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Guide To End Caps

This is your number one source for information regarding measurements, uses and sizing. This guide has been put together to provide insight into the solutions available, when to use them, and how to go about measuring them.

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The Complete Guide to End Caps

Whether you're protecting threaded components, masking parts during powder coating, sealing open tube ends or finishing furniture, choosing the correct end cap is essential.

This guide explains the different types of plastic, rubber and silicone end caps, how to measure them correctly, and which style is best suited to your application.

Which End Cap Do I Need?

PVC cap fitted over a threaded stud

Protect Threads

PVC stud caps cover exposed threaded studs to help prevent impact damage, dirt ingress and contamination.

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Grey PVC end cap fitted over a round pipe

Cap Pipe Ends

Pipe end caps fit over round pipe and tube ends to provide a neat finish while keeping out dirt and moisture.

Shop Pipe End Caps
High temperature masking caps for powder coating

Powder Coating

High temperature masking caps protect threads, studs, holes and surfaces during powder coating and finishing processes.

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Scaffold end caps for construction applications

Construction

Scaffold end caps cover exposed scaffold tube ends to improve visibility, safety and protection on construction sites.

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Heat shrink caps for electrical cable ends

Electrical

Heat shrink caps seal and protect cable ends, wire terminations and electrical connections against moisture and contamination.

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Fence post caps for protecting exposed post ends

Fence Post Caps

Fence post caps cover exposed post tops to improve appearance and help reduce water ingress, weathering and impact damage.

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How to Measure an End Cap

Accurate measurements ensure the correct fit and function. Use digital calipers for best results and measure in millimetres (mm).

OD Outer Diameter

1. OD (Outer Diameter)

Measure the outside diameter of the cap.

ID Inner Diameter

2. ID (Inner Diameter)

Measure the internal diameter of the cap opening.

Wall Thickness

3. Wall Thickness

Measure the thickness of the cap wall.

Length Overall Height

4. Length (Overall Height)

Measure the overall height from the base to the top.

Flange

5. Flange

Measure the flange diameter at the base of the cap.

Tube OD Fits Over

6. Tube OD (Fits Over)

Measure the outside diameter of the tube the cap fits over.

Thread Size

7. Thread Size

Identify the thread size the cap is designed to fit.

Internal Length Depth

8. Internal Length (Depth)

Measure the internal depth from the opening to the closed end.

Tapered Caps

9. Tapered Caps

Measure both the top and bottom diameters.

Pull Tab Caps

10. Pull Tab Caps

Measure overall length including the pull tab.

Types of End Caps

Protect, finish and seal your components with our range of caps.

Silicone end caps

Silicone Cap

High temperature resistance up to 200°C. Flexible, durable and ideal for demanding applications.

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PVC end caps

PVC End Cap

General purpose protection for tubes, pipes and fittings. Cost-effective and easy to use.

Shop PVC Caps
EPDM end caps

EPDM End Cap

Weather, ozone and chemical resistant. Ideal for outdoor and industrial use.

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Pipe end caps

Pipe End Cap

Designed to fit over the end of pipes to protect against dirt, damage and moisture.

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Threaded protection caps

Threaded Cap

Protects threaded fittings, ports and connectors from damage and contamination.

Shop Threaded Caps
Heat shrink end caps

Heat Shrink Cap

Heat activated adhesive lining provides a waterproof seal and strain relief.

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Why Use End Caps?

Protect against damage, dirt and corrosion

Seal out moisture, chemicals and contaminants

Improve safety and enhance product finish

Cost-effective solution for a wide range of applications

End Cap Types Explained

Silicone End Caps
SILICONE

Silicone End Caps

High temperature resistant, ideal for coating and finishing.

Visit Silicone End Caps
Silicone Cone Caps
SILICONE

Silicone Cone Caps

Tapered fit masks holes, studs and ports.

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Silicone Washer Caps
SILICONE

Silicone Washer Caps

Cap and washer combined for dual protection.

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Silicone Rectangle Covers
SILICONE

Silicone Rectangle Covers

Covers rectangular tube during high heat finishing.

Discover Silicone Rec Covers
Eze Caps
INNOVATIVE

Eze Caps

Grips studs fast, no exact thread match needed.

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Round PVC Caps
PVC

Round PVC Caps

Durable protection for pipes, tubes and round bar.

