Air line couplers

[bmwpower]

I've gone through 2 or 3 air line couplers in the past couple months. The ridge on the M-type connectors I use just wear down causing the hose to pop off the tool. Scared the **** out of me. Luckily I wasn't near anything of value because the hose went flying.

Is this normal for them to wear like this?

I was some unbranded (what appears to be) aluminum couplers on those tools. I'm using a Goodyear hose from Harbor Freight. Now I'm using some brass colored couplers from Home Depot - not sure if they're aluminum under that brass color or what.

Should I be using brass or something else? Should I be using a certain brand?

Thanks!

 

[MXtras]

Use Milton or Foster couplings.

The cheapies don't last and I have also seen they do not flow as well as the higher end couplings.

http://www.toolparadise.com/pricelist/databasenp_34.html (scoll down about 1/3 of the page)

Try these guys. When I was looking, I knew what I wanted and they had the best pricing. Their website is a bit junky but they have good prices and ship fast. I just recieved 20 couplings and a ton of fittings from them.

I bought type "A" but "M" is a more popular fitting. One nice feature of these is that you do not have to pull the collar back to insert the fitting - only to release it. I have had the same couplings in use for more than 15 years without a single issue and the ones on my hoses aren't treated all that well - I have run the couplings over a few times and I typically just drop the end of the hose on the floor so the collars should be nearly destroyed but they aren't and the oldest couplings I have still work perfectly - I have worn out or damaged several of the male fittings in the past to the point where they wont seal anymore.

The new couplings are a bit stiff in comparison to the older ones I have - they take a bit to "break in".

Scott

 

[iiibdsiil]

I've never had any problem with the Home Depot connectors doing this. Some of them leak air, but not pop off. I've used both the silver and brass ones from there.

But, if you want a more quality connection, you could go with something from Grainger. I've got some brass female fittings that are $8 or $9 a piece, but boy are they nice.

 

[ScottS]

How often do you use these? Off and on 10 times a day or more?

I use all dixon brand at work. I get from an industrial supply house.
Some of those probably get used 50 times a day, probably last a year or so on the hoses the guys at work move around.

Scott

http://www.dixonquickcoupling.com/pdf/df.pdf

You can search around their site and find what you are after and a local distributor.

 

[Ign]

I've just began to shy away from the "universal" couplers Home Depot sells; the ones that are supposed to work for A, I or M and that just pop on with no need to pull the collar back. I've had two get so stiff that they won't hardly pop on (I have to shove the collar up), and then I can't release them.

Any local dedicated tool or fastener store should carry something like Milton.

 

[Rickster]

I also run the Type A fittings. Most of mine are either Milton or Acme Air. The Type A's are harder to find but I already had several so I've been adding when I come across them a swap meets and such. Have you added a connector to that line recently? Could you have a mis-match of connector styles? I picked up a brass coupler at a garage sale once and with a quick test fit it seemed to lock in but when I used under pressure it popped off.

 

[SteveU]

I replaced all of my type M with type V HVLP fittings, makes a noticeable difference in the way all my air tools run giving them more power. Only tool I never had a type M on is the Nitrocat but it probably gives it a bit of a boost also. The nice thing about the type V fittings is that type M & I believe A also will work with them so you don't have to replace the fittings on all your tools at once if you don't want to. Everything I have is Milton & the quality seems to be the same on these as on the M's. An added benefit is it makes it a lot easier to put a couple drops of oil down a .357 vs a .22 sized opening. My 18 ga brad nailer still has an M & it is real secure on holding it as well as the V's.

 

[RAYJAY]

I found that using swivels on my tools have a lot less problems .

before i used them had a lot of problems with connectors breaking off

 

[bmwpower]

I found that using swivels on my tools have a lot less problems .

before i used them had a lot of problems with connectors breaking off

Good point. On the worn fitting you could see where 360 degree revolutions may have been wearing the "ridge" down.

 

[kartracer55]

Wow, sounds like cheap couplers are the problem.

I use the brass ones from HD, Amflo I believe. I dont use mine all THAt often but they really dont show any signs of wear. I use tools, especailly the 1/2 impacts at work that get hooked up an easy 10-20 times a day and they obviously show SOME wear but they dont just pop out.

