CMI Inc - 3/4 inch x 66 Industrial Steel Galvanized Pipe Assorted Pack – Includes 3/4" Galvanized Threaded Pipe Nipples and Fittings, Perfect for DIY Home Furniture, Decor, and Shelving

Why I reached for this set

I picked up the CMI 3/4-inch galvanized pipe assortment to cover two needs at once: a couple of industrial-style shelving and laundry projects, and a reliable stash of short nipples for quick plumbing fixes. If you’ve ever found yourself one close nipple short in the middle of a water heater swap, or wished you had a half-inch length step without another run to the store, you’ll understand the appeal. This kit promises a ready mix of lengths in half-inch increments up to 6 inches, NPT threads on both ends, and a galvanized finish that plays nicely with both DIY decor projects and utility work.

What you actually get

The assortment is straightforward: 66 pieces of 3/4-inch galvanized steel threaded pipe, with multiple lengths represented from “close” up to 6 inches. Everything in the box uses standard American NPT taper threads, so they mate with any 3/4-inch NPT female fittings you already own (elbows, tees, couplings, floor flanges, valves, etc.). The pieces come sorted in a compartmented box, which matters more than you might think—having the lengths organized beats digging through a coffee can of odds and ends.

You won’t find long runs here; these are all short sections (nipples) intended to bridge fittings, stand off a surface, or fine-tune a layout in small steps. That’s ideal for both furniture builds (shelf brackets, towel bars, lamp arms) and mechanical jobs (offsets, extensions, close connections). The galvanized finish is uniform across the set, with the usual spangle you’d expect. Threads arrive clean, free of burrs, and ready to take tape or dope.

Build quality and consistency

For this kind of kit, consistency is most of the battle. My set had:

• Threads that started by hand without a fight and pulled tight predictably—hand-tight plus two turns with a wrench was typical with quality female fittings.
• Cut ends that were square with only the occasional minor edge to knock down with a file.
• Lengths that measured true enough for practical use; if you’re building cabinetry-grade layouts, measure and dry-fit, but I didn’t see outliers.

These feel like standard-weight (schedule 40–type) steel nipples under the galvanization. The coating is even, including on the threads, and I didn’t encounter flakes or heavy drips that would cause cross-threading. The surface has the light oil you expect from steel parts; I degreased mine before painting for furniture projects.

Assembly and compatibility

Everything here is cut to National Pipe Thread Taper, so it’s made to seal with thread sealant and compression—not bottom out. A few practical notes from use:

• For pressurized water, I prefer a non-hardening pipe dope, sometimes with two wraps of PTFE tape underneath. Zero leaks on a test manifold and a small laundry-room tie-in.
• Start every connection by hand to avoid cross-threading. If you feel a hitch, back off, clean, and try again.
• If a thread feels gritty, a quick pass with a brass brush usually does the trick.

This is not a set of BSP (British) threads. If you’re mixing standards (common if you source fittings online), make sure everything is NPT.

In the shop: DIY furniture and decor

For industrial-style builds, this assortment shines in two ways. First, the half-inch steps make it easy to get proportions right. I used 6-inch lengths as wall stand-offs for a heavy pine shelf, with couplings and longer pipe to reach stud-mounted flanges (flanges and elbows sourced separately). The consistent galvanization looks clean if you want that bright, utilitarian finish. If you prefer black, the galvanized surface takes paint well after prep:

• Degrease (mineral spirits or a dedicated degreaser).
• Light scuff with a Scotch-Brite pad.
• Self-etching primer, then a matte or hammered topcoat.

The “close” and 1–2 inch pieces are particularly handy for compact towel bars and lamp arms. If you’re mounting to drywall, don’t rely on the pipe—your load rating comes from the anchors and flanges. Always hit studs or use rated anchors.

In the field: quick plumbing tasks

Short nipples are consumables in my world. I used this kit for a water heater dielectric swap and a small run to a utility sink. The close and 1–1.5 inch pieces are the unsung heroes for landing valves where you want them and avoiding tension in your runs. No leaks with standard sealant practice. The galvanized finish earns its keep around damp areas, though—as with any galvanized part—the cut edges and threads are the most vulnerable points. If I expect long-term exposure, I’ll hit the assembled joints with a light coat of cold-galv spray.

Be mindful of code and material mixing:

• Galvanized steel and copper shouldn’t meet directly; use a dielectric union to prevent galvanic corrosion.
• Many jurisdictions don’t allow galvanized pipe for natural gas; black steel is the norm. Check local code before using these anywhere near gas service.
• For potable water, modern galvanized pipe is generally considered safe as a component, but many installers now prefer copper, PEX, or stainless due to long-term scaling concerns. Again, check your local standards.

Durability and outdoor use

Galvanized steel is a reasonable choice for damp basements, garages, and covered outdoor applications. Threads will eventually show rust if left unprotected in the weather. For exterior builds, a topcoat makes a big difference. If you want a darker, aged look without paint, a vinegar bath followed by a clear sealant can take the sheen down and add character.

What could be better

No assortment is perfect, and this one has a few constraints worth calling out:

• Length limit: Everything tops out at 6 inches. For deeper shelves or wider standoffs, you’ll still need longer sections or couplings and additional pipe.
• Single size: It’s all 3/4-inch. If you work mostly in 1/2-inch or 1-inch, this won’t be your foundational kit.
• Fittings not comprehensive: Plan to source elbows, tees, couplings, and flanges to suit your design or repair. The heart of this kit is the short straight pieces.
• Finish for decor: The bright galvanized look isn’t everyone’s style out of the box. It takes paint well after prep, but that’s a step.

None of these are deal-breakers; they’re just realities of a nipple-focused assortment.

Value and who it’s for

If you buy nipples one at a time at a big-box store, you know the pain: availability is spotty, thread quality varies, and the cost adds up quickly. This kit solves the “I need one more short piece” problem and keeps you building. For homeowners who do their own maintenance, it’s an easy way to stop mid-project runs. For makers who build industrial furniture, the half-inch length steps make prototyping cleaner and faster.

If your work is predominantly plumbing but spans multiple sizes, you might prefer keeping separate bins for 1/2, 3/4, and 1-inch rather than a single-size kit. If you’re purely decor-focused and want the black-iron look, a black steel set might save you the painting step. For outdoor coastal environments, stainless would be the premium choice.

Tips to get the most out of it

• Keep a small bottle of non-hardening pipe dope and PTFE tape in the box.
• Label the compartments clearly and return pieces after use; it keeps the “grab-and-go” value intact.
• For painted finishes, degrease thoroughly and use a self-etching primer for chip resistance.
• If you’re building shelves, anchor into studs with quality flanges and lag screws; don’t trust drywall anchors for anything heavy.
• Pressure-test plumbing assemblies before closing walls or buttoning up a space.

Recommendation

I recommend the CMI 3/4-inch galvanized pipe assortment for anyone who routinely builds industrial-style projects or handles small plumbing tasks and wants a dependable set of short, well-threaded nipples at the ready. The value is in the organization and consistency: clean NPT threads, sensible half-inch length steps up to 6 inches, and a finish that holds up in utility spaces while taking paint when you want a different look. It won’t replace full-length pipe or a broader selection of fittings, and it’s not the right choice for gas work or every outdoor scenario, but as a bench-side kit for 3/4-inch work, it’s a solid, time-saving addition.