We get this question at the counter a lot. Needle valves and metering valves look alike, and both have a fine stem that controls flow. But they're built for different jobs, and picking the wrong one can mean a valve that won't hold tight or won't give you steady flow.
What a needle valve does
A needle valve is a multi-turn valve with a tapered stem that seats into the orifice. It gives you good flow control and positive shutoff. That's why you'll see needle valves as root and isolation valves, on gauge lines, sample lines and instrument connections.
Use a needle valve when you need to shut a line off tight and adjust flow now and then.
What a metering valve does
A metering valve is built for precise, repeatable flow at low flow rates. The stem has a finer taper and a finer thread, so each turn changes flow in small, predictable steps. Some come with a vernier handle so you can return to the same setting every time.
Quick way to decide
- Need tight shutoff? Needle valve.
- Need steady, fine flow you can repeat? Metering valve.
- Need both? A metering valve with a needle or ball valve upstream for shutoff.
Questions to answer before you order
- What's the media, gas or liquid?
- What's the working pressure and temperature?
- What flow range do you need?
- What end connections and sizes?
- Does the valve need to shut off, or only control flow?
Not sure which one fits your application? Call us at 310-833-3353 or email sales@abesttube.com. We'll walk through it with you. Browse our needle valves and metering valves.