The Merit Brass hex countersunk plug is a class 1000 stainless steel 316 cast pipe fitting with male National Pipe Taper (NPT) threads for closing the end of a pipe. This countersunk plug has a recessed hex head for increased leverage with a wrench during installation and disassembly. It inserts into female pipes or fittings and connects with NPT threads, which create a tighter seal than straight threads. The plug is made from stainless steel 316, which is higher strength and more corrosion resistant than stainless steel 304. This class 1000 fitting meets standards ASTM A182, ASME SA182, and ANSI B16.11 for quality assurance. Class is a standard relating to tolerance, construction, dimension, and wall thickness, but it is not a direct measurement of maximum working pressure.

Pipe fittings are components used for connecting, terminating, controlling flow, and changing the direction of piping in many different industries. When purchasing pipe fittings, consider the application, as this will affect material type, shape, size and required durability. Fittings are available threaded or unthreaded, in many shapes, styles, sizes, and schedules (pipe wall thickness).

Merit Brass manufactures pipe nipples following ISO 9001 standards for quality assurance. The company, family-owned since 1937 and headquartered in Cleveland, OH, distributes pipe fittings in the United States and Canada.