Questions to Ask Before Choosing Hydraulic Hose Fittings

Before selecting a hydraulic hose fitting, start with STAMP: size, temperature, application, material or media, and pressure. Those five points define the hose and fitting combination before the crimp style or material is chosen.

The fitting is part of a hose assembly, so it should be selected together with the hose, ferrule, crimp specification, and service environment.

What Fitting Style Does the Hose Need?

One-piece hose fittings have a ferrule that is pre-crimped onto the hose tail. The advantage is that the collar cannot slip out of alignment, and the fitting and ferrule are already matched. This style is useful for basic applications and quick assembly.

Two-piece hose fittings use a separate ferrule. They allow more flexibility in hose selection, including 1SN, 2SN, and multi-spiral hoses where the application may require a different ferrule and fitting combination.

Are the Hose and Fitting Compatible?

The connection is often the weakest point in a hose assembly. The hose, fitting, ferrule, and crimp must have compatible ratings. The working pressure of the assembly is limited by the lowest-rated component.

A low-pressure fitting should not be paired with a high-pressure spiral hose simply because the parts can be assembled. Pressure rating, hose construction, tube material, fitting style, and crimp data all need to agree.

Does the Hose Need to Be Skived?

Skiving removes the outer hose cover at the crimp area. External skiving removes cover material so the ferrule can grip correctly in medium-pressure applications. Some high-pressure applications also require internal skiving so the hose tail has a more secure metal-to-metal fit.

One-piece fittings are often used without skiving. Two-piece fittings may require internal and external skiving, especially in severe service where pressure, vibration, or hose construction requires a stronger hose-to-fitting assembly.

When Are Two-Piece Stainless Fittings Useful?

Two-piece stainless steel fittings are often selected for severe conditions, chemical exposure, offshore environments, high pressure, and long service life. Stainless 316 is commonly chosen where corrosion resistance matters.

Two-piece construction also gives the assembly builder more options when matching a ferrule to a hose family and application.

What Fitting Material Should Be Selected?

Brass, carbon steel, stainless steel, and plastic each fit different service conditions. Brass can work in less severe conditions, but it is not as strong as steel or stainless steel. Carbon steel is strong and heat resistant for many hydraulic applications.

Stainless steel is used in more extreme service, including corrosive environments and higher pressure requirements. Plastic fittings resist corrosion but are less durable than metal fittings and are usually more suitable for pneumatic or lower-duty service than demanding hydraulic assemblies.

Before ordering, confirm STAMP details, one-piece or two-piece construction, skive requirements, material, corrosion exposure, pressure rating, and the crimp specification for the exact hose and fitting combination.