Another thought is that maybe the couplers are mismatched? I know all my air tool couplers are amflo's sold at HD, so they all match. Maybe if your mixing and matching the fit isnt secure enough?

Jim

 

[wilbilt]

I use type "C". The retaining ridge is more substantial than the others, and they will tend to leak badly before failing (so you will replace them before they become dangerous).

All of the automotive shops I worked in used these, so all of my tools already have them.

 

[PAToyota]

Actually, I am always a bit surprised at the number of different couplings - A, I, M, V, C...

Personally, I use T couplings - only reason is that when I first went to buy some way back when I looked at all the variety and went with my first initial because I knew I'd remember it since they end up all looking alike and I knew it was the sort of thing that I wouldn't buy regularly enough and may forget what type I was using...

 

[bmwpower]

Wow, sounds like cheap couplers are the problem.

I use the brass ones from HD, Amflo I believe. I dont use mine all THAt often but they really dont show any signs of wear. I use tools, especailly the 1/2 impacts at work that get hooked up an easy 10-20 times a day and they obviously show SOME wear but they dont just pop out.

Another thought is that maybe the couplers are mismatched? I know all my air tool couplers are amflo's sold at HD, so they all match. Maybe if your mixing and matching the fit isnt secure enough?

Jim

The first setup was not a matching set in that the coupler on the hose was from HD (amflo I believe) and the fitting was an aluminum type from somewhere unknown...but it was a type M. This was the one that popped out and shot the hose (wide open, air blowing). I think I tossed the fitting, but I'll check.

The second setup was with the same coupler, but a new Amflo (ie matching) fitting from HD. The connection still leaks, but not as bad. I can tilt the gun from side to side when connected and I get a nice leaky connection. Pain in the a$$ when I'm trying to maneuver the gun and the thing leaks like crazy. I'm just waiting for it to pop.

That 360 swivel looks like it might work, but with all these different fitting types, it's hard to decide which to go with. Maybe I'll get a few Miltons or something and try them out. I dunno.

 

[Mike F]

What sizes are you guys using? I am not planning (at this point anyway) on painting or blasting. Use will mostly be air tools like ratchets, 1/2" max impact gun, air grinders and cutoffs, sanding, etc. Is 1/4" body enough? All the air tools I see have 1/4" thread input, so does 3/8" body even make sense? I was thinking of 3/8" body, but that would limit me if I need to grab a friends tool if it were 1/4" body. Do they sell adapters 3/8" to 1/4"?

 

[TNToy]

Use a good set of STEEL Milton, Acme, etc ... air couplers.

I've broken too many aluminum and brass ones... I hate 'em, and they always leak after a year or so without any kind of excessive damage (like getting run over) that the good ones shrug off.

I also don't know how you people live without swivels on all your tools. When I point my air gun straight downward, I want the hose to hang straight to the floor, not kink and tug on the tool...
http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/mils-657.html

Or matco number SI14. That's the one I've been using.

 

[l_bilyk]

Positive locking milton steel couplers are the way to go... they don't leak or pop off

 

[SteveU]

Mike,
I am using 1/4" type V miltons on 3/8" hose. The catalog says that they will flow 74 cfm which will run any air tool that I know of. These screw right into all air tools that have a 1/4" npt inlet such as impacts, die grinders, nail guns, air chucks, ect. The only disadvantage or advantage depending on which way you look at it is that the male HVLP fitings will NOT work on type A or M female couplers however, the female HVLP couplers WILL work with male A or M fittings. This means my buddy can bring his tools with type M to my place to work but can't borrow my tools without changing the fitting because they won't go into his coupler on his hose.

 

[Mike F]

I always thoght brass was better. Do the steel ones rust? Where I live, EVERYTHING tends to rust.

 

[Junkman]

Use a good set of STEEL Milton, Acme, etc ... air couplers.

I've broken too many aluminum and brass ones... I hate 'em, and they always leak after a year or so without any kind of excessive damage (like getting run over) that the good ones shrug off.

