Broken Air Tool Connector

[mikeatrpi]

I put down my impact today and the coupler snapped. The air hose was whipping around and scared the out of me! On the plus side, nobody got hurt and nothing important got broken - which means now I can replace and upgrade my couplers to some quality units! Any recommendations? Perhaps I should use an air tool whip?

 

[930dreamer]

WOW, never seen a connector break.

 

[scott37300]

I had a connector on a bostitch roofing gun snap one time and it was almost brand new.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

That would still break with a whip - fatigue fractures are pretty common right there. As a matter of fact, that's the reason for the whips is to (theoretically) get it away from your face if it does break.

 

[idoitproject]

Two question. When you say put down, does that mean drop or lay down? Why are you using industrial fittings?

This is probably a isolated incident. I would say buy some quality fittings if that wasn't one. Also using a whip would still give you the same result if the fitting broke again. I'm sure but I think automotive fittings are thicker.

 

[wafrederick]

That is the reason why I don't use cheap fittings.I use mostly Milton type A air tool fittings.Milton is a good brand and made here in the USA,not overseas.

 

[mikeatrpi]

It was a brass flea market or Harbor Freight connector from one of those multipacks they sell. I've had it on the impact for a few years now, and the exact origin is uncertain. I didn't drop it or throw it, but I do frequently lay it on its side on the concrete floor.

Anyway, once I changed the connector (and my shorts) and got back to work, I made sure to put on my safety glasses!

 

[billymade]

I've found that brass fittings wear out quicker and leak; as mentioned get steel USA made fittings will last longer and be more durable.

Milton are sold at many good industrial and auto parts stores; carquest sells them under their own brand... good luck!

http://www.miltonindustries.com/

 

[shampoop]

I think steel fittings are a good idea on items that are going to recieve lots of use, lots of stress, and used often. Brass makes sense on things that are going to sit idle for a long time because you don't have to worry about rust. But steel makes more sense due to its strength if you don't have to worry about rust because of the frequency of use.

 

[diesel research]

Even the USA milton ones break just from fatigue. Used to happen every week or 2 on the "big gun".

Always a bit unnerving to have to use a torch on such an expensive impact.

A whip CAN reduce these breakages. It moves the connector weight away from the solidly fixed gun, plus the whip can reduce some of the vibration of air hammers or impacts. Vibration+hanging weight (especially when gun is held sideways) can = broken fittings.

 

[mikeatrpi]

Vibration+hanging weight (especially when gun is held sideways) can = broken fittings.

Guilty. I frequently hold the gun sideways - I don't have a lift and don't get a lot of clearance with my jack stands. I think you solved the mystery.

 

[diesel research]

Another option for you is a swivel joint air fitting.

 

[Squankum]

I'm a fan of Milton. Get my stuff at Northern Tool or, at Amazon through Hires Automotive. Niiice stuff!

 

[Charles (in GA)]

We have air hose ******* at work break all the time. This is usually caused by the hoses laying on the floor and someone driving over the coupler with a tire vehicle (tug, forklift, etc) and it gets cracked or broken. Sometimes the air tool ******* fracture from years of vibration (rivet guns especially).

We use Foster brand hose ends with integral ****** or coupling, and build up the hoses from 1000 ft spools of Goodyear 1/4 and 3/8 hose.

Charles