I'm looking at buying an ultra-flexible air hose for my shop air compressor. The Flexzilla brand looks interesting. They offer 3 sizes, 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" ID hoses. Most air hoses sold appear to come with QUARTER-INCH threaded fittings already installed on each end. So... here's my question. IF one is using, let's say, a HALF-INCH ID air hose and on EACH end of the air hose there's a QUARTER-INCH ID threaded fitting doesn't the fact that the end-fittings are SMALLER in size have an effect on the overall air throughput and essentially negate any BENEFIT that the HALF-INCH ID size of the air hose brings to the table? What's the benefit of using a 1/2" air hose IF you're going to put 1/4" fittings on each end? Anyone know the answer to this? (My apologies if the answer is obvious.) I did see a few mentions by others elsewhere in the forum that the actual restriction of air flow by the 1/4" connector is minimal. If so, then why spend the money on a larger ID hose? Thoughts?
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Air Hose Diameter vs Connector Size
- Thread starter N2TE
- Start date
matt_i
Well-known member
The restriction in the long tube is greater than that of the throttles on each end.
My theory can of course get upended. You put 1/8" holes on a 2" hose then it won't be true. I can't tell you where the crossover lies, it would probably need some experimentation.
Even if you put 1/2" NPT-M fittings on a 1/2" ID air hose the brass (?) barbed fitting has an ID smaller than 1/2".
My theory can of course get upended. You put 1/8" holes on a 2" hose then it won't be true. I can't tell you where the crossover lies, it would probably need some experimentation.
Even if you put 1/2" NPT-M fittings on a 1/2" ID air hose the brass (?) barbed fitting has an ID smaller than 1/2".
Tech77
Member
Check out these highflow couplers.
https://www.miltonindustries.com/couplers-and-plugs/high-flow-couplers-and-plugs.html
https://www.miltonindustries.com/couplers-and-plugs/high-flow-couplers-and-plugs.html
astroracer
Well-known member
A larger ID hose is better for long runs. If you have to use a high volume piece of equipment more then 10 or 15 feet from the compressor you will want a larger ID hose so it can provide the larger volume your tool needs.
The best thing you could do is hardline the shop to keep your needed hose length down. I generally run a 25' 3/8th's hose for most of my shop use.
When painting with the HVLP guns I use a dedicated 1/2" hose with the bigger high volume fittings.
I also have dedicated set-up for the blasting cabinet. Big line there as well.
Mark
The best thing you could do is hardline the shop to keep your needed hose length down. I generally run a 25' 3/8th's hose for most of my shop use.
When painting with the HVLP guns I use a dedicated 1/2" hose with the bigger high volume fittings.
I also have dedicated set-up for the blasting cabinet. Big line there as well.
Mark