Harbor Freight Merlin/Milton 1/4" High Flow Aluminum Air Fittings Review

Yes these are the Harbor Freight / Lowe's Kobalt, Milton hi-flow compatible aluminum air fittings which I do not recommend for a variety of reasons. most commercial and Industrial and contractor supplies have 3/8" industrial standard V Groove air fittings and couplers with 1/4 Inch NPT threads which is what you should really get.
Correction: the high-flow aluminum socket will accept industrial standard quarter inch fittings just not the other way around.
Blender 3D Template by DisturArts . .

[@Iwished4]

They look cool... And I'm a cool guy that works on high performance cars like Dodge and Ford's and ricers, so I'm certified to say they look awesome.

[@chriscroteau4626]

Thanks for the clarity on that. Wish I’d would have watched this before I bought the set. Lol. Live and learn

[@chadharrison8653]

Me too damit........ Thanks for this video maybe others will see it before finding themselves in front of these ripoff fittings screaming buy me!

[@atlantajunglepythons1744]

I'm at the point considering high-flow or what. It looks like or what. Not a huge user, but, if there's a difference, and I'm looking for that improvement anyway, industrial style, and possibly the 3/8" is the target.

[@lifeofbrian896]

This is very useful and hits all the key points I wanted to know. I just got my first compressor and I was trying to figure out these very issues. Now I can buy my hose and fittings, knowing what's up!

[@dwigts4887]

I disagree with your last point about the whole system needing to be upgraded. It is analogous to an electrical system. Resistors in series add. So if you have a 500 ohm resistor and a 300 ohm resistor your total resistance is 800 ohms. If you decrease the resistance at any chokepoint it helps even if it wasn't the point of most restriction. That's why 3/8 inch air hose outperforms 1/4 air hose even though they both come with 1/4 npt thread at the ends. That being said I think the air fitting is the most restrictive point of the system. A non high flow 1/4 fitting has a ID of .17 inches. It's hard to find any point in the system more restrictive than that. Changing to high flow or 3/8 is going to be the best bang for the buck.

[@rudydaberry122]

Very well spoken. At my shop the only air tools I have are a couple blow guns, an air drill, and a die grinder. Would it be a waste of time to put high flow fittings on my hose just for those tools?

[@purdyboi8078]

@@rudydaberry122 Why not? I would. More is better

[@thehonestman26]

Appreciate the video. So nice to have an honest person just tell you the truth with no fluff. Good guy, good video. Thanks.

[@jdreynolds29]

Thank you for this because I have been wanting to get some high-flow fittings for certain tools that require more airflow than what my current fittings will allow. and to just make sure that it was a restriction at the fittings and not the fact that I needed a larger hose or possibly a restriction at the regulator or anyting else, I bored out several fittings just the other. These feelings were for my air i impact wrench and air hammer. Both of which have noticeably more power now. But I'm definitely going to get quarter inch thread with 3/8 industrial standard fittings now instead of the quarter inch high flow. You the man catus. 👍💯

[@stevecallachor]

About 25 years ago , here in the great south land, a lot of air tools hit the consumer market, particularly in the building industry. Manufacturers widely used a style of fitting known as "Nitto". These quickly displaced more traditional fitting profiles used for eons in other industries, including automotive. The displaced brands were RYCO, PEM, JAMEC and probably other quick release couplers. Some industries resisted being over-run by the consumer market place and remain in use still........... .the result is that you have to be ready to face multiple fitting styles as you move tools and equipment from job to job. Of course, everybody thinks that what they use is the "standard" and that everyone else is wrong!!! Stavros

[@atlantajunglepythons1744]

They are all wrong, y'all! Wait, someone has to be right. I guess if it matters because you have to share, either have hoses with different ends, or make up some m/f/m or f/m/f adapters, then everyone can party.

[@dummkompf]

TY, about to go to harbor freight for a fitting and was considering the high flow ones, glad I watched this video first

[@avpowerstn1]

Glad I stayed old school...thanks for the Vid.

[@CatusMaximus]

You and me both!

[@jessemeanlt1]

I like the milton better. Take a caliper measure the inside id of the hole vs the 3/8. The hi flow can flow more air. I also use the flexzilla hi flow 3/8 slightly smaller than Milton's. I drill them out to the same. Air tools suck compare to battery now these days. I use the air system for airing up and for blow gun. Yes aluminum is cheap but milton has them in brass. I have them all and I modify them. Part of being a machinist.

