A method of installing a 3-piece pipe coupling to connect a first pipe element to a second pipe element includes the steps of bringing the 3-piece pipe coupling into engagement with a first connection groove located proximate a first pipe element end of the first pipe element and with a second connection groove located proximate a second pipe element end of the second pipe element, the 3-piece pipe coupling comprising three pieces; and tightening the 3-piece pipe coupling about the first and second pipe element ends with a fastener extending through a first fastener pad and through a second fastener pad formed at respective distal ends of two pieces of the three pieces comprising the 3-piece pipe coupling.