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Square PVC Caps
PVC

Square PVC Caps

Finishing cover for square tube and box section.

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Rectangular PVC Caps
PVC

Rectangular PVC Caps

Neat cover for rectangular hollow sections.

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PVC Stud Caps
PVC

PVC Stud Caps

Protects threaded studs during transport and finishing.

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High Temp PVC Caps
PVC

High Temp PVC Caps

Cost effective option for higher temperature coating.

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PVC Pull Tab Caps
PVC

PVC Pull Tab Caps

Pull tab for quick fitting and removal.

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Domed Nut & Bolt Caps
NUT & BOLT

Domed Nut & Bolt Caps

Covers exposed fasteners for a clean finish.

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Secure Nut & Bolt Caps
NUT & BOLT

Secure Nut & Bolt Caps

Locking cover prevents unauthorised removal.

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Screw Cover Caps
SCREW COVERS

Screw Cover Caps

Conceals screw heads for a neat finish.

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Number Plate Screw Caps
SCREW COVERS

Number Plate Screw Caps

Covers number plate fixing screws neatly.

Browse Number Plate Screw Caps
Roofing Screw Caps
SCREW COVERS

Roofing Screw Caps

Protects roofing fixings from rain and UV.

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Thread Protection Nut Caps
THREAD PROTECTION

Thread Protection Nut Caps

Shields exposed nuts from impact and corrosion.

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Thread Protection Nut & Washer Caps
THREAD PROTECTION

Thread Protection Nut & Washer Caps

Protects nut and washer together.

Browse Nut & Washer Caps
Self Threading Nut Caps
THREAD PROTECTION

Self Threading Nut Caps

Screws onto fasteners for a secure fit.

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Self Threading Stud Caps
THREAD PROTECTION

Self Threading Stud Caps

Grips exposed studs securely and reliably.

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Compare End Cap Materials

Choose the right material for your application and environment.

Material Temp Outdoor Flexible Powder Coating Chemical Resistant
Silicone
EPDM
PVC
LDPE
Industries supplied with end caps and component protection products

Related Guides

Further reading to help you choose and use the right end cap.

Guide to EPDM Caps

Guide to EPDM Caps

Everything you need to know about EPDM rubber caps, including common applications, material properties and selection guidance.

Read Guide
What Is Silicone Rubber?

What Is Silicone Rubber?

Learn about silicone rubber properties, temperature resistance and why it is widely used for masking, sealing and protection.

Read Guide
Masking and protection solutions for powder coating

Masking and Protection

Explore precision masking solutions for protecting threads, holes and surfaces during powder coating and industrial finishing.

Read Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Silicone offers superior temperature resistance (up to 315°C) making it the preferred choice for powder coating and high-temperature finishing. EPDM offers excellent outdoor and UV resistance but has lower heat tolerance, making it better suited for sealing, weatherproofing and lower-temperature applications.

Use silicone when cure temperatures exceed 120°C or where repeated reuse is required. PVC caps are suitable for lower-temperature applications and where cost is the primary consideration. High temp PVC is a middle-ground option for processes up to around 105°C.

Yes — silicone and EPDM end caps are designed for repeated reuse. High-quality silicone caps can typically withstand 100+ cycles. Remove caps whilst still warm for easiest removal and inspect before each use to check for signs of degradation.

A standard cap has a fixed internal diameter and fits one specific size. A cone cap has a tapered profile that allows one cap to cover a range of diameters — making them more versatile and economical where multiple sizes are used across a production run.

EPDM has significantly better UV, ozone and weather resistance than PVC. Outdoor exposure causes PVC to become brittle and discolour over time, whereas EPDM maintains its flexibility and seal integrity in exposed environments for much longer.

Measure the outside diameter (OD) of the tube or stud the cap will fit over. For tube end caps, also note the wall thickness. Use digital calipers for accuracy and always allow a small allowance for flexible materials such as silicone and EPDM which will stretch to fit.

Eze Caps grip directly onto threaded studs without requiring an exact thread match. Unlike standard caps that rely on a tight internal fit, Eze Caps use a unique gripping design that speeds up installation and removal significantly — especially useful in production environments with multiple thread sizes.

Silicone offers good resistance to many chemicals including dilute acids, alkalis and solvents commonly encountered in finishing environments. However, concentrated acids and certain solvents can degrade silicone — if in doubt, check the specific chemical compatibility before use.