So after thinking about moving up from 1/4 inch ID line and changing to 3/8ths ID am I still use the air fittings from the 1/4 or do I have to make another purchase? BTW, the high flow fittings that I purchased at Lowes are made of aluminum. I would rather have steel.
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Air Line Change /Fittings
- Thread starter Kenskip1
- Start date
Astro_Pneumatic_Tools
Well-known member
Steel is better than aluminum in the long run, but typically no you don't need to change 1/4" NPT style fittings going from 1/4" to 3/8" hose, those are most often kept the same.
As Astro said, 1/4" fittings are very common, even with 3/8" and 1/2" air lines. The flow restriction introduced by a couple fittings in the system is nowhere near that caused by a smaller diameter hose.
Below is a link to a video I made testing the flow through several 1/4" quick disconnect coupler and plug combinations, and then testing a couple different hoses under the same conditions. You can see the difference for yourself.
Below is a link to a video I made testing the flow through several 1/4" quick disconnect coupler and plug combinations, and then testing a couple different hoses under the same conditions. You can see the difference for yourself.
Jswain
Well-known member
1/4" Milton v style. Brass coupler, steel fittings on impacts/air hammers etc. the rest are usually ok with aluminum but they are a consumable.(Eventually)
I have anecdotally read on various forums that the aluminum fittings wear out much faster/get damaged much easier to the point where they leak. That said, I have PERSONALLY not had an issue with them, but I'm just a DIYer and not a pro that puts my pneumatic tools through any type of daily grind.
In fact, my tools are like house cats - the vast majority of their life is spent lounging around and doing nothing.
In fact, my tools are like house cats - the vast majority of their life is spent lounging around and doing nothing.
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1/4 NPT is fine as said. You can pressure blast with them, and they will outflow a 23 CFM compressor.
I'm sure there's a scenario like on a 1" impact that it could be an issue, but other than that, and things like jackhammers, they're good.
For fittings, look at Milton. I have brass female and steel male Miltons. They're not expensive.
I'm sure there's a scenario like on a 1" impact that it could be an issue, but other than that, and things like jackhammers, they're good.
For fittings, look at Milton. I have brass female and steel male Miltons. They're not expensive.