Air hose fittings are typically measured based on whether they are threaded or quick disconnects.
Measuring air hose fittings allows you to determine their nominal size, which is crucial for ensuring compatibility when connecting hoses and tools. The method depends on the type of fitting you have.
Understanding Air Fitting Measurement
According to TCH Industries, there are two primary ways to measure air hose fittings:
1. Measuring Threaded Fittings
For male threaded fittings, a common method is used to approximate the nominal pipe size (NPT or similar thread types commonly found on air fittings).
- Method: Measure the outside diameter (OD) of the male threads.
- Calculation: Subtract ¼ inch from the measured OD.
- Result: This calculation provides the nominal size of the fitting.
Example: If the outside diameter of a male thread measures approximately ½ inch, subtracting ¼ inch gives you ¼ inch. This indicates the fitting is likely a ¼" NPT size.
This method is a helpful "rule of thumb" for identifying common air fitting sizes like ¼", ⅜", and ½".
2. Measuring Quick Disconnect Fittings
Quick disconnect fittings work differently and are not measured by their thread size in the same way.
- Method: Quick disconnects are measured by their nominal body size.
This body size refers to the overall size of the coupler or plug mechanism, which determines how different quick-disconnect components connect regardless of the specific thread type or size on their connection end. Common nominal body sizes for air fittings include ¼", ⅜", and ½".
Understanding the nominal body size ensures that quick-disconnect plugs and couplers from the same or compatible series can connect to each other.
For more details on identifying fittings, you can refer to resources like Identifying Air Hose Fittings from TCH Industries.
Summary of Measurement Methods
Here's a quick overview of how to measure different air fittings:
| Fitting Type | Measurement Method | What You Measure | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Threaded (Male) | Rule of Thumb Calculation | Outside Diameter (OD) of Male Threads | Nominal Size (OD - ¼") |
| Quick Disconnect | Direct Measurement of Body Size | Nominal Body Size of Coupler or Plug Mechanism | Nominal Body Size |
By following these methods, you can correctly identify the size of your air hose fittings for proper connection and function.