[@upsidedowndog1256]

Glad to know this. That is quite a drill, I don't recognize the shape or brand and I have been pneumatic drill geek for decades.

[@lawxr6eBay]

All Excellent Points - Well Said - Thank You for the Breakdown and Saving US All Time and $.. I bought a set of the Black n Blue you're comparing. Hadn't considered how delicate they are until you showed the Air Tool. think I will use them for connecting only my Hobby Airbrush setup But Not Tools since they are so Light Weight.

[@theRolling2010]

You are awesome. This so educational for me..thanks. But already got my system 1/4

[@ksavage681]

Milton makes the purple V style high flow now. They are very nice.

[@bosshawg7427]

Very eye opening. I was just about to invest in a "high flow" set. This saved me the worry.

[@john4kc]

You make some good points, but I did switch all over to this type of hi-flow. One of the reasons was because they do in fact work with the more standard IM fittings. I can put hi-flow on my air hungry tools, and keep the old IM connectors on other tools. Milton makes the 1/4" Hi-flow V series in steel, and the ones from Flexzilla are also steel. Flexzilla also offers a hi-flow swivel plug, which I love. I once took some drill bits with me to the stores to measure the openings on 3/8" air hoses. I forget the details, but they are NOT created equally. I have an older Husky hybrid hose that has a larger opening and also Flexzilla has a larger opening. Something to look more into.

[@sdriza]

i've noticed this too - I have some Husky 3/8 pvc hoses that constrict down right past the connectors - almost like the walls are thicker or something. then I have other 3/8 hoses that appear to have the same diameter throughout

[@john4kc]

@@sdriza I have wondered if you could get away with opening them up a size or two by drilling them out. You'd want to make sure you got all the chips out 100%.

[@motov8-garage832]

Thanks for saving my money!😁👍I almost bought some of these from home depo for 15$ not knowing what I now know.

[@OldSchoolNoe]

Will try this out

[@soundretarded]

Thank you for the info. I was wondering.

[@CatusMaximus]

Any time!

[@007connecticut]

I went crazy when I found the Milton V style, I ordered many for the shop. Got everything swapped out then discovered they suck, leak and literately just chew up the ends and you can't even get the fitting out of the couplers. Yes 3/8 industrial is what I purchased and Amazon if getting $100 of junk fittings back! Thanks for the video.

[@uriel-heavensguardian8949]

Thank you for this. I was in line and had these in t hand. I watched your video while there and glad I didn’t but these. Thank you!!! Question do you have a link where you bought yours?

[@commoncents456]

Nice job on the video 👍👍 Not sure if you touched on this, but I have damaged the aluminum ones and had to change it out again 😱😱

[@xephael3485]

Please review standard high-flow fittings from HF. Automotive

[@BrewCityRider]

Had to watch this again because so many people are promoting those Milton V style fittings. I've only seen one other video similar to yours that point out the multiple advantages of going with the 3/8 IM fittings instead for high flow. Having a bit of trouble finding them though. The only ones I'm seeing on Amazon are the Wynnsky brand. Are those any good? Anyway, thank you for clarifying this for us.

[@caseymoore9737]

I've noticed the high flow female coupler will connect to a bunch of different styles but the male high flow fitting won't fit in other style female couplers

[@woodworkerroyer8497]

This is VERY helpful! I want looking at this and that "standard" and I think all I'm going to do is get all 3/8" i/m fittings and solve the problem of standardizing on a proprietary or odd system and then not being able to get it easily or having to search for a store that carries it in different regions. My question is whether there is an advantage to getting a hose with a 3/8" threaded end over a 1/4" threaded end. I agree with you about the weight issue. Even if the brass/steel weighed 8oz more than the aluminum, you are planning on putting at least a 3lb impact wrench with about 16oz of cro moly on the anvil. It is a shop, not an ultralight backpacking trip!

