Fluid Controls can supply a wide range of push-lock fittings, which are designed for quick, simple and effective hose assemblies in the field without the need for specialised tools. Here, Fluid Controls gives you our complete guide to how push-in fittings work, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. Read on for our complete guide to push-lock fittings.
Push-lock hose fittings – also known as push-in, push-Lok and push-to-connect fittings – enable connectors and fittings to be attached to hoses in the field in low-pressure hydraulic and pneumatic applications. This type of assembly can typically handle pressures of up to roughly 24 bar (350 psi), depending on the hose’s capabilities. As a result, the vast majority of hydraulic systems cannot utilise push-lock fittings.
Push-in fittings are designed for quick and easy hose assemblies in the field without the need for specialised tools. Push-lock fittings are characterised by a set of three annular barbs and a yellow cap that covers the end of the hose. All hoses feature an internal braid or mesh to add strength. When the fitting is pressed into the hose, the hose expands to accommodate the fitting’s barbs – making it nigh on impossible to remove.
The headline advantages of using push-to-connect fittings are that they save time, effort and injuries. The fact that push-in fittings require no clamps, no crimp sleeves and no specialised tools to secure the fitting into the hose, means that extremely quick assembly times can be achieved. Technicians will also be pleased to hear that the absence of clamps and crimp barrels also eliminates the type of sharp edges that can lead to injuries.
As with most things, push-lock fittings are not perfect. The installation process can be physically challenging. It must also be carried out correctly, otherwise dangerous blow-offs can occur. It is not uncommon for modifications to be made to the hose using a heat gun or by putting grease on the fitting barbs. Although this can simplify assembly, it is not recommended because the connections will almost certainly be compromised.
Fluid Controls offers a wide range of high-quality pneumatic push-in fittings from Parker Legris and IMI Norgren. When you purchase push-fit pneumatic fittings from us, you can be certain of rapid, reliable and secure assemblies. Our push-lock fittings come in a variety of sizes and materials, with pneumatic push-in fittings and pneumatic push-fit connectors available, depending on your application.
Fluid Controls is one of the UK’s leading distributors of push-in pneumatic fittings. We are preferred suppliers to some of the industry’s most respected manufacturers of world-class push-lock fittings, including Parker and Norgren as we’ve mentioned. Our strong commitment to quality also extends to a full installation and service facility for every product we supply. Browse our full range of push-in fittings online today.
For more information about our selection of push-lock fittings and wider range of products, or to discuss your application requirements in more detail, please contact Fluid Controls today on +44 (0)118 970 2060 or email fluid@fluidcontrols.co.uk.