- 1. Milton M-Style Coupler and Plug Kit
- 2. Bostitch Industrial Swivel Plug
- 3. Tanya Hardware Coupler and Plug Kit
- 4. ColorFit Coupler and Plug Kit
- 5. Sungator Air Coupler and Fittings
- 6. ColorConnex Automotive Plug Kit
- 7. Milton Female M-Style Kwik-Change Coupler
- 8. Primefit Deluxe Air Compressor Accessory Kit
- Best Air Hose Fittings Buying Guide & FAQ
If you’ve ever dealt with compressed air, you know just how important the fittings are. Pressurized air relies entirely on a tight seal. Without it, loose particles get out and the pressure will drop substantially. This eliminates the utility of compressed air. Unfortunately, fittings aren’t exempt from wear and tear. The threads can rust, corrode, or just strip away, especially when you use the tool on an ongoing basis. The good news is that you don’t have to replace the compressor itself, just the fittings. But not all parts are made alike. It’s a matter of finding a compatible fitting that is made of quality materials and is sized accordingly. To help you track down the best air hose fittings on the market, we’ve crafted a list of the top options.
If you need to replace the fittings on your compressor and want something that will be easy to handle, the Milton M-Style Coupler and Plug Kit is a good way to go. The set includes two female couplers and a pair of female plugs. It also comes with eight male plugs, so you can completely re-outfit your compressor. Each of the parts is made out of brass coated steel, crafted to ensure precision and help them install easily. This enables you to push the piece into place and achieve a good seal. Reliable and quick to switch out, these hose fittings are a good choice overall.
Despite the solid construction, these will only fit on parts compatible with a quarter-inch attachment. Make sure that it fits properly before you make your pick.
- Made of high-quality steel
- Comes with 12 individual parts
- Size: 4.63 x 4 x 1.5 inches
- Brass finish for durability
- Brand Milton
- Model s-210
- Weight 1.6 ounces
Strong and reliable threads
Precise machining for an exact fit
Works up to 300 psi
Can’t exceed 250 degrees
Vulnerable to extreme pressure
Only comes with 1/4-inch models
If you want a replacement part for your quarter-inch plug but also want to avoid going over budget, consider the Bostitch Industrial Swivel Plug for its high compatibility rating and low price point. It features a swivel part that is meant to limit the number of kinks in the hose by letting you control the fitting better. Made out of high-grade steel, it is resistant to both rust and corrosion. The threads are accurately constructed, ensuring a solid fit, and keep the pressure intact. Designed for quarter-inch compatibility, you can use this swivel plug on just about any pressurized air system.
Bear in mind that the plug comes as a single unit, so it is only good to replace one part. Make sure that this is all you need for the fix to prevent any issues down the line.
- 1/4-inch NPT male fitting
- Comes with a single part
- Made of rust-resistant steel
- Size: 4.8 x 2.8 x 0.9 inches
- Brand Bostitch
- Model BTFP72333
- Weight 0.14 pounds
Precise and well-fitting threads
Easy-to-install design
Resistant to environmental damage
Only comes as a single part
Won’t work on male attachments
Brass finish may scratch
If you’re on the hunt for something that will last over the long term and will give you a good seal, the Tanya Hardware Coupler and Plug Kit is a worthy solution. It comes with 14 individual pieces, each made using high-quality steel material. Each of the parts is coated with brass material that helps to prevent the risk of rust and corrosion. The quarter-inch design is compatible with the majority of air hoses on the market. So long as your kit uses either a type M or a type D coupler, it will fit well. Pushing to connect, you get a tight seal without any struggle.
It’s worth noting that, while this set comes with 14 parts, only six of them are female, so be sure that it fits your needs before making your pick.
