M10 SAE Flare Line Nut for Unloader valve needed (solved)

[Motofixxer]

So it appears to be around an M10 flare. It's smaller than 1/4" flare but larger than 3/16" flare. The outside of threads measures 10.36mm.

Update CONFIRMED: It's M10-1.0, by a nut that seemed to fit well. But now where to find an M10-1.0 SAE? flare nut

It's on an ALL Power APC4005 Twin stack air compressor. I believe also sold under Sears, Lowes, Strikeforce and others somewhere around early 2000's or so. They don't sell compressors anymore and only a few random parts left from later models.

I need to add the unloader line from this valve up to the switch since it's not there anymore. I bought the thing for a whole $10...but guy didn't know much about it. Thought if ya put a cap on there it would fill. He stuck his finger over it and it started filling. The pressure switch end seems to be a fairly common M10-1.0 inverted flare that I can work with.

The problem seems to be nobody has an M10 flare nut that would fit it. So looking for options that might work for it.

This is actually kind of a nice design unit with wheels and a moving handle. Otherwise it's nothing special but decent output at 4.2CFM @90PSI




UPDATE:
On Amazon I found a "TopHomer Air Compressor Exhaust Tube Aluminum Plated Copper, 6mm Diameter, 1-Way Flow, 470mm / 18.5in Central Pneumatic Compressor Parts (470mm / 18.5in)" That fit well has M10 on the SAE flare end then has 2 extra nuts for the other end that are the M10 with a 12mm wrench nut, then I believe an M12 nut that is a 14mm wrench nut. The line is 1/4" and copper coated alum. This ended up being just over $9 with Prime.

There's also a shorter tube but isn't long enough.
"UXCELL 10mm Hex Nut 200mm Length Air Compressor Exhaust Tube Copper" or 8" long on Amazon for about $8. It is a 1/4" line and has the correct nuts on each end. It just ended up being a bit too short. But I can work with that. I need about 3" longer or 11" 280mm. The nuts are the harder part to find. The key terms I think are Air Compressor Exhaust Tube or M10 Pilot valve line, in a search they show on alibaba and all over in links. Just have to find the M10 and length. But I have brake tube I can use. Or just make a new flared end section to add to the end valve end of a union, swap the nut and it's done.

I talked to a service shop and they suggested Makita compressors are normally metric. I also found the same looking M10 valve listed for Central Pneumatic. So maybe some searching for the line for one of those can yield some info.

 

[KnurledNut]

Should be M10. How’s it not fitting? Too big? Too small? Not threading?

 

[The Cobbler]

I ran into that a few years back and I ended up replacing the check valve & nut

 

[RTM]

Should be M10. How’s it not fitting? Too big? Too small? Not threading?

From here the threads look fouled up, maybe try a chasing file?

 

[Motofixxer]

Should be M10. How’s it not fitting? Too big? Too small? Not threading?

I did indicate M10- flare nut doesn't seem to exist in the US. 1/4" flare is too big, 3/16" flare is too small. I tried an AI that says it's a compression fitting just not common used in US. But supposedly a 1/4" compression nut is nearly identical to M10 and often mistaken

 

[Motofixxer]

From here the threads look fouled up, maybe try a chasing file?

Problem is finding a fitting that fits it...I have nothing for it. Can't seem to find an M10 flare anywhere. I'm gonna try to buy some M10 nuts and see if they fit right. Some info says it's an import valve sold in bulk to manufacturers. Not common otherwise, others say it's just standard 1/4" compression and threads are nearly identical to M10

 

[Motofixxer]

I ran into that a few years back and I ended up replacing the check valve & nut

That is a last resort, I was hoping simple and cheap. Otherwise maybe a hydraulic shop has an adapter or nut

 

[Motofixxer]

Error

 

[RoninB4]

Not common otherwise, others say it's just standard 1/4" compression and threads are nearly identical to M10

-Thread pitch (TPI) is real important, better identify the pitch before attempting a fit. Several inch-to-metric threads fit ok for the first couple of threads but the difference shows up (tighter) after a few threads. Compression angle of the fitting can/will make a difference too as you're probably aware. I'll bet @andyvh1959 could offer better info than I can.

