Even if you are not aware of what a hose coupling is, the odds are that you have seen or used one before. The hose is used to transport a variety of different things, from water and air through to chemicals and gases, so the hose coupling needs to be able to withstand this.
Hose couplings can also be known as hose fittings, hose connectors, or hose adaptors. A hose coupling is a piece of equipment used to connect a hose with something else, like a tap, sprinkler, pump, or another hose. For example, a coupling can be used to connect a plastic garden hose to your outside tap.
Hose couplings come in a variety of different materials including steel, stainless steel, brass, plastic, and aluminium. The coupling used will depend on what the hose is being used for and what it is connected to.
For example, plastic couplings are conventionally used with garden hoses as they are cheap to manufacture and do not react to water. However, they can crack and break easily.
Aluminium fittings are light and water-resistant, so are used where low weight and durability are essential, like in cars and planes. Even if hose couplings are made from durable materials, we recommend storing a few spares so if one breaks, it can be fixed easily without disruption.
Stainless steel couplings are expensive but can withstand extreme temperatures as well as high pressure so are common in industrial settings.
Reusable or field-attachable couplings – These are more costly than permanent couplings and require more time to attach to your hose. Using a simple wrench and vice, they can be removed from an old hose and reattached to a new one, saving money over time.
Permanent – Permanent couplings are applied with a crimper or swaging device to squeeze the coupling onto the end of the hose and are permanently attached. They cannot be reused and will be discarded at the end of the hose’s service life. They can be applied quickly and are considered convenient.
Your choice will depend on the type of hydraulic system you are using, the manufacturer’s guidance and the type of coupling interface needed. A coupling interface is how a coupling connects to the component it is attached to. Types of coupling interface include:
O-ring – O-ring couplings rely on a rubber O-ring to create a very effective seal which is favoured in high-pressure applications.
Thread – Thread couplings are comprised of male parts which possess an outside thread and female threaded couplings where the thread is internalised. When joined, the tapered threads deform and apply under pressure to form a tight seal.
Mated Angle – These couplings also comprise male and female parts which screw together and bring the mating angle seats together to form a functional seal. A notable example is an NPSM joint.
We are a hose couplings supplier, please feel free to contact us if you need them.
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