I don’t know why you should be having problems with your connectors, unless they are really el cheapos.
I buy Milton quick-connects — but only because that is the brand sold by my local tool outlet. Some of them must be 10 years old, and they still don’t leak — even though they’re subject to the rigors of job site abuse.
I assume you know there are about five different styles of fittings for air equipment. If you specifiy “universal” that will cover the 3 most common fittings.
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“I tend to live in the past because most of my life is there.”
— Herb Caen (1916-1997)
Replies
Take your existing connection with you to a pneumatic supplier. There are quite a few different sizes available and it's always nice to keep everything matching.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
Grizzly sells a reasonably priced coupler that seems to be just a good as the more expensive ones I typically buy for my company. http://www.mcmaster.com and many others sell them but for the hobby guy the Grizzlies are perfect. I'm buying them for the shop as well.
I use the quick connect ones from harbor freight. They are the automotive tool style. I have had good luck. The critical part is to be sure to use Teflon tape on the hose threads. I leave a blower attachment on and pressure on the line, and the unit does not leak. I do get the brass ones, not the aluminum ones. What I would really like is an auto retracting reel, but I won't fork over the money yet. So I'll just keep winding it up by hand. Some conveniences I can wait on.
If you want a hose reel, look at Harbor Fright(sp?- just kidding). They have a 3/8" I.D. hose/reel for $40 on sale, pretty often. It seems to be exactly like the ones I bought for a couple of places where I worked and is $125 less. I just need to beef up the stretchers in my garage before I mount mine.
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
Devilbiss, high flow connectors.
Last forever, much bigger inside diameter and internals are designed for least resistance to air flow.
They cost a bit more, but the costs are quickly recovered in compressed air efficiency, which appears on your electrical utility bill.
If you work on a concrete floor, be careful not to drop the male end will get a little dinged when thy hit the floor, making it hard for the rubber to make a good seal.
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