What to Send With a Spiral Pipe and Fitting List

When a spiral line only shows a diameter, the shop still has to ask how many feet, which fittings, and what size each branch is. That slows the quote. This article covers the lengths, diameters, and fitting notes a spiral pipe and fitting list usually needs before it can be fabricated - so you can send the list once and get fewer callbacks.

For the full quote checklist (drawings, materials, connections, releases, pickup or delivery), see the Contractor Guide. For spiral fabrication itself - pipe, fittings, and how to request an estimate - see Spiral Round Duct. This post stays on the pipe and fitting list only.

DuctAxis is a commercial duct fabricator in Clewiston, Florida. We fabricate. We do not install.

Why spiral lists come back with questions

Spiral looks simple on a plan. The list behind it is not. Straight pipe needs a length. Elbows need an angle. Tees and wyes have a main and a branch. Reducers have two diameters. If any of that is missing, the estimator cannot build the ticket without guessing or calling you back.

Common gaps:

A diameter with no length, or a total footage with no diameter breakdown
An elbow with no angle, or no note when the documents call for a specific radius
A tee or wye with one size listed (missing the branch, or the main leaving size)
A reducer with only the small end or only the large end
No connection type when the documents call one out
Fittings shown on the plan but never counted on the list

You do not have to retype the drawings. A clear schedule or spreadsheet with the notes below is enough to start estimating. Free estimates and takeoffs are available when the set is thin; a cleaner list still cuts questions.

What to put on every spiral line

Before the item-specific notes, keep these consistent across pipe and fittings:

Mark or tag that matches the plan, plus the system, floor, or zone if the job releases in phases.
Quantity - piece count for fittings, footage or piece count for pipe, and any "typical of" multipliers spelled out.
Diameter in one unit, the same way it appears on the drawings. Do not mix inches and feet on the same list.
Material and gauge as shown on the documents. Do not invent a gauge - send what the drawings or specs state.
Connection type when the documents call one out (for example slip or flanged), and note any end that differs from the rest of the run.
Finish or exposure notes when the documents treat exposed spiral differently from concealed runs.

Final dimensions, materials, and fabrication follow your approved project requirements and are confirmed during estimating.

Straight pipe: diameter and length

Straight spiral is a diameter and a length. Both have to be on the line.

Diameter

The diameter shown on the plan, one line per diameter
Separate lines for different materials or gauges at the same diameter

Length

Length of each run, and specific piece lengths when the field needs a cut length between fittings, at equipment, or at a wall or roof penetration

If the drawings show a run but not its length, flag it rather than guessing.

Elbows: diameter, angle, and radius

A spiral elbow needs more than a diameter.

Size

Diameter at each end. Write it even when both ends match, so the line cannot be read as a reducing elbow.

Turn

Angle (for example 90 or 45 degrees), or the angle shown on the plan
Quantity by angle - list 90s, 45s, and other angles on separate lines instead of a single "elbows" count

Geometry that changes the piece

Centerline radius if the documents call it out (often written as a multiple of the diameter)
Construction when the documents specify it, such as gored (segmented) or smooth
Straight collars or extended ends, if the elbow needs extra length

Tees, wyes, and laterals: main and branch

Branch fittings are where spiral lists most often lose information. Every opening needs a size.

Sizes

Main entering diameter
Main leaving diameter - write it even when it matches the entering size. If the main steps down through the fitting, it is also a reducer and both sizes matter.
Branch diameter

Branch geometry

Fitting type as shown on the plan: straight tee, conical tee, wye, or lateral
Branch angle when it is not a straight 90 degree tee (for example a 45 degree lateral)
Orientation when it matters in the field - branch up, down, or to the side as viewed on the drawing

If a branch is a tap or saddle that goes onto pipe in the field, label it as a tap and list both the main and branch diameters so it is not priced as a full tee.

Reducers, end caps, and transitions

Reducers

Both diameters - large end and small end
Concentric or eccentric, and which side holds flat when it is eccentric
Length if clearance or the documents require a specific one

A single diameter on a reducer line almost always means something is missing. If the schedule says "reduce to ..." without the starting size, point back to the upstream mark or write both sizes on the line.

End caps and other pieces

End caps, couplings, and similar items by diameter and connection type, on their own lines
Round-to-rectangular transitions with the round diameter and the rectangular width x height. For the rectangular side notes, see rectangular fitting size notes.

Items outside duct and fittings

If the schedule includes items that are not pipe or fittings, flag them so the fabrication scope is clear.

Stainless spiral: add grade, finish, and thickness

When the specs call for stainless, the same notes apply, plus the stainless grade, finish, and thickness from the documents. Keep stainless on separate lines. The Stainless Steel Spiral page covers what to send for stainless pipe and fittings.

Quick checklist before you send the spiral list

Use this against the pipe and fittings in the spiral package:

Marks match the plan, with system, floor, or zone when releases are phased
Quantities and any "typical" multipliers are clear
Every straight line has a diameter and a length (run or piece lengths)
Elbows are listed by diameter and angle, with radius or construction when specified
Tees, wyes, and laterals show main entering, main leaving, and branch diameters, plus type and angle
Reducers show both diameters and concentric or eccentric
End caps, couplings, and taps are on their own lines
Material and gauge per documents (no guessed gauge)
Connection type noted when called out, and any end that differs
Stainless grade, finish, and thickness noted on stainless lines
Odd pieces have a dimensioned sketch attached

If a box is empty, either fill it from the drawings or flag it in the request ("branch size not shown on M-301, need confirmation"). That is faster than an incomplete line that looks complete.

How this fits the spiral package

Send straight pipe and fittings together when you can. The spiral round duct page is where fabrication scope for spiral work lives, including exposed and concealed duct layouts. This article does not replace that page; it only helps the pipe and fitting list arrive complete.

When you are ready to price the package, use the Contractor Guide for project details, drawings, construction requirements, dates, and pickup or delivery notes. Free shipping applies anywhere in Florida. Delivery details for other states in the service area are confirmed with your project quote - do not assume free shipping outside Florida.

Send the list with your request

When the spiral list is ready, request a quote. Uploads accept PDF, XLSX, XLS, CSV, DWG, DXF, and ZIP files: up to 8 files, 20 MB each, 50 MB total. For a larger package, call (863) 599-7014 or email office@ductaxis.com.

Quote response time: under 48 hours, excluding weekends. That is how long it takes to get a quote back, not the fabrication lead time.
Shipping: Free shipping anywhere in Florida. Delivery outside Florida is confirmed with your quote.
Shop: 535 E El Paso Avenue, Suite C, Clewiston, FL 33440

Free estimates and takeoffs are available. Send what you have; clearer lengths, diameters, and fitting notes still make the first pass cleaner.

Dimensions, material grades, and ratings are confirmed during estimating. This article is general guidance for spiral pipe and fitting lists and does not replace your project specifications, drawings, or engineer of record.