector00000000000000
    8 to 128.00" to 12.64"6"19"1330251 1/2
    		NPSM
    		Female35 to 125Natural Rubber
    		Zinc-Plated SteelAdjustable-Angle Connector0000000000000
     
    Accessories for Expansion Plugs
    Adapters
    Image of Product. Bottom orientation. Expansion Plug Adapters.
    Adapters thread into a connector on the end of the plug. When installing the plug, adjust the adapter’s angle using the connector’s pull pin.
    Thread
    Pipe
    Size
    Type
    Gender
    Material
    Each
    1 1/2
    		NPSM
    		MaleAluminum
    		00000000000000
    Poles
    Image of Product. Front orientation. Expansion Plug Poles.
    Poles snap into the adapter. For a longer reach, connect multiple poles together.
    Dia.
    Lg.,
    ft.
    Material
    Each
    1 3/4"6Aluminum
    		00000000000000

    Air-Inflatable Plugs for Tee Connections

    Image of ProductInUse. Bottom orientation. Contains Inset. Expansion Plugs. Air-Inflatable Plugs for Tee Connections.
    Often used for plumbing tests, these plugs thread into tees and inflate to block flow across the pipe. After your test is complete, deflate the bladder to drain the fluid from your line. Leave the plug installed while the draining the pipe—the threads create a leak-free seal, so no water will splash out. Also known as pneumatic plugs, they can lose pressure over time, so they’re designed for temporary seals. To inflate, use a hand pump (not included) since an air compressor might overinflate and burst them.
    Maximum Air Back Pressure—Maximum air back pressure is the amount of pressure a plug can withstand without moving.
    Maximum Water Back Pressure—Maximum water back pressure refers to the pressure resulting from the height of the water above the plug.
    For
    Pipe
    Deflated
    Max. Back
    Pressure
    Material
    Size
    ID
    Dia.
    Ht.
    Air,
    psi
    Water, ft.
    of head
    Req. Inflation
    Pressure, psi
    Temp. Range,
    ° F
    Seal
    Thread
    Each
    NPT Male
    1 1/2
    		1.61"1 1/2"4 3/4"1330300 to 125Natural Rubber
    		ABS
    		0000000000000
     
    back to top