Abstract: A pipe coupling including cooperating male and female threaded elements and the female threaded element has a recess containing a pipe-gripping collar which has cause to contract radially on to the pipe upon tightening of the male element relative to the female element.In order to facilitate storage and transport of the coupling components, a washer is provided which is resiliently engageable with the thread of the female element and serves to retain the pipe-gripping collar within the recess of the female element. This washer is preferably a metallic thrust washer which has a peripheral rubber flange which provides the resilient engagement with the thread of the female element.