I always find the quick connectors on my compressed air line leak a fair amount of air. I can never get a seal that doesn't hiss. I've tried a few different makes from cheap to PCL. Not a massive problem, but compressor comes on more often than it needs to.
Any thoughts?
Graham
Don't use quick connectors? Just use a fixed tail on the tools you use most and have a permanent connection onto the compressor. Air hose is very cheap, you can always have a quick connector as well for less frequently used things. use a swivel connector on the tool so the hose doesn't get tangled. using swivel connectors or short whip hoses improves the life of air hose connectors in any case, as it relieves the sideways forces on the join.
Buy them in pairs? I get leakage if I put pcl plugs into universal sockets, but same to same doesn't leak at all.
Whenever I've had problems, it's been leakage around the connector to the hose, not from one connector fitting to another. Try PTFE tape or tightening your fittings. I generally use PCL fittings, but cheapies have also worked fine for me.
Graham brought next idea :
Mine are only cheapies, but there are no perceptible leaks. If left off, the system [1] will leak enough air in 24 hours to cause the compressor to start up and I have an habit of forgetting to turn it off when I don't need it. To prevent it starting when left on, sometimes in the middle of the night - I have now added a one shot timer, which can be bypassed. It allows the compressor enough time to charge itself up fully, then times out.
[1] That's compressor and pipe work to fed around my garage and workshop with three outlets.
Looks like I have been very unlucky. I have tried two sets of connectors made by different firms and even the PCL one's leaked a fair bit. Not just gentle loss of pressure over half an hour, but fairly loud hissing from around threads and also the quick connection socket itself. Enough to feel the pressure coming out of the connected socket on my hand. I am using a
40ft air hose with brass threads and done them up far tighter than I would ever risk with brass usually. As tight as I can do it with 6 inch spanners. Must admit the supplied Clarke curly cable and airtools were leak free and didn't have to do them up more than a nip, but since using this long hose and quick connectors, its been a right dogs breakfast. This is the second hose too. The first one leaked at the connections too. Even if I didn't use quick connectors and connected hose directly. Think I've just been unlucky with this.
I can only assume the connectors must be damaged, or imperfect in some way. I've been using air lines in my job for decades. Connected mainly by Schrader, but PCL as well. The only ones that have leaked have been either old or damaged. I've never had a new one leak, and most last for years before they need replacing. I'd be surprised if it's the connection itself that is leaking. IME the most common place for leaks is where the connector joins the hose. Mike.
Sounds like the threads are a bit duff to me. I'd suggest you put a turn or two of PTFE tape on the threads, before you fit them. Or better still use a bit of 'Loctite Hydraulic Sealant' on the threads. With that stuff you don't even need to screw a joint up tight to achieve an air tight seal. It'll seal even if only screwed finger tight, but can still be unscrewed quite easily if you need to remove it for some reason. Mike.
It happens that Graham formulated :
I always use something on the threads to make certain of a good seal, usually PTFE tape or even boss white.
What did you use as thread sealant?
Not terminal 5, then.
I'm new to using compressed air and didn't realise I *need* sealant on the threads. I could have been mistaken about air coming out of quick connector. Might have been coming from around the thread. I'll put some sealant on and hope for the best. I've got some hawk white stuff used for sealing gas, but its a bit messy and drys rock hard, so might get something more suitable like the loctite mentioned.
Cheers all
Graham
Bog standard PTFE plumbers tape works & it's cheapest. The loctite's nicer
And especially useful if a tapered threaded angled hydraulic or air fitting needs to be at a certain angle, as it can seal without being a tight screw fit. Mike.
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Ask the community — no account required