Air Line Couplers & Plug Types: A Beginner’s Guide

You see line couplers in many workshops that use air compressors to power a wide variety of tools, including impact drivers, air hammers, sanders, tire inflators, and more. Couplers and fittings make it quick and easy to switch to a different tool quickly and efficiently. However, there are several different types, and choosing the right one can be difficult if you don’t have experience using these tools.

Join us while we look at the different plug types and line couplers to help you understand these tools better and choose the right one for your workshop.

What is a coupler?

The coupler has two separate parts the socket and the plug.

With the two parts installed, the plug fits into the socket and snaps in place, providing a stable and airtight connection. You can remove the tool by pulling back a collar to release the plug from the socket.

Style

There are ten styles of line couplers available, and they differ by the standard feet per minute (SCFM) that they move. You will need to match the style with your tool’s requirements. Using too little SCFM with a tool may cause It to work improperly or not at all. Using too much SCFM can break it. Many consumer-grade tools like staplers, nailers, impact wrenches, and tire inflators use a lower SCFM. Commercial grade tools like the body saw, jackhammer, and rock drill requires a much higher SCFM. You will need to check with the documentation for your tool to find out the correct SCFM for your tool so you can get the right type of coupler.

Coupler Style – Max SCFM

Flow Size

Couplers come in three basic flow sizes, ¼, ⅜, and ½ inch. It’s easy to confuse flow size with thread size, but flow size refers to the inner diameter, which affects the SCFM, and is not related to thread size. You can get the same flow size with different thread sizes, so you must be careful. However, flow size is related to style.

Connection Type

The connection type refers to how you will connect the socket to the hose. While there are a few types of connections, the most common are NPT and hose barb. The type you will need depends on your air hose.

NPT

National Pipe Thread (NPT) connections are the most popular and likely the type you need. Line couplers with an NPT connection crew onto the hose, which has threads at the end.

Hose Barb

Hose barb line couplers use a barbed shaft that you push into the end of your air hose. The barbs create an airtight seal that also firmly holds the coupler in place.

Identifying a Line Coupler Style

If you have a toolbox with multiple line couplers and no way to identify them, this section will help.

1. Start with the plug.

The socket part of the line coupler will look similar no matter what type you have, so you will need to use the plug for identification.

2. Check to see if the manufacturer stamps the style on the side.

In many cases, the manufacturer will stamp the line coupler style on the side of the plug, making your job much easier.

3. Measure the distance from the tip to the recessed groove.

If there is no stamp on the side, you will need to measure the tip length carefully. The tip length is the distance from the plug’s end to the recessed groove where the coupler latches. Each style has a standard tip length that you can use to determine the type.

Tip Length – Style

You will notice that some types are quite close in measurement, like P and G, or A and H. However, these types will likely have different flow sizes, making them easier to identify.

Universal Socket

If you have several tools in your workshop that require different plugs, we recommend purchasing a universal socket that uses a special design that will work with any plug. They work very well, and the only downside is that most line couplers come in pairs of the plug and the socket, so purchasing the universal socket will be an additional cost.

Coupler Material

Line couplers can come in several materials, and the kind you choose could change based on preference and where you will use the tool. We recommend hardened steel for indoor use because it’s very durable and can withstand drops and other abuses. However, if you will be using your coupler outdoors or in a humid environment like a basement, we highly recommend brass because it will not rust like steel. If you are using brass, make sure you look for solid brass and not brass plated steel, which will eventually rust.

Drag Guard

If you notice yourself dragging your air hose often, you may want to purchase a line coupler with a drag guard. A drag guard helps prevent your coupler from catching on things as you drag it or becoming disconnected.

Colors Coding

You may notice line couplers come in a wide variety of colors, and this is to help you know the type more easily if you have several types. It can also help designate which ones are for use with dry air and lubricated air if you have both types in your workshops. Using dry air with a tool that requires lubricated air can damage it.

How do I choose the right line coupler?

To select the right coupler, you will first need to learn your tool’s requirements and get the style that suits it. If you use several couplers, we recommend getting a unique color, so it’s easy to find when you need it. Use hardened steel indoors and solid brass outside or in the basement and get one with a drag guard if you need it. Finally, if you need to change couplers often, spring for a universal socket to make switching quick and easy.

Summary

We hope that you have enjoyed reading and found the answers to any questions you had. There is a wide variety of options available, but you should have no problem choosing the right one if you follow this guide. If we have helped you get your pneumatic tools working, please share this beginner’s guide to line couplers and plug types on Facebook and Twitter.

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