How To Choose Hydraulic Fittings

Industrial machines and equipment are manufactured all over the world, and hydraulic systems use countless different types of fittings and adapters to ensure safe and efficient sealing methods. While identifying the sealing method can often be recognized by appearance, thread forms all look similar, making it challenging to identify the fittings needed during modifications and repairs. It’s essential to learn the process of identifying a fitting in order to ensure safe and leak-free operation.

Are you looking for high-quality hydraulic fittings that are easy to install, repair and inspect?

Hy-Lok Canada is here to help! We have seen the high demand for hydraulic fittings across Canada and understand that hydraulic fittings play a critical role in the efficient, safe operation of fluid systems in a variety of industries. There are many suppliers of hydraulic fittings on the market today, but Hy-Lok Canada adds value to your process through efficient and easy access to top-quality components delivered at a competitive price. We are proud to have supplied high-quality hydraulic fittings to hundreds of industries across Canada.

Read on to learn more about how to identify the type of fitting you need and our extensive inventory of hydraulic fittings in Canada!

Do You Need Permanent or Reusable Hydraulic Fittings?

Hydraulic hose fittings are often one of two types – reusable or permanent. Crimped or permanent hydraulic fittings are commonly used in the fluid power industry as they’re quicker and easier to attach than reusable hydraulic fittings. Permanent hydraulic fittings are also known to be more reliable than reusable hydraulic fittings. When securing crimped hydraulic fittings, you’ll need a swaging or crimping tool to help you squeeze the fitting onto the hose during assembly. Since permanent fittings are designed to be crimped onto the hose, they are discarded if the hose assembly fails, as they can no longer be used.

Field attachable or reusable hydraulic fittings are not popular nowadays as they’re often considered to be old technology. Reusable hydraulic fittings are easy to identify as they require the use of a wrench or a vice to be able to fit onto the hose. Generally, reusable hydraulic fittings cost more than crimped fittings and consume more time during the assembly process. Most industries prefer using crimped hydraulic fittings over field attachable fittings as they are more affordable, consume less time during assembly and are more reliable.

How to Identify Fitting Ends and Port Connections

It’s important to accurately identify the type of connectors and ports in a hydraulic system before assembly, as there are many port connections available, including:

  • ISO 6149
  • SAE Straight Thread
  • JIS-B2351
  • NPT/NPTF
  • DIN Metric
  • And more!

Identifying the type of port you need will help you choose the proper fitting for your tube or hose assembly.

What Sealing Method Are You Looking For?

While there are many types of hydraulic fittings available, there are three main types of hydraulic fittings – O-ring, threaded and mated angle. Each hydraulic fitting varies depending on its size, thread types and configuration.

For more information on types of hydraulic fittings, check out our previous blog.

Partner with Hy-Lok Today!

Explore our extensive inventory of hydraulic fittings online or receive a quote in less than 24 hours when you submit your order online! Contact us today for more information!