 

[Motofixxer]

-Thread pitch (TPI) is real important, better identify the pitch before attempting a fit. Several inch-to-metric threads fit ok for the first couple of threads but the difference shows up (tighter) after a few threads. Compression angle of the fitting can/will make a difference too as you're probably aware. I'll bet @andyvh1959 could offer better info than I can.

Yea I'm familiar enough with threads and pitches...just trying to find the right fitting. I found a reference that said that fitting is a 1/4" compression just kinda unusual style with a cone and it's 1/4" compression threads which are so close to M10 they're frequently mistaken.

 

[RTM]

Problem is finding a fitting that fits it...I have nothing for it. Can't seem to find an M10 flare anywhere. I'm gonna try to buy some M10 nuts and see if they fit right. Some info says it's an import valve sold in bulk to manufacturers. Not common otherwise, others say it's just standard 1/4" compression and threads are nearly identical to M10

Boy, what a *****. When I search for m10 flare nut, it shows me what you have. When I look for flare ferrule, shows me mostly the same things. What’s the term for the mating female piece?

Google AI says it should be an M10-1.0, so if you have a metric pitch gauge, I’d verify that before going too crazy.

Good luck.

 

[Firstram]

Is it big enough to tap 1/8 NPT? You could step up from there.

 

[Motofixxer]

Is it big enough to tap 1/8 NPT? You could step up from there.

No not really, I had considered using a die to change the outside threads. But AI says it would require downsizing it too much and high risk of rupture from repeated pressure and temp cycles.

 

[MacMcMacmac]

Looks like lots of alternatives available. This one gets you a female thread that you could put a proper compression fitting in.

Amazon.ca : air compressor check valve

 

[The Cobbler]

replacing the check valve it's probably the easiest, but if it was me, I might try to tap the inner to 1/8" pipe like posted before .
mine was several years ago and I don't really remember what happened, I think the cap blew off and I replaced the valve. somehow I'm thinking the old thread was 1/4 NPT but with a flare nut and not std flare nut threading

Is it big enough to tap 1/8 NPT?

 

[The Cobbler]

edit, might be 1/8 NPT
A 1/8" NPT male thread has an actual outside diameter (OD) of approximately (10.3 mm) and 27 threads per inch

 

[Motofixxer]

Should be M10. How’s it not fitting? Too big? Too small? Not threading?

Confirmed it's M10-1.0...but where can I find a flare nut

 

[Motofixxer]

edit, might be 1/8 NPT
A 1/8" NPT male thread has an actual outside diameter (OD) of approximately (10.3 mm) and 27 threads per inch

I confirmed with a nut that it is M10-1.0 with the nut smoothly and consistently threading all the way on. It seems NPT is close but wouldn't be consistent being NPT. But now I need to find a flare nut

 

[whateg01]

Looks like a 5mm tube, but I only find down to 6mm, which is M12.

I guess if I was going to look for one, I would look in the chuck on my lathe.

 

[KnurledNut]

Confirmed it's M10-1.0...but where can I find a flare nut

All Power still sells parts.
The unloader tube comes with the flare nut. This is for an APC4003 but I believe it would work:
https://parts.jdna.com/ac-up-05

 

[KnurledNut]

Looks like a 5mm tube, but I only find down to 6mm, which is M12.

I guess if I was going to look for one, I would look in the chuck on my lathe.

It’s not uncommon for tube nuts to combine SAE line and metric fittings. A M10x1.0 nut can be found for 3/16 line.

 

[RTM]

Confirmed it's M10-1.0...but where can I find a flare nut

Maybe these? Mostly looking for a name to look further for. Some of these prices look silly stupid high.

