Air hose fittings.

jacksun65

Well-known Member
I have been upgrading my air system in my shop. I have a 5HP 60 gallon compressor about 20yrs old. Usually holds about 125psi. I added a 20ft 1/2 coil of copper line to cool the air down before it goes into a water seperator as I have non metal lines for the shop. I have always used 3/8 lines with 1/4 fittings for the tools. would I gain anything by going to 3/8 fittings?
 
The only thing I can think of that would benefit from larger fittings would be running a large impact wrench. Or anything that requires a large volume of air.

But with a 5HP compressor, a demand like that would very quickly deplete the stored air pressure, so nothing really gained.

You should be fine with what you have for fittings.

If you are using PVC pipe, be careful!
 
I find a noticeable improvement in power using 3/8" fittings over 1/4". Would not trade back where I use them. When just that extra power is needed results are immediate, with 1/4" fittings it seems you waste air with a lack of results.
 
One thing to add for giggles. I have a couple of really long runs out to the pole barn. First off I would use 3/4 or bigger pipe. The 3/8 fittings do make things better but I stayed with 1/4. Now here is how to improve your system to get that little extra kick you need, like a power surge. At the ends of both lines I installed a flea market bargain find. Two Sears 10gallon portable air tanks. They are plumbed in so if you need one to fill a tire somewhere you just close a valve and uncouple the quick connect. Easy as pie. That ten gallons of air gives you a heck of a boost when you need it. Give it a try.
 
They are a little harder to find but the happy medium between typical 1/4" and 3/8" quick connects is a high flow fitting. I have high flow 1/4" fittings and there is a noticeable difference. The problem is a high flow 1/4" male fitting (tool side) wont fit a std 1/4" female fitting (air line), but it will connect the other way around. I don't like the 3/8" because they are bulky but I do keep a long hose with 3/8 fittings to switch out for the rare need or when using 3/4-1" guns.
 
I agree with Steve, little to gain, probably unnoticeable unless your air flow requirements are for 1/2 line and fittings anyway? Both of my sons are professional heavy equipment mechanics and they changed the 3/8 lines on their trucks over to the high flow 3/8 couplers hoping to save on dragging out the 1/2 hose now and then. I asked them how it worked out and the answers were both that they could tell little difference from the type D they were running previously. They are running 2 stage compressors @175 cutout pressures.

Guess it depends on what you are looking to gain? If you need just a bit more umph from some of your tools high flow couplers might give it to them, if your looking for night and day difference, not going to happen from converting the couplers is my bet.
 
thanks for all the replies I think I will look for the 1/4 high flow and just replace as needed.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top