I also don't know how you people live without swivels on all your tools. When I point my air gun straight downward, I want the hose to hang straight to the floor, not kink and tug on the tool...http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/mils-657.html

Or matco number SI14. That's the one I've been using.

From the link that you provided.....

Milton Air Hose Swivel Connector 1/4 in NPT Allows 360 degree swivel in two places to prevent hose kinking. Female pipe threads connect to most hose fittings . Not for use with percussion tools.

 

[bmwpower]

So an air ratchet is considered a percussion tool? Huh, I was thought they were referring to an air hammer.

 

[TNToy]

All my swivels are either Snap-On (Blue-Point) or Matco's SI14.

I was pretty sure they were just the Milton unit with some **** blue or red anodizing slapped on them. Now I'm not so sure... this page makes me think they're probably a heavier-duty Dynaswivel brand unit.

Either way, the one's I'm using are worth every penny.

Skim through this: More than you ever wanted to know about fittings, swivels, and couplers...
http://www.expeditionexchange.com/air/

 

[eschoendorff]

I just switched everything over to 3/8" type-T couplers. Much bigger and more flow than those 1/4" I/M jobs....

 

[bmwpower]

All my swivels are either Snap-On (Blue-Point) or Matco's SI14.

I was pretty sure they were just the Milton unit with some **** blue or red anodizing slapped on them. Now I'm not so sure... this page makes me think they're probably a heavier-duty Dynaswivel brand unit.

Either way, the one's I'm using are worth every penny.

Skim through this: More than you ever wanted to know about fittings, swivels, and couplers...
http://www.expeditionexchange.com/air/

Thetoolwarehouse.net has the Dynabrade ones. That's what I was going to get until I heard this "percussion tool" issue.

They're cheaper there,too....and black.

 

[Mike F]

Has anyone been using the Dynabrade swivels? If so, what is your experience with impact tools, specifically impact wrenches? I was also thinking of the Astro Pneumatic version, which specifically says it's okay to use with impact wrenches, but it has a gauge and adjusting knob for pressure regulation, which I prefer to do without. The other one I was considering was the HF one, but I am always suspect of HF stuff.

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/AP-2657.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=46123

 

[eschoendorff]

Has anyone been using the Dynabrade swivels? If so, what is your experience with impact tools, specifically impact wrenches? I was also thinking of the Astro Pneumatic version, which specifically says it's okay to use with impact wrenches, but it has a gauge and adjusting knob for pressure regulation, which I prefer to do without. The other one I was considering was the HF one, but I am always suspect of HF stuff.

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/AP-2657.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=46123

I have some of teh HF ones... they have two flavors in the store. One is made in China and is silver in color, the other is made in Taiwan and is red in color. The Taiwanese swivels looks to be a better quality unit, but the airway inside is TINY! The Chinese version in a *little* bigger. I have a feeling that the Dynabrade ones might not be as restrictive to airflow, but I haven't seen one in person...

 

[ImportTuner]

I started using air tools only about 12 years ago; all my connectors are the Type M, purchased from Sears and about 6 month ago I bought a bunch of Miltons; I have never worn out a connector ..

 

[Mike F]

Well, I did some calling around and the Astro Pneumatic folks say it's alright to use on impact tools. Likewise the Matco and I thought the Dynabrade as well. I ordered and just received the Dynaswivel, and while it seems robust enough, it came with the same no percussion warning as the Miltons. They even stamp it on the swivel itself. Since they were 1/2 the price of the Matcos, I had bought a couple. I will see just how well they hold up. I wonder if the warning is a "cover our ****" warning only. I assume that many people are using these swivels on percussion tools without problems.

 

[bmwpower]

Well, I did some calling around and the Astro Pneumatic folks say it's alright to use on impact tools. Likewise the Matco and I thought the Dynabrade as well. I ordered and just received the Dynaswivel, and while it seems robust enough, it came with the same no percussion warning as the Miltons. They even stamp it on the swivel itself. Since they were 1/2 the price of the Matcos, I had bought a couple. I will see just how well they hold up. I wonder if the warning is a "cover our ****" warning only. I assume that many people are using these swivels on percussion tools without problems.

