Air Line Fittings Explained

Pneumatic Fittings Types

Hello again,

Hope to shed a little light on the confusion surrounding the different types of airline fittings that are available on the market. I often ask customers what fittings they are using so we can supply the stapler/nailer with the correct fitting ready to go – often the reply is confusion, they know what it looks like but cannot identify the type.

Let’s give it a go and try and give a little clarity.

Pneumatic Fittings Push to Connect

1) Quick release couplings:

The quick-release coupling is quite simply a means of quickly disconnecting an airline from air main or compressor and at the business end disconnect from air tool or equipment. The couplings have a shut-off valve inside so when the male fitting is removed, the airflow is immediately shut down. The most common thread sizes are ¼” BSP and most of our tools have a ¼” BSP thread enabling the fitting of the male plug.

2) Schrader Coupling and Plug

This type of male plug is released by twisting the cap on the coupling and simultaneously twisting the hose to facilitate the disconnection.

3) PCL Standard Airflow Coupling and Plug

This type of male plug is simply disconnected by pulling back the collar on the coupling whilst holding the airline or tool connected to the male plug. Please note not holding the airline may cause the line to whip as the compressed air escapes. This type of Standard Coupling is a single action coupling designed for use in fixed applications such as compressor or air ring main.

4) PCL Standard Vertex Coupling

Used with the same male plug as above the Standard Vertex PCL coupling is a double-action coupling which has been designed for use with trailing hoses. The protective shoulder is designed to stop the ingress of dirt and the accidental disconnection when lines are pulled along the ground or workbench.

5) PCL Standard Safety Coupling

This coupling prevents hoses from whipping when they are disconnected and are disconnected in a two stage process:

1. Pull back the sleeve and the pressure will automatically vent via the body.
2. Push the sleeve forward to the release the male plug

6) PCL Twin Standard Y Coupling

Used when you wish to split one line into two and is available with either Standard or Vertex Couplings.

7) Uni Hi Flow Coupling and Plug

Another single action disconnection where the collar on the coupling is pulled back to release the male plug. This is the most common fitting we see on imported tools and air compressors.

8) Hose Tails

Hose tails can be connected to couplings to enable fixing to airlines – tail sizes vary to fit different internal airline diameters.

There are many other types of fittings but I just wanted to cover the most popular fittings we come across and at least with a few images you may be able to identify what fittings you require. Hope this was of some assistance.

You could find your couplings and connectors by searching ''COMPRESSOR ACCESSORIES'' in the search box in Amazon below:

Read more on this subject by visiting Airlines and Quick Release Couplings Explained 

Hi-Viz Airlines are here 

10-metre coil compressor airline here 

Compressors here

Compressor and air tool easy kits here  

Until Next Time..... the very best of wishes

Don't forget gloves are an essential item to have in your tool box and these are very popular with our customers:

Safety Gloves are essential for any work you are contemplating in the workplace too.

 

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