Air tool quick disconnects

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Well, I decided to buy some quality quick disconnects for my truck now that I have an on board air setup for it. But I can't seem to find information on the different styles and types. I remember there being several different types and subtypes of connectors. I have a 5cfm pump I want to plumb to a 5gallon tank under my bed, and run 2 quick disconnects front and rear. I figured I'd use 3/8" lines for the truck lines (hard plastic line, like air brake hose). I'm just unsure on the quick disconnects, since I'd rather buy high quality that doesn't leak and have my pump running all the time, but would rather not run adapter pig tails to convert my existing air tools to a different style.Miller: 200dx, Bobcat 225, Passport, Powermax 45, Milwaukee: Dry Saw, MagDrill, grinders
Reply:Originally Posted by JohnRWell, I decided to buy some quality quick disconnects for my truck now that I have an on board air setup for it. But I can't seem to find information on the different styles and types. I remember there being several different types and subtypes of connectors. I have a 5cfm pump I want to plumb to a 5gallon tank under my bed, and run 2 quick disconnects front and rear. I figured I'd use 3/8" lines for the truck lines (hard plastic line, like air brake hose). I'm just unsure on the quick disconnects, since I'd rather buy high quality that doesn't leak and have my pump running all the time, but would rather not run adapter pig tails to convert my existing air tools to a different style.
Reply:I don't know what kind of tools you're running, but if you switch to 3/8" couplers and nipples you'll really wake up a 3/4" or 1" impact gun.  Everything in my shop is plumbed with 3/8", but I'll probably make a 3/8" to 1/4" adapter coupler and switch the smaller tools back to 1/4", which is a lot easier to connect and disconnect if you're constantly switching tools.I've got a small pancake compressor for portable use, and it's plumbed with 3/8".  It's tiny tank will usually last just long enough to get enough hits in with the 1" gun to loosen whatever I'm hammering on.  I actually switched it to 3/8" on a job where it didn't have the flow to run the 1" hard enough to break a nut loose.  As soon as I switched it (coupler at the tank, both ends of the air hose, and the gun), the nut came right off.  Made me a believer.
Reply:+1 on the Milton brand couplers.  I've removed all the chinese M-style connectors I have.  Give them a few months and they start leaking.I also like the Prevost brand push-in/pushbutton-release type.  These mate to the M-style male connectors.  I think Milton also makes a pushbutton one.Dynasty200DX w/coolmate1MM210MM VintageESAB miniarc161ltsLincoln AC225Victor O/A, Smith AW1ACutmaster 81IR 2475N7.5FPRage3Jancy USA1019" SBAEAD-200LE
Reply:We use L-style in our shop...no particular reason, just what we've always used.Andrew
Reply:Originally Posted by tbone550I don't know what kind of tools you're running, but if you switch to 3/8" couplers and nipples you'll really wake up a 3/4" or 1" impact gun.  Everything in my shop is plumbed with 3/8", but I'll probably make a 3/8" to 1/4" adapter coupler and switch the smaller tools back to 1/4", which is a lot easier to connect and disconnect if you're constantly switching tools.I've got a small pancake compressor for portable use, and it's plumbed with 3/8".  It's tiny tank will usually last just long enough to get enough hits in with the 1" gun to loosen whatever I'm hammering on.  I actually switched it to 3/8" on a job where it didn't have the flow to run the 1" hard enough to break a nut loose.  As soon as I switched it (coupler at the tank, both ends of the air hose, and the gun), the nut came right off.  Made me a believer.
Reply:For quick release I use all Milton. Up to 1/2" drive air tools 1/4" quicks with 1/4" hose. 3/4" drive tool gets 3/8" quicks and hose. 1" drive gets 1/2" quicks and hose. Or if I am using the tow behind compressor I use chicago style quick couplers with either 1/2" or 3/4" hoses, but they do not shut off the air. I made adapters to interchange everything."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:Originally Posted by AndyA+1 on the Milton brand couplers.  I've removed all the chinese M-style connectors I have.  Give them a few months and they start leaking.
Reply:Originally Posted by rlitmanMy problem with leaking quick connects has been when the get dirt inside.  Doesn't really matter who makes it.  Don't put them on your truck facing forwards.The push-on "universal" type have a different type of seal that has worked better for me, but quick connects all leak.  I always install them with a ball valve right behind them, both to make it easier to change them, and to shut them off when not in use for a long time.
Reply:I like the milton M couplers too.Ian TannerKawasaki KX450 and many other fine tools