- Comes with 14 pieces
- Includes coupler and plugs
- 1/4-inch NPT design
- Made of brass material
- Brand Tanya
- Model N/A
- Weight 1.1 pounds
Fits most standard air hoses
Installs easily on hoses
Lightweight and easy to handle
Only compatible with Type D and M
Subject to scratches and corrosion
Push connect system can be tricky
If you want an air coupler set that is lightweight and won’t wear down easily, the ColorFit Coupler and Plug Kit is worth looking into. It’s made entirely out of aluminum material. This sturdy metal is naturally resistant to both rust and corrosion. Plus, it handles heat well so you don’t have to worry about heat or cold. All 14 parts are highly durable, featuring a color component that lets you match them easily to the correct position. This set comes with six male plugs and four females. The red part attaches to the corresponding color on the coupler, making it easier to handle and use.
Keep in mind that, while the lightweight feature of the aluminum is desirable, the nature of the metal makes it more vulnerable to higher levels of pressure.
- Comes with 14 parts
- Six male and four female plugs
- Two male and two female couplers
- 1/4-inch NPT fittings
- Brand Milton
- Model S-314MKIT
- Weight 2.56 ounces
Lightweight and easy to handle
Sturdy and resistant to rust
Color-coded for added ease
Vulnerable to extreme pressure
Push to connect design can stick
Won’t fit all air hoses
The Sungator Air Coupler and Fittings set comes with everything you need to outfit your air hose with proper fittings. The set comes with a full 16 pieces, meaning you not only get the benefit of replacing the fittings, but you can keep a spare on hand. All of the parts include solid brass construction. This is to limit the risk of rust and corrosion and help the connections last for longer. The set includes eight male plugs and four female plugs. It also holds two each of female and male couplers. All of the parts are made to fit a 1/4-inch NPT design, meaning you can fit this onto just about any M or D-type hose.
Keep in mind that only the male couplers use the push-style installation. The remainder needs to be twisted into place, so it can take a bit extra time to install the fittings.
- Includes 16 air hose fittings
- Multiple push-connect parts
- Comes with a storage case
- Lightweight yet tough design
- Brand Sungator
- Model N/A
- Weight 1.3 pounds
Some quick-connection parts
Made of heavy-duty materials
Withstands standard air hose pressure
Cannot exceed 300 psi
If scratched can develop rust
Limited push to install parts
Looking for a way to fix your car that won’t be too difficult to install? Take a gander at the ColorConnex Automotive Plug Kit for its durable construction and multiple user-friendly components. All 14 of the bright blue parts are type C, meaning they will work in pretty much any vehicle on the market. Plus, with the blue design, you don’t have to worry about spotting them amongst other parts. Each of the 1/4-inch parts is made out of blended steel and zinc. The two metals work together to offer maximum strength and limit the risk of rust and corrosion.
Bear in mind that, while the plugs are well-suited towards vehicles, they are only compatible with other Type C purposes and can’t work for other air hose needs.
- Includes 14 fitting parts
- Made out of steel and zinc
- Type-C automotive design
- Blue color for easy identification
- Brand Legacy
- Model A72458C
- Weight 1.6 ounces
Easy to install and use
Not prone to rust or corrosion
Handles high amount of pressure
Only works on Type C applications
Can be tricky to get in place
Won’t handle extreme pressure
Are you on the hunt for that one specific part that will get your air hose back to where it needs to be? If that part is a 1/4-inch female coupler, then the Milton Female M-Style Kwik-Change Coupler is a great way to go. It is made entirely out of brass material, a highly durable metal that is tough against pressure and corrosion. The coupler features a quick-installation design that lets you install it on just about any air hose. Thanks to the hardened material and precise threading, it can last over the long term once installed.
Check the specs on your air hose to ensure that the pressure won’t exceed 300 pounds per square inch. So long as it is within this range, however, the coupler should work well.
- Comes with a single female coupler
- 1/4-inch NPT design
- M-style coupler
- Made of brass material
- Brand Milton
- Model S-715
- Weight 1.6 ounces
Lightweight yet sturdy design
Features reliable construction
Easy to store and install
Only comes with a single part
Features female part exclusively
Can rust or corrode if scratched
When you want to entirely fix your air compressor without having to replace it, the Primefit Deluxe Air Compressor Accessory Kit is a worthy contender. The set features 19 individual parts, including a new air hose that extends to 25 feet. By curling tightly, it can prevent kinks and continue working longer. Plus, the set also includes two brass couplers which ensure a tight seal. This material also offers a level of protection against damage due to humidity. With all the nozzles and inflation hardware equipped, you get the benefits of reliable pressure and continual performance over the long term.
