A tip to get the most power out of your air tools

[Kevin Criswell]

Most DIYers and small shops use 3/8″ air lines to transfer air from their compressors to their air tools. 3/8″s air line is more than adequate to transfer the needed CFM to operate the majority of non-body shop related air equipment. The problem is the connector used to connect the air line to the tool. you go from a 3/8″ diameter down to smaller than 1/4″ at the male fitting.

Here is a common “M” type, also known as a Milton or Industrial fitting. The standard fitting is known as NON-high flow.

Now, this is a design known as a “T” type also known as an “automotive” type connector

This is side by side

All you have to do is swap out the fittings they are both 1/4 NPT 18tpi fittings

The industrial type “M” can only flow 35 cfm while the T type “automotive” can flow 60 CFM.
http://www.legacymfg.com/Selection_Guide_to_Couplers_Plugs.pdf

Even though the vast majority of compressors can not supply 60 CFM while running, an impact is VERY sensitive to the amount of flow more than pressure. Meaning anything over about 90psi is a waste and is damaging the impact, while what your impact or air ratchet need is maximum FLOW not pressure.

Attachments:

• Mtype.jpg
• Ttype.jpg
• comparison.jpg
• fittingend.jpg

Topic

[Trent “Teddy” Martin]

Where can you buy them?

[Pat Calhoun]

I found them on this site… Good thinking, I’ve never considered the couplers could be holding my air tools back. I might get a set and see if it makes a difference.

http://www.qualitydist.net/lecobltygau3.html

[Author]

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