Here is my search

m10-1.0 flare "tubing" fitting -coupler -union female

TRW Varioflex Connector M10 x 1.00 Int. Threaded, Female Inverted Flare, Large Hole, No Pin in Silver Anodized Finish (MVH100A) | ARH Custom USA

Buy TRW Varioflex Connector M10 x 1.00 Int. Threaded, Female Inverted Flare, Large Hole, No Pin in Silver Anodized Finish (MVH100A)

www.arhcustom.com

Brake Line Fitting Female M10 x 1mm 3/16 – BrakeConnect

www.brakeconnect.com

Or this to convert it to something standard.

Earls Performance Hardline Adapter, 3/8" Male to 10MM x 1.0 Flare Female, 3/8" Tubing, Stainless - (00122ERL)

Buy Hardline Adapter, 3/8" Male to 10MM x 1.0 Flare Female, 3/8" Tubing, Stainless at First Place. Free shipping on eligible purchases.

fpautoparts.com

 

[Motofixxer]

It’s not uncommon for tube nuts to combine SAE line and metric fittings. A M10x1.0 nut can be found for 3/16 line.

This seems like it might be right eh? M3-3 - 10mm x 1.0 Fine thread, female steel nut - SAE flare Then says use with the fitting shown below it. Which seems to be a union that matches what I have

10mm x 1.0 Fine thread, female steel nut, SAE (double) flare, 16mm long.

10mm x 1.0 Fine thread, female steel nut, 16mm long overall SAE flare (45 degree/inverted/double) Use with 3/16"/4.75mm brake line

store.fedhillusa.com

 

[Motofixxer]

Maybe these? Mostly looking for a name to look further for. Some of these prices look silly stupid high.

Here is my search

m10-1.0 flare "tubing" fitting -coupler -union female

TRW Varioflex Connector M10 x 1.00 Int. Threaded, Female Inverted Flare, Large Hole, No Pin in Silver Anodized Finish (MVH100A) | ARH Custom USA

Buy TRW Varioflex Connector M10 x 1.00 Int. Threaded, Female Inverted Flare, Large Hole, No Pin in Silver Anodized Finish (MVH100A)

www.arhcustom.com

Brake Line Fitting Female M10 x 1mm 3/16 – BrakeConnect

www.brakeconnect.com

Or this to convert it to something standard.

Earls Performance Hardline Adapter, 3/8" Male to 10MM x 1.0 Flare Female, 3/8" Tubing, Stainless - (00122ERL)

Buy Hardline Adapter, 3/8" Male to 10MM x 1.0 Flare Female, 3/8" Tubing, Stainless at First Place. Free shipping on eligible purchases.

fpautoparts.com

The first one seems to be an inverted flare which I think the pressure switch end is. That seems to be available most anywhere as a M10 unloader line or similar. But there isn't much for specs on em. Then there's only a nut on the 1 end.

The 2nd seems to be similar to 1 I just found and listed previously. Seems like it's what I need. So a double flare on the line and seems like it should work right?

3rd seems to be just an adapter. I'd like to keep it simple with the line and the fitting if possible...but it's in the right direction.

 

[The Cobbler]

but it says use with 3/16 line , unloaders are usually 1/4"
3/16 will be fine but now you have to deal with the other end that's 1/4
( unless you can drill it out ??? )

 

[Motofixxer]

but it says use with 3/16 line , unloaders are usually 1/4"
3/16 will be fine but now you have to deal with the other end that's 1/4
( unless you can drill it out ??? )

Well I'm really not concerned with most...I just need this specific situation solved. I do need the nut for the other end but that should be easier with a compression fitting.

 

[Motofixxer]

I found a seemingly working solution for pretty cheap. I updated the end of the first post

 

[Motofixxer]

It's alive, fills and shuts off cycling seemingly normal. Except for the other leaks in the output line from switch to manifold.

Apparently NPT fittings DO need thread sealant and to be screwed in all the way which makes the copper pipe too short now.
Someone along the line put copper lines and compression fittings in...but clearly didn't do it correctly

Hacks shouldn't be working on stuff...but now it's the easier part. At least it seems to operate

 

[The Cobbler]

great fix/ repair