Keep in mind that, though this comes with all the parts you would need for a complete overhaul of your air compressor, it has a proportionately higher price point. That said, it’s well worth the investment.
- Comes with a replacement hose
- Includes couplers and plugs
- Has 19 different fittings and parts
- Brand Primefit
- Model IK1016S-20
- Weight 1.9 pounds
Includes full replacement kit
Parts made of heavy-duty brass
Easy to handle and set up
Comes at a higher price point
Hose requires proper storage
Relatively heavy parts
Best Air Hose Fittings Buying Guide & FAQ
When you go to replace the fittings on your air hose, there are a few important things to keep in mind. The first is compatibility. You’ll want to figure out exactly what size of parts you need to ensure a good fit. Check the series of the air hose and find out whether it is type M, D, or C. All of these sets have different requirements and it’s important to find the correct part for the system to work.
From there, it’s about choosing quality. You need a fitting that can withstand the pressure it faces on the regular. Plus, you also want it to be able to withstand damage from the surroundings. Ranging from impact to humidity, there are a lot of ways that metal can degrade. When you opt for high-quality construction parts made with precision threading, you can get the full range of benefits from the fittings.
Do You Need an Air Hose Fitting?
If you are noticing pressure issues with your air hose, or if your existing fittings are starting to seem worse for the wear, then chances are you need an air hose fitting. The good news is that there are tons of options in the market, coming in all types and sizes. The key is to identify which specific part you need to replace and find a compatible alternative.
On the other hand, if you have a high-end hose or compressor unit and want to bring it back to its former glory, then you could benefit from overhauling all the fittings. This means taking an inventory of all the pieces your system uses. The best way is to check the specs for a list of parts. When you replace all the different pieces, you can enhance the function of your air hose set as a whole.
- Creates a durable and reliable seal on your air hose to optimize the pressure.
- New parts have well-designed threads that ensure a quality fit.
- You can switch out older fittings for new parts with better damage-resistance.
- Fittings are easy to handle and replace, making light work of the maintenance.
- The parts are generally cost-effective, making it a great alternative to replacing the compressor altogether.
Types of Air Hose Fittings
There are countless fittings on the market, ranging in material and type of installation needs. However, to make it easier to find compatible parts, the types are broken down in industry-specific lingo. This can assist you in ensuring that the fitting will work as the replacement part that you need.
Plugs
This type of air hose fitting is really common and is found on just about every compressor. While many are quick-connect in design, not all are the same. The plug consists of a large base made of solid metal, with a protruding part that features an opening at the top. Depending on the placement on your air hose system, you’ll need a different size plug. That said, the industry-standard is a quarter inch.
You can find industrial plugs as well as high flow options that work better under extreme pressure. Quick-connect features mean that the plug will be easier to install and rely less on precise handling to get into place. You can find plugs for industrial purposes, automotive uses. Many selections are color-coded to make it easier to find the right fit.
Coupler
Air hoses use couplers to make connections, as is highlighted by the name of the part. This is especially important if you need to lengthen your air hose by adding on another part. Finding a coupler that works with your system is about the size and pressure capabilities. Check the measurements to make sure that it will fit your system.
Another important part is to find a coupler that has properly-designed threads. Even a small issue (one that is invisible to the naked eye) will have pressure loss consequences. To prevent this, make sure that you choose a fitting that features quality material. The more pressure it can withstand and the better it is against rust, the more you can rely on its function.
Air Hose Fittings Key Features
As with any part, there are a few essential features that make it work. To get a quality part, it’s important to check that your fitting meets all of these criteria. The higher-end model will exceed expectations; though, so long as your fittings meet these demands, they should work properly and reliably.
Material
Naturally, all fittings are going to be made out of metal. Usually, the metal will be galvanized steel. This material is hardened through a heating process which will make it less subject to damage when it’s on the job. Plus, this also contributes to its ability to handle high-pressure environments on the air hose itself.