[@atlantajunglepythons1744]

I think, impression not measured, that often a 3/8" threaded hose will be larger inside diameter. Hose by hose that will be different by brand and type of hose, but it's likely a trend A larger hose holds more air and it weighs more, and slightly more to trip over and drag around. A lot of people want a lightweight hose that won't drag a nailer off of a ladder or a roof. I bet at least half of all airtool users are in the field, but in the shop it does matter less

[@austingoleman9431]

My high flow fittings will connect to all the old fittings and work fine

[@danh2134]

I bought the set they sell at walmart and didn't pay attention to see if it was the same one I needed . I think they were 9.99

[@roypeters2821]

there is many alum I have used for years but it is your opion

[@douglasthompson2740]

Thanks. Very pertinent. Also might want to mention that the better couplers have six ball bearings as compared to the cheaper ones with four. Seem to do that irritating hissss much easier than the six ball style. Often they don't tell you what the material is in both the spring and the balls so if you get "brass" those made of steel will rust out and leak. Right now I am searching for an all stainless version to be used on my outside air connection for outdoor work. Aluminum done by Milton as well as HF etc is just a rip off and poor choice as you point out. They are more expensive in most cases as well as being crappier. Shame on any manufacturer who makes them. Also the HF swivel connections generally leak right from the start. Take care. Doug

[@Z-Ack]

I got same blue fittings and they got 6 ball bearings inside..

[@ballpython727]

Thanks for just saving me money from buying those HF ones! Quick question I think you kind of touched on it, 3/8 fittings wont fit in a 1/4 industrial fitting and vis versa. All the tools at work dont have those high flow 3/8 fittings.

[@ghostreality2965]

do you ever a video of installing ?

[@Spectt84]

Did you try plugging the aluminum coupler to the steel 3/8 fitting and/or connect the 3/8 brass coupler to the aluminum high flow fitting? I had no idea "high flow" was its own separate standard, I always assumed it was just the ordinary 3/8 fittings with a cool paint job... Good to know.

[@samueldwayne6899]

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[@adenrhett8649]

@Samuel Dwayne Instablaster ;)

[@samueldwayne6899]

@Aden Rhett I really appreciate your reply. I found the site on google and I'm trying it out now. Seems to take a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@samueldwayne6899]

@Aden Rhett it did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thanks so much, you saved my account !

[@adenrhett8649]

@Samuel Dwayne No problem =)

[@jtdundee]

Wait, what? I think the female threads on my air tools are 1/4" NPT... how is installing 3/8 fittings gonna help? Once ya choke flow down, after what you have downstream is exhausted, you are constricted.

[@Dnasty1]

Are these aluminum fittings as safe as the steel or brass for withstanding the psi? I am concerned with the threads bending or breaking and something shooting out. Is that a realistic concern with any of these couplers and plugs?

[@ghostreality2965]

high flow air fittings it can help to fill any size tires and inflatable toys faster than a cordless handheld inflator

[@GuidoLombardi]

I cant find any air hoses with high flow opening on the tips. Recommendations?

[@narcissistinjurygiver2932]

i switched to 3/8 from harbor freight. love it.

[@14KiloWhisky]

Could you give me inner diameter of your 3/8 inlet fitting ? Thank you ☺

[@narcissistinjurygiver2932]

@@14KiloWhisky 3/8

[@wishdrftr]

While I suppose I do agree with most of what your saying here. I disagree that the 3/8 is a better choice. As a automotive technician for 8 yrs, I never encountered a single 3/8 couple except on large 1/2 hoses intended for powering our occasionally used 3/4 and 1in impacts. So most people are still going to be "adapting/converting" their tools because 3/8" couplers are just not common. So if your just home DIYing these fit a need for someone who wants higher flow, and lighter weight. I use this same kit on my 3 gallon compressor and nailers. Perfect for keeping that system separate, and light weight. On a 8oz pin nailer, an extra ounce in fittings and couplers would be noticed. Also, in a flat rate technician environment (awful, but it's the most common) time is money. The faster connection is highly valuable. I wouldn't use these in a shop, because of what you said about the aluminum. I'm tossing tools onto a bench, tray, or back in the box. Harder use. But at home, this is all good stuff.

[@WhiteVaille]

Thank you for this. I just got my first home air compressor, and learned about Milton's V-series high flow 1/4" connectors, and bought a handful of them to get me started. After this video, I was about to regret my purchases, but I think you might be on point, especially for home use. Also really agree about the quick connection being so much more convenient. I always find myself annoyed when I can't just plug in a hose or tool without first pulling back the collar, while also trying to push the hose and tool together. It's just an awkward pain in the ass, as well as slower.

