i need air compressor fittings

[rusmannx]

so my compressor is a campbel, so are my hose ends, or fittings, or couplers, or whatever you call them.

they suck (leaking everywhere but the threads).

i bought some new femaile ends the other day not realizing they are a non-standard size after a friend of mine tried to hook up his impact.

any suggestions on where to buy a decent fittings?

[mkodish87]

I like milton fittings. I know I shouldn't need to say this but stay the hell away from harbor freight if you want fittings that last and don't leak.

[dopeassjackson]

mcmaster carr has nice brass quick connects. they have lasted for me. i think i use the A style

[gunsablazin]

Home Depot

[Chief35]

There are A-automotive type, I-industrial, and various other ones that are used less. I use the automotive type and they work well. I believe that there are universal female couplings out there but I don't beleive they seal well with all of the different types of fittings.

[ChiScouter]

In my neck of the woods the type M also called industrial couplers are far and away the most popular. Growing up my dad used 1/4 inch type M and that is what I have expanded and used for my stuff. If I was starting over I would totally go to 3/8" couplers. Most people use 3/8" hose and the 1/4" couplers limit your airflow. 3/8" couplers are stronger than 1/4" by virtue of their larger size. I am starting to use 3/8" couplers for a dedicated line for my impact gun, having different sizes is a hassle. Do it right the first time, don't buy junk connectors, McMaster has a great selection, great quality and fair prices.

[some zilch]

napa

[WillisXJ]

I think I use M couplers. I have got some at home depot where the coupler (female) collar locks in the back position until you put the nipple (male) then the collar snaps forward and locks the pieces together. Those are the nicest ones to use. They were in the bins at home depot, not in the packages.

At one shop I worked at, they used a very long nipple. This style I'm told was a body shop style whatever that means. They went together very easily (lock back collar too) and when you pull the collar to release them, the nipple would just pop out. I have never found them in any store at all, but haven't looked that closely either. If I ever plumb my shop, I'll be switching to these exclusively.

[fairlane_68]

Home Depot

+1, or Lowe's.


Also:
http://www.garage-pak.com/index.html

[ChiScouter]

You guys recommending no name stuff from Depot and Lowes, do you use your stuff all the time and they hold up well to abuse? I have been forced to use depot stuff at work in a pinch and found the couplers to be garbage compared to the stuff from Mcmaster or Milton.

[dopeassjackson]

You guys recommending no name stuff from Depot and Lowes, do you use your stuff all the time and they hold up well to abuse? I have been forced to use depot stuff at work in a pinch and found the couplers to be garbage compared to the stuff from Mcmaster or Milton.

we use your average handy man coupler at work and even the male ends wear our real quick. the professional female ends are nice because you really cant bump them and have them fall off so easily.

[Fear Factory]

If I was starting over I would totally go to 3/8" couplers. Most people use 3/8" hose and the 1/4" couplers limit your airflow. 3/8" couplers are stronger than 1/4" by virtue of their larger size. I am starting to use 3/8" couplers for a dedicated line for my impact gun, having different sizes is a hassle.

I say do that too, all of my air tools have 3/8 body fittings. Keep in mind you can easily find 3/8 body fittings with 1/4 NPT threads. The hole size is quite a bit bigger for tools needing more airflow to work right. Grainger also carries about every coupler you need.

[rusmannx]

thanks for the advice guys. my problem seems to be with the female connectors leaking. not at the threads, but the coupler itself.

i'll pick up some stuff from HD or lowes and see if it works. if not i'll get on to mcmaster.... which i feel like i do everyday anyway.

[Wyoming9]

I have been using the Milton type M for about 20 years I have worn out female ones but never a male one.

I have a plastic box with all my air fittings as pieces get used they get replaced :grinpimp:

[pcorssmit]

You guys recommending no name stuff from Depot and Lowes, do you use your stuff all the time and they hold up well to abuse? I have been forced to use depot stuff at work in a pinch and found the couplers to be garbage compared to the stuff from Mcmaster or Milton.

Lowes used to carry amflo air stuff, but now has the same leaky cheap chineese crap that Home Depot has. Still not as bad as the HF junk, though.

[darkstar]

I say do that too, all of my air tools have 3/8 body fittings. Keep in mind you can easily find 3/8 body fittings with 1/4 NPT threads. The hole size is quite a bit bigger for tools needing more airflow to work right. Grainger also carries about every coupler you need.

I prefer milton V style fittings for this. same physical size as 1/4" body male fittings, ID as large as 3/8" body fittings. much better airflow and tool performance than regular M style 1/4" body stuff.

the couplers will also accept M plugs. The V plugs can only go in the V couplers.

[nissancrawler]

I prefer milton V style fittings for this. same physical size as 1/4" body male fittings, ID as large as 3/8" body fittings. much better airflow and tool performance than regular M style 1/4" body stuff.

the couplers will also accept M plugs. The V plugs can only go in the V couplers.

What that guy said. ^^^^ V couplers are like nitrous for your air tools.