Other metals that are common to see are aluminum and brass. The former is a lightweight type that makes it easier to install; and, thanks to the molecular properties, is resistant to corrosion. Brass, on the other hand, is usually featured as a plating to add strength and durability to the fitting itself. When looking at the fittings’ features, the material is a good first thing to check.
Thread
The thread is another essential feature of any system. Though many don’t require you to twist the fitting into place, the threading is still there. It is a necessary part of achieving the seal you need to keep the air pressure in a good place. Both plugs and couplers have a threading component. This dictates both the durability of the part and its ability to fit with your air hose.
When the threads are more precisely machined, you get a better hold from the plug itself. The type of threading for a G-style (industrial plug) and a V-style (high flow) will be different, simply because of the different demands. However, in all cases, the threading needs to be even and well-crafted.
Color-Coding
While not an essential feature of air hose fittings, it is a helpful one. The color-coding system began with one company, though quickly became popular for the assistance the feature offered. There are red, green, blue, and purple fittings. Each color represents a different application for the fitting, letting you spot the part with ease even when it’s in a cluttered tool box.
The red is meant for industrial use, representing the M-style fittings. A-style fittings are colored green while T-style parts (those most prevalent in automobiles) are colored blue. Finally, the purple fittings are V-style and can be found for a huge variety of different purposes. This adds ease since, if you lost the specs for your air hose, you can just use the color-coding system to find the right part.
What to Consider When Buying Air Hose Fittings
Even if your fittings meet all the necessary criteria needed to work properly, there are still a few important things to bear in mind. First, you want to choose the correct fitting for your specific needs; something that will be easy for you to install. If you are newer to air hose maintenance, then it helps to choose quick-attach parts that make it easier to place them.
Another thing to think about is the pressure specification. While the vast majority of fittings are designed to work in the range of 300 pounds per square inch, it is still worth checking. You can find industrial models that are more powerful, though they tend to cost a bit more and be a bit heavier.
Finally, you’ll want to think about the future. The key here is choosing something that is easy to maintain and isn’t prone to natural degradation. This is usually achieved by coating the metal in some kind of rust-resistant material. However, even with the best possible care, eventually, fittings lose their mojo and need replacement. With this in mind, consider getting a set with a couple of extra parts if you are the type of person who likes to plan. Keep them in your tool box alongside other essentials like your recharge kit for the compressor and sealing tape.
Best Air Hose Fittings FAQ
When it comes to the wide world of air hose fittings, it’s only natural to have a few questions. The key is to identify the parts that you need and gather all the information required to get the most value from the fittings. Air hose fittings are pretty nuanced; so, to help you in your research, we’ve answered some of the most common questions below.
Q. What is the difference between 1/4 and 3/8 air hose?
A 1/4-inch hose is smaller and lighter than its 3/8-inch counterpart. Generally, a 1/4-inch air hose is more cost-effective and easier to maneuver as well.
Q. Does the length of the air hose affect pressure?
Speaking in pure physics, the longer the hose, the less pressure you get. However, modern designs and coiled hoses mean that you only lose a nominal amount of pressure with a longer hose.
Q. Which is a better PVC or rubber air hose?
A PVC hose is more abrasion resistant than rubber, though the rubber is more flexible. You can opt for a polyurethane model to get the best of both materials.
Our Top Pick
After careful consideration, we’ve named the Milton M-Style Coupler and Plug Kit as our top choice. Not only is it made of durable materials that are resistant to rust and corrosion, it fits most air hoses on the market. Plus, since it comes with both plugs and couplers, it is a great solution to completely overhauling your hose system.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’re fluent in the air hose fittings lingo, you can make your pick. It could be the Milton M-Style Coupler and Plug Kit or the affordability of the Bostitch Industrial Swivel Plug. There’s the right fit out there for every hose and every purpose, and this list can help you find the best option without putting you under too much pressure.
Sources:
- How to Use an Air Compressor – Wikipedia