[@longschl0ngJoe]

@@WhiteVaillehow have they held up?? Thinking about getting some as well

[@mrobvious1100]

I am a do-it-yourself person who basically just changes his tires with his half inch 1200 ft lb impact gun. Since I just upgraded to this gun, should I replace all the connectors that are between my tank and my three sections of arrows that I have on a reel? Right now I have a 60 gallon tank with a standard quick release and then I have three sections of 50 ft air hose on a reel all with standard couplings. Do I just need a high-flow coupling at the tool and a high-flow male at the tool for do all the couplings and all the males have to come off

[@Fredengle]

All I can say is I think I stick to brass or steel I think they are compatible fine but I think aluminum fittings can cause brassy or steel mixing compatibility problems

[@petermescher332]

V female couplers *will* fit standard 1/4" I/M male plugs; I use 'em all the time in my garage... Did you try it yourself before going on a rant about how terrible 1/4" V was? All my F couplers are V, and my male plugs are a mix. Can't do that if you use 3/8" I/M. It seems odd to criticize V plugs for not working in I/M couplers, and then suggest people get 3/8" I/M, which won't work with *any* 1/4" stuff. Using a massive coupler is not an ideal solution if you also have smaller tools. Lastly, V is not particularly propiatary... There are several different brands that sell compatible couplers and plugs, and they are widely available.

[@CatusMaximus]

Thank you for the correction about the high-flow sockets accepting standard IM quarter inch plugs.

[@morenothing4u]

Are these not the same as the Milton V?

[@steadyeddie7453]

I've seen a lot of video's reviewing high flow quick connect fittings but no review of high flow air hoses. As you said at 7:42, the air flow (CFM) is limited to the smallest orifice in the entire system. So does anyone know who sells a true high flow air hose with a 3/8" hose ID and 1/4" NPT high flow end fittings? My high flow QC fittings have an ID of 7.6mm (.300"). All the hoses at the big box stores have fittings that appear high flow but if you look further down into the end fittings they are reduced in diameter. Where can I buy a true high flow 3/8" ID air hose with high flow 1/4" NPT end fittings??????????????

[@vsanchez1993]

Steady Eddie I think Legacy (Flexzilla) makes 3/8 npt couplers with 1/4 high flow body which would then have to be used with an air hose with 3/8 ends, maybe that’s the way to maximize air flow? I, myself, are on the market for air hose and fittings to maximize air tool flow.

[@steadyeddie7453]

@@vsanchez1993 Yes, you are correct. I ended up buying the Flexzilla 1/2" X 50' air hose with 3/8"MPT ends, and 2 Flexzilla reuseable repair ends. I was going to cut the hose in half and install repair ends. A 25' hose has less pressure and air flow drop than a 50', but I found that I didn't need to shorten the hose. Heres how I plumbed it: On the air supply pipe tee I installed a 1/2" X 3/8" reducer and 3/8"quick coupler with 3/8" MPT threads On one hose end I installed a 3/8" quick connector with 3/8" FPT threads On the other end of the hose I installed another 3/8" coupler with 3/8" FPT threads. On my air tools I installed 3/8" quick connectors with 1/4" MPT threads I did all this to meet the requirement of my new HVLP sprayer and it worked. I'd send pictures But I dont think I can do that in this forum.

[@vsanchez1993]

Steady Eddie I’m actually building a very similar setup to yours. Have 1/2” air hose with 3/8 fittings coming from compressor to 3/8 swivel quick coupler at end of hose to 1/4 plug on air tools; all high flow couplers and plugs. I ended up choosing Prevost for fittings, they are pricey but the features they have are worth it.

[@dhaley8847]

they are not high flow but harbor freight does sell a much higher flow fitting that is awesome

[@guyconnell2250]

While I kind of like the idea, the incompatibility issue is a deal breaker for me.

[@jeremyjohnson2129]

He is incorrect about the incompatibility, Milton Vs accept both standard industrial and automotive plugs.

[@cbmech2563]

I just wish Harbor freight, and others had more availability on the automotive style. I'm a heavy truck mechanic

[@stauker.1960]

Sounds like a way to buy a three eighths fitting without buying a three eighths fitting. Which is, as you said, a case of why bother.

[@rudycid8012]

They sell the same crap at Walmart branded as "Amflo" they only lasted 6 months with light use, compared to my old brass ones that are still going strong. Complete waste of money. Thanks!

[@richardayala4356]

Very informative video...thank you! Saved me some money, and besides, you are a cat man!

