Hose End Connections

The overwhelming majority of hose failures occur at or near the end connection. Selection of the proper hose for your application, as well as proper routing and installation are keys to extended hose life. However, certain methods and surely some end connections work better than others. Many manufacturers have similar hose offerings, but the end connections set different suppliers apart. By detailing advantages and considerations for some of the most popular end connections we hope to offer you some help to make the best choice when integrating a flexible hose line into your system.

Swagelok tube adapter


Advantage

  • Direct connection to tubing valves or fittings
  • Entire Swagelok catalog available to make connections to ISO or fractional ends.
  • Easy way to make a long delivery hose a leak free, standard part
  • No torque installation to a tube fitting end of valve or regulator

Consideration

  • Adapter fitting is needed to mate to pipe or flared connections

NPT

Advantage

  • Large installed market base as it is among most used ends
  • Popular with quick connects as installation torque may loosen opposite port as one side is tightened
  • Adapts to many systems

Consideration

  • NPT spiral leak path design requires thread sealant or TFE tape
  • Turning hose to install may loosen other end or lessen the flexibility of the hose

Swagelok tube fitting

Advantage

  • Perfect way to adapt to a tubing system
  • Lowest leak rate in industry
  • No twisting or torque transferred to hose to decrease flexibility or that would leave the hose in a weakened condition subject to an early fatigue failure
Consideration
  • Adapter fittings needed to mate to pipe or flared connections

Quick connects

Advantage

  • User-friendly — made for many makes and remakes
  • No torque required to install
  • Some incorporate small valve or vent options for safety
  • Can be a perfect complement for flexible hose
  • One-handed operation makes these great for sample panels
  • No tools required

Consideration

  • Not for all applications
  • Added expense

Pre-swaged tube adapter


Advantage

  • Tubing swivel connection for easiest installation
  • Certified installers will deliver a hose that is tested with leak-free ends
  • Will ease alignment issues with captive swivel nut

Consideration

  • Still a secret, not as popular as historically standard end connections

JIC Swivel


Advantage

  • Inexpensive
  • Large installed base
  • Easy to install

Consideration

  • Old sealing technology, no live load to combat vibration
  • Interference seal tends to leak over time
  • Metal-to-metal static seal limits applications to hydraulics, liquids, and non-critical support applications
  • Many hoses are placed on critical machines or hands-on grab samples
A hose audit may help to determine the condition, safe use and troubleshoot problem areas. Swagelok technical assistance is available to help identify the best hose product for your needs, and here are some additional helpful hints on flexible hose end connections.


Just like all of our components, our hose end connections are manufactured to exceed the strictest of quality requirements. Swagelok products are backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Shop Hose End Connections for Your Application

Questions? Email or call 866.901.0151.

Browse Our Hose End Connections Catalog