An Fittings General Info

[fabr]

There is  a bit of stuff needed known about AN fittings. First off the AN stands for ArmyNavy. They wanted fittings that were reliable and needed no sealer for fast field repairs with minimal supplies. The dash size refers to ID in 1/16 of an inch. Example a -8 size is 8/16" ID or 1/2" ID. Simple huh?
 
  Many of us use the SS braided lines and AN fittings for race cars and such and we assemble them using reusable aluminum AN fittings. In the last few years steel ones have become available also that are MUCH stronger and more durable. Not as blingy but IMO, far better for offroad use in the smaller sizes.

Assembly can be a pleasure or the biggest PITA you have ever had. Just depends on a few things. First,and most importantly,Use QUALITY braided line from known sources. THe good stuff will not unravel easily.  The cheap stuff will actually be springy wires that WANT TO unravel without even being touched! Avoid it at all cost! After cutting quality hose will have near no unraveling- BIG PLUS! I personally tightly wrap the area to be cut with fiber reinforced packaging tape and cut through the tape.  After cutting ,CAREFULLY remove the tape to prevent any unwanted wild strands of wire braid. Next place the ferrule on the hose. This can be the most frustrating part of all. I have found that twisting the ferrule on in a COUNTER-CLOCKWISE direction works best. Now you are ready for the fitting to be screwed into the ferrule. OIL the fitting barb and threads and also the ID of the hose. Firmly hold hose in the ferrule when inserting the fitting into the ferrule to prevent the hose from backing out. I use a Sharpie marker to mark the hose to be sure it stays fully inserted in the ferrule. WHen done give the hose a firm tug and you are done except for thorough cleaning.

[fabr]

THese people make a cool tool for assembly also . Makes life a pleasure! LOL!!! A bit pricey but if you are building a bunch of lines worth every penny.

http://www.koultools.com/

[BDKW1]

I avoid braided hose like the plague anymore. It's either regular high pressure hose, hard line or the cloth wrap over steel braid 3500PSI stuff. From arcing out to sawing tubes/anything it touches in half, braided hose is the worst thing ever. If I'm working on a car where someone wants to use it, I make them cover it with clear heatshrink........

[fabr]

Can't disagree there. What I hate most is getting stabbed with stray strands along the length of the hose.

[LiveWire]

The ones I use are already covered with clear coating. I just get them made to length. I don't even use my flaring tool anymore because I found it much easier to just use all braided line instead of having one piece of hard line in the mix.

[fabr]

Well that's cheating! LOL!!!