Niubid 10 Pack 3/4 inches Elbows Malleable Cast Iron Pipe, Industrial Pipe for Threaded Black Pipes and Fittings, DIY Steampunk Industrial Vintage Style.

A quick take

I picked up this 10-pack of 3/4-inch malleable-iron elbows to build a set of wall-mounted shelves and a hanging rail for my workshop. They’re straightforward fittings—standard 90-degree elbows with tapered NPT threads—and that’s exactly what I wanted: reliable, uniform parts that hold up mechanically and look good once painted. After a handful of weekend projects, I’m pleased with the performance and the consistency, with a few caveats around finish and thread orientation that are worth planning for.

What you get

These are classic black malleable-iron elbows sized for 3/4-inch NPT pipe. The set includes ten pieces, which is a useful quantity for a couple of small builds or one larger project. Each elbow arrived lightly oiled, as expected with black pipe fittings, and most had minimal casting marks. Weight and wall thickness feel appropriate for malleable iron in this size—not featherweight decor knock-offs, but not overbuilt like heavy-duty industrial fittings either.

I used them with standard 3/4-inch schedule 40 black pipe and some 3/4-inch flanges and tees from a mix of brands. Thread compatibility was good across the board. If you’ve worked with NPT before, nothing here is surprising.

Build quality and fit

• Threads: The threads are cleanly cut with good taper. I didn’t run into misalignment, double-starts, or obvious debris. Thread engagement felt consistent from piece to piece. Two elbows were slightly tighter than the rest, which I corrected by wiping the threads and applying a touch of pipe dope for smoother seating. For decorative builds, Teflon tape is fine; dope gives a bit more friction and can help “clock” the elbows where you want them.

• Casting: Casting quality is decent. A couple of elbows had small parting lines that I knocked down with a flat file in under a minute. Interiors were free of loose sand or slag. If you’re using these purely as connectors (not visible), you can likely skip any cleanup. If they’ll be on display, a quick once-over is worth it.

• Consistency: Center-to-end dimensions were uniform enough that my shelving frames squared up without shimming. That matters for multi-elbow assemblies where small variances can multiply.

Finish and prep

Like most black fittings, these arrive with a thin protective oil and a blackened finish that’s more about corrosion resistance during transport than final aesthetics. For projects that will be painted:

1. Degrease thoroughly. I used brake cleaner on a rag followed by a wipe with mineral spirits. Acetone also works. If you skip this, paint will fisheye.
2. Scuff lightly with a Scotch-Brite pad. You don’t need to remove the black; just give it a tooth.
3. Prime with an etching or metal primer. I used a self-etching aerosol primer, then an enamel topcoat. The finish has held up well in a workshop environment.
4. If you prefer the raw industrial look, a clear matte sealer helps prevent surface rust, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, or humid garages.

Out of the box, the surface is fine for utility use, but for interior fixtures I’d always prep and finish.

Installation notes

The tapered NPT threads are designed to tighten progressively, which is great for seals but means the elbow won’t always stop at the precise angle you want for a visible project. A few tips:

• Use thread sealant (even for non-plumbing projects). It increases friction and helps you “time” the elbow so both pieces line up. If you need a quarter-turn more, add a wrap of tape or a small dab of dope.
• Don’t overtighten just to chase alignment. You can crack cast fittings if you muscle them into position. Instead, adjust with tape/dope or by slightly backing off and balancing angles across the assembly.
• Protect the finish during assembly. If you’re painting, assemble first and paint afterwards where possible. If you must wrench painted parts, use soft jaws or wrap the fitting in leather or tape.

For the shelving and a pot rail I installed, I mounted 3/4-inch flanges to studs, then built the frame off the wall. The elbows seated squarely, and once everything was snug, the assemblies felt rock solid. Load-wise, the limiting factor was the wall anchoring, not the elbows.

Design and aesthetics

At 3/4 inch, these give that substantial “industrial” look without appearing bulky. The radius is typical for a 90-degree elbow in this size, and visually they pair well with common black pipe nipples and flanges. If you prefer a lighter profile for smaller rooms or tight spaces, 1/2-inch hardware reads less imposing—but for shelves, a kitchen pot rack, or a coat rail, the 3/4-inch size looks intentional and carries weight better.

Compatibility and specs

• Thread standard: 3/4-inch NPT (National Pipe Taper). That means they work with standard U.S. black pipe and most galvanized fittings in the same size.
• Cross-brand fit: I mixed them with different brands of pipe and flanges without any thread mismatch.
• Important: These are 3/4-inch fittings. They do not fit 1/2-inch pipe. If you’re buying other parts, make sure your tees, flanges, caps, and nipples are also 3/4-inch NPT.

I didn’t use them for pressurized plumbing or gas lines and wouldn’t recommend doing so unless the fittings are expressly listed for that service and your local code allows it. For furniture, shelving, and fixtures, they’re more than up to the task.

Durability in use

After a few months on the wall, no movement, no paint lifting, and no rust creeping through the finish. The pot rail, which sees daily use, still feels tight. I periodically check joint tightness, but so far nothing has backed off. That’s one nice thing about tapered threads—once they’re set with sealant, they tend to stay put.

Where they fall short

• Finish work is on you. Expect to degrease and prep if you want a clean painted result. Not a flaw, just reality with this category of fittings.
• Minor variance in thread feel. A couple of elbows started tighter than the others. Not a deal-breaker, but keep some sealant and a firm wrench handy.
• No certification markings for pressure work. If you need listed fittings for plumbing or gas, buy from a supply house and verify markings.

Value and alternatives

For DIY builds and furniture projects, this set hits a sweet spot: the price per elbow is reasonable, and quality is consistent enough to build multi-joint frames without headaches. Plumbing-supply brands may have slightly smoother threads and more rigorous QC, but they usually cost more per piece and are overkill for most decorative or structural interior projects. If you’re building a large installation that needs dozens of fittings, you might justify the premium; for home projects and small commercial decor, this set is a sensible choice.

Who it’s for

• DIYers planning shelves, garment racks, pot hangers, and frames
• Small shops and cafés leaning into the industrial aesthetic
• Makers who want paintable, uniform fittings that assemble without special tools

Who should look elsewhere: anyone needing certified pressure-rated fittings for code-sensitive applications.

Recommendation

I recommend this elbow set for DIY furniture and fixture projects. The threads fit cleanly with standard 3/4-inch NPT pipe, the castings are consistent enough to build square frames, and the malleable-iron construction feels reassuringly solid once assembled. Plan on a bit of prep—degreasing, light scuffing, and paint or clear coat—and use thread sealant to help align visible joints. If you need certified fittings for plumbing or gas work, buy listed components from a supply house. Otherwise, for industrial-style builds and reliable indoor use, these elbows are a practical, budget-friendly pick.