Re-Usable Hydraulic Hose Fitting Tutorial

kennyd · Dec 4, 2009

J_J said:
Carl, the primary purpose of the reusable fittings is so an operator can repair a hose assembly while in the field away from a hydraulic shop. Also when you are experimenting with a hyd system and you need a hose with specific fittings on it, right now. They certainly do cost more, but are reusable.

Who is Carl? It would be easier to follow your post if you would quote who you are replying to...

Low Bucket · Dec 4, 2009

kennyd said:
All parts (hoses and Fittings) where purchased from Discount Hydraulic Hose. I only needed the 1/4" hose and fittings for this project, but all the sizes are assemble the same way.

Hey Kennyd what a great thread!- Thanks for sharing this!!!

You explained how to use them very well, and you made it look easy with the pictures.- I voted excellent on this!

I have never used these but would like to if needed after seeing this thread.- They would be great for fixing a leak in the field.

Thanks for putting the links in the thread also.- Now I know where to get the fittings if I can't find them local.- I'll ask our mechanics at work tonight if they know where to buy the fittings.

Thanks again for taking the time to post this!

-Paul

J_J · Dec 4, 2009

Well, Kenny, I answered to the post above mine, to woodlandfarms, who's name is Carl.

woodlandfarms · Dec 4, 2009

kennyd said:
Some ends are more expensive, but the hose is a lot cheaper-plus no labor cost. And you get the exact length hose you want for a perfect fit. Hard to nail down an exact cost savings, but I think there is some.

Thanks for the picture. for the most part it will work in my application, but there are just a couple of connections where that 1/4" means something.... friggin PT engineers...

Carl

3RRL · Dec 4, 2009

Hi Kenny,
I just wanted to say, (like many others), what a great tutorial thread you made.
Everything you said is bang on and should surely be of value to many others. There is one thing I's like to add. That is if you look closely at the Discount Hydraulics reusable hose ends, you will notice some are less expensive than others. What I did with Loretta's tractor was choose as many of the less expensive fittings as I could. I ordered hose to match. In my case, I found the 3/8 hose fittings were very reasonable ... and used 3/8 hose even though I could have (should have) used 1/4" like you did. In any event, her fittings are holding up great with zero leaks.
Again, thanks for the great thread Kenny !!

Hooked_on_HP · Dec 4, 2009

I want to clarify something from my earlier post. The reason I replace the hose when I get back after the repair has nothing to do with the use of reusable fittings. I figure if the hose blew once the hose is getting weak and will blow again.
Bill

SPYDERLK · Dec 5, 2009

kennyd said:
Here is the completed fitting. The stem should NOT be tightened to the collar-but rather a small gap left.

...

A very informative tutorial. One question... Why should the stem not be snugged to the collar? Years ago I bought a dozen short hoses with reusable fittings from a military surplus outlet associated with the Air Force in San Antonio. [This was a cheaper way to get the fittings.] The assemblys bear Mil Spec collars captured on the hose between the fittings. All the stems are snugged to the collars.
larry

kennyd · Dec 5, 2009

SPYDERLK said:
A very informative tutorial. One question... Why should the stem not be snugged to the collar? Years ago I bought a dozen short hoses with reusable fittings from a military surplus outlet associated with the Air Force in San Antonio. [This was a cheaper way to get the fittings.] The assemblys bear Mil Spec collars captured on the hose between the fittings. All the stems are snugged to the collars.
larry

Larry, I wish I could answer your question with authority, but I was just following verbal instructions That I received from DHH when I called them. Maybe HHG can give us the reason.

jlrsn · Dec 5, 2009

SPYDERLK said:
A very informative tutorial. One question... Why should the stem not be snugged to the collar?

The nut-nipple of the fitting (female end) should not be snugged tight but just loose enough to allow the nut to be turned for installation and correct alignment of the hose without binding.

I've been making up Mil-Spec hoses for aircraft since the 50s. I use installation mandrels and have equipment to proof test a Mil-Spec hose up to 10,000 lbs.

The following are simple guidelines for making up Aircraft Mil-Spec Hoses but are similar enough to give you an idea of how to do it.

For simple hose assembly mistakes see:
Common Mistakes when fabricating Aircraft Hose Assemblies

For more info see:
http://www.parker.com/literature/St...iterature Static Files/SPD P-107 Pamphlet.pdf

Jim

SPYDERLK · Dec 6, 2009

jlrsn said:
The nut-nipple of the fitting (female end) should not be snugged tight but just loose enough to allow the nut to be turned for installation and correct alignment of the hose without binding.
Jim

Thanks. Makes sense for fittings without a built in swivel function. The JIC females allow for that swivel inherently during installation and the nipple is also fitted with a hex to hold the nipple still in correct alignment while installing the finished hose, which explains why mine were snugged up.
larry