Is the Dynabrade one composite or metal? Did you notice a reduction in output after installing the swivel. I installed a Milton on my Ti gun and it seems to have decreased the torque considerably... I'm considering moving back to non-swivel.

 

[toms73novass]

Well, I did some calling around and the Astro Pneumatic folks say it's alright to use on impact tools. Likewise the Matco and I thought the Dynabrade as well. I ordered and just received the Dynaswivel, and while it seems robust enough, it came with the same no percussion warning as the Miltons. They even stamp it on the swivel itself. Since they were 1/2 the price of the Matcos, I had bought a couple. I will see just how well they hold up. I wonder if the warning is a "cover our ****" warning only. I assume that many people are using these swivels on percussion tools without problems.

Mike I think that you hit it right on the head. I believe that they probably had a few failures at some point and as a result put that on their so that they would not have to cover replacement etc. If you are not using it every day/ continuously I do not think that there would be a problem.

 

[Mike F]

The Dynaswivel is aluminum. I haven't had a chance to use it yet, but by looking inside at the size of the hole inside the swivel end (as opposed to the end which actually connects to the tool), there is a considerable reduction in area that air will travel through. I don't know how much of a performance decrease this will cause. Maybe they should be used only on ratchets, and the like which are not as big air consumers as impacts?

 

[bmwpower]

The Dynaswivel is aluminum. I haven't had a chance to use it yet, but by looking inside at the size of the hole inside the swivel end (as opposed to the end which actually connects to the tool), there is a considerable reduction in area that air will travel through. I don't know how much of a performance decrease this will cause. Maybe they should be used only on ratchets, and the like which are not as big air consumers as impacts?

All i know is after I added my Milton swivel, my Ir gun has no power. I will probably be going back to straight hose.

 

[RAYJAY]

All i know is after I added my Milton swivel, my Ir gun has no power. I will probably be going back to straight hose.

thats weird I running the harbor freight swivel's and never had a problem

Jeff

 

[TNToy]

I'm going to take my Matco swivel off my gun next time I'm thinking about it, and see if the Nitrocat is breathing any easier... You've made me curious. But I doubt it'll matter much: For $20 that swivel better flow like a champ.

 

[eschoendorff]

thats weird I running the harbor freight swivel's and never had a problem

Jeff

The cheap Chinese chrome looking ones have a slightly larger air passage than the nice powder coated Taiwanese units.... just FYI

 

[Jbullfrog]

The 360deg swivels are restrictive to air flow. They have a smaller orafice in the swivel stem. I have 3/8" couplers and swivels on my 3/4" impacts. We have a dedicated line from the compressor with a 50' 1/2" hose for them also. I have a 1/4 to 3/8 adapter to get farther from the shop for duals and combine work without loosing pressure.

The swivel lead hoses from Mac or Snap-on work well on impacts since they are not restricted.

 

[bmwpower]

I'm going to take my Matco swivel off my gun next time I'm thinking about it, and see if the Nitrocat is breathing any easier... You've made me curious. But I doubt it'll matter much: For $20 that swivel better flow like a champ.

Yea, I should record a movie of each. You can hear the difference. Maybe the nicer swivels flow better. I was going to get a Dyna, but was worried they were composite. Maybe you get what you pay for?

 

[bmwpower]

I'm going to take my Matco swivel off my gun next time I'm thinking about it, and see if the Nitrocat is breathing any easier... You've made me curious. But I doubt it'll matter much: For $20 that swivel better flow like a champ.

I just removed it for good. I had my friend over and asked him to give me his opinion too. He said he could definitely hear a difference. I could too. Also, with the gun in your hand if you hit the trigger the gun kicks more than it does WITH the swivel on. I don't know if it's the make/model of the swivel, but I won't be using it for my impact. Maybe it doesn't matter if you have a ton of air to throw at it? I dunno....

 

[MXtras]

Sounds like there is a restriction in the swivel.....

....I like to state the obvious!

Scott

 

[bmwpower]

Sounds like there is a restriction in the swivel.....

....I like to state the obvious!

Scott

BTW, that was a Milton swivel, too.

Just wanted to reiterate.... lol

 

[toms73novass]

I just ordered a dynabrade swivel, I'll let you know my results soon.