[@CatusMaximus]

Glad to help

[@texasboy2005]

Didn't he mean to recommend 3/8 I/M to 3/8 NPT? I thought I heard him say to get 3/8 I/M to 1/4 NPT.

[@tylermcelwain]

I’m assuming he meant 1/4 NPT so that way you’re not having to replace your hose as well.

[@szettner]

I'm getting so confused. I ordered myself a Milton S-568 inflator gauge for my tires along with a Bostitsch BTFP02012 pancake air compressor. The latter does not come with a hose. The Bostitsch says it takes a 1/4 Industrial Quick Connect fitting, whereas the specs for the Milton (which has not arrived yet) says it's air inlet is a 1/4" NPT female. When I look up NPT females, I see fittings that look very different from one another. Now I am seeing videos like this that make me wonder if I am going to need a special adapter just to connect the inflator gauge to the air hose (once I buy an air hose.) And will it have to be a special Milton one? I would have thought that the female inlets would be the ones that you plug something into, but when I looked up NPT female I see plugs where I guess the female part must be the threads. I guess the hose needs to be a 1/4" one, considering that both the compressor and the inflator are 1/4", but I guess I will have to wait till the Milton inflator arrives to sort out what kind of hose to buy and whether I will need a special fitting for the inflator. If so, that would be so stupid to think that a tire inflator that has to go to an air hose would not automatically have a fitting that goes into an air hose, but then I am frequently surprised by the stupidity of how tools are sold. Ex: how screws are sold by weight rather than quantity and often without pilot hole size info. Or how a 2X4 isn't 2 inches by 4inches. So maybe I will get my inflator and discover it's just another case of how things are done in a counterintuitive way. But this review is rather confusing to someone who doesn't know what she's doing. Doh!

[@jesusisalive3227]

I don't think anybody thinks these are industrial duty.

[@jesperdahl1486]

I know it is a old video, but it is still ill informed, the "proprietary" HF fitting is actually "Milton V" so it is NOT a proprietary fitting, and it is the standard 300 Million Europeans use, but I do agree that aluminum anything air fitting is a poor idea.

[@pjoneal12]

F=ma When an object of mass falls and impacts the ground it exerts a force upon the ground and the ground exerts a normal force of the same magnitude in the opposite direction upon the object of mass. When considering a coupler on the end of a hose slapping on the ground, the brass being 3 times the mass of the aluminum, results in a normal force 3 times greater applied by the ground on the coupler. If the aluminum couplers are 7075-T6 aluminum they would have a higher yield strength than the brass and would therefore be impacted less than 1/3 as much as the brass against the ground. Even If the aluminum couplers are 6061-T6 aluminum they would have a yield strength ~80% of a brass coupler and would therefore be impacted 2/5 as much as the brass would against the normal force from the ground. For a few seconds I was surprised how the aluminum couplers and nipples in my shop were fairing better than my brass and steel ones and then I considering the above. The yield strength values in PSI I considered for 6061-T6, 7075-T6, 260 brass, & 360 brass were respectively 40k, 60k, 52k, & 45k.

[@CatusMaximus]

i really appreciate your efforts in this comment and agree with you. I would add that these would be attached to heavy hoses which increase the impact loading when dropped much less the forces involved if you dropped it when attached to a heavy impact wrench. or when they are getting beat up in a shop.

[@14navi]

Wish i watched this video before i bought these.

[@timdunk7278]

Thanks for another clear and nonbiased review. Marketing a solution to a non-problem... - there's one born every minute.

[@tylermcelwain]

So in your minds eye innovation is a bad thing?

[@ynotjf]

I bought that set from Lowes, pure chinese junk. Then I stitched to Milton HF which have been working fine for years. Yes they are less durable than brass & steel 3/8” but they are considerably lighter and easier to use. And yes they add a new standard called “V” fittings, just what the world needs is another standard..

[@pjoneal12]

I appreciate your reviews and thank you for them but you jumped the gun here when comparing the aluminum to the brass and you went on and on about it so in the previous comment I explained the physics needing consideration when comparing aluminum and brass.

[@hosocat1410]

Thanks for the heads up. Yet another case of a company trying to sell an inferior product that isnt needed with shiny new colors to make the consumer think hes cool.

[@themechanic6117]

Thank you. You convinced me to not buy these.

[@seephor]

any time you have anodized colorful tools, you really should question the quality.

[@Raziel46]

First?