STOP: Leaky Air Tool Connections / Couplers

[@doublewide6]

amzn.to/2EWcm5s Fix that coupler for sure. amzn.to/2oqU3zb Milton Coupler set. amzn.to/2EQ897r Milton S210 (Milton's hold up for a long time)

[@ozzstars_cars]

fantastic. I have been throwing couplers out for years. Never thought about flipping/replacing the rubber washer. Thanks man

[@doublewide6]

Save everything, you never know when your going to need it.

[@ruffusjones5815]

Ozzstar , LOL me to .

[@Gourockian1]

Just a note of caution. Depending on the style of your connector, you may end up dropping ball bearings if you're not carefull when you dismantle it. Always keep the shroud in place over the ball bearings to save losing any.

[@pat.traynor]

Thanks so much for that info! It's really not that complicated, but without someone to show me how to fix it, I've been living with leaky connectors for years.

[@BrianNDeanLuthier]

Thanks for this. As an add-on to flipping the rubber, I lightly chamfered and polished the end of my fittings so they now squeeze inside that o-ring smoothly rather than pushing up against it. No air leaks to speak of and hopefully will last longer as well.

[@patpathinayake3586]

Thank you, Sir. Simple, easy and very clear. Saves hundreds of pounds. In your case dollars.Vice grips are known as mole grips in the UK, just in case if UK folks were wondering. Best of luck.

[@bartcasto2240]

I've never used ViseGrips to Grip a Mole hahaha , I'm curious to how the name mole grips came about. Kinda interesting. Vise grips on the other hand , locked down like a vise hence the sweet name lol.

[@hansg6336]

Excellent bubba fix DW. The old flip a gasket is a tried and true method. It also helps to condition new gaskets by removing them and soaking them in 303, Armor-All or similar conditioner. Be sure to wipe off excess conditioner (they are partially water-based) before replacing them in fittings.

[@splash5974]

Not a great idea if you are painting! Good way to introduce contaminants to your paint work when spraying.

[@roseymalino9855]

Have you ever used gasoline to soften and swell rubber gaskets?

[@sixtyfiveford]

I've looked for the gaskets for these on several occasions(after I've already flipped them), even bought some plumbing ones and haven't found the right size. Somewhere someone has a box of a thousand of these gaskets, I just need a handful. Take care :-)

[@doublewide6]

Yes they would be nice to have on hand. I don't know where to find a handful of them either. It would make a nice video on how to make your own from something. Ideas? Video with shout out?

[@sixtyfiveford]

I tried punching them out of tire rubber and rubber mudflap and I wasn't successful. Notability I didn't try very hard but cutting a clean hole in the center was key. Leaking air fittings drive me nuts and find they last longer if I oil them with air tool oil.

[@doublewide6]

I have an epilog laser engraver. I could cut them perfectly using CAD and if I had a sheet of the rubber. I noticed the rubber is really soft and pliable. Unfortunately, this setup is at my work. I have cut carb gaskets in the past and they are always handy to have on hand.

[@chrishayes5755]

@@sixtyfiveford maybe heat a steel rod to create a clean center hole

[@Npc5150]

How about using some kind of form-in-place gasket? You might be able to use it with some kind of a mold to create your own seals.

[@Volusiaev]

You're the man Doublewide! I'm one of the many who didn't know about this either. Thanks for the video! .

[@doublewide6]

Thanks for commenting. Time after time I hear from you. Thanks for being a subscriber for a long while and adding to my channel.

[@yusuihang]

Thanks for the info. I don't understand why teflon tape isn't required for the inside thread of that coupler. But it seems like it was assembled without tape or any sealant--yet, no leak there.

[@rbarr775]

So I learned something! Cool. I've found that when I purchase couplers / fittings other than the Milton brand, I experience frustration far beyond the value of the difference in price. Not that I own stock in Milton, but I'm just getting too old to have any patience with air couplers of lower quality. However, if / when my Milton couplers get old and cranky, I'll have a project to play with, rather than just discarding an otherwise good product.

[@stevenwoodside5949]

Just watched this and fixed both of my connectors in about 10 minutes. Thanks

[@chrishayes5755]

Well, I turned a coupler from a rusted and seized piece of garbage into a fully functioning piece of hardware. Feels good, but it took like 2-3 hours of work for my small brain to get it done. Not sure if worth it but mission accomplished lol.

[@curiosity2314]

I never knew they came apart! :) I saw a number of videos out there that if they have anything in common with a pressure washer; the washers can be had readily. Good video for when the need arises...

[@doublewide6]

See you learned something.

[@SuperSpecialty]

If it was assembled it can be disassembled

[@curiosity2314]

@@SuperSpecialty Yeah, it was a goofy thing to say as I do the same thing for a major corporation. My thinking back then was probably more is it worth taking it apart to repair. A couple of beers back in the day I'm sure caused my comment. ;) ..

[@SuperSpecialty]

@@curiosity2314 r u a Babylonian?

[@curiosity2314]

@@SuperSpecialty Yup.

[@brycelund7155]

Good idea thanks for you recommendation, it's annoying when you have a full tank of air and then air fitting starts to leak and before you know it your air compressor turns on every 20 min because of that little leak. Thanks much

[@douglasthompson2740]

Try one of the reusable repair hose ends. They have a compression sleeve so you are fighting the darn hose clamps hanging up on everything including you. Pretty cheap and easy. You do need to know the i.d. as well as the o.d. as they are made for all different sizes and types of hoses. When you are done you have a nice factory like connection and you can always use it again the next time. They make male female as well as unions.

[@kurtbunting7287]

Excellent. I have this same problem and was going to throw away my connector and buy new ones. Will try this fix tomorrow when I can get out to my garage. Thank you very much for this video.

[@jorgevega2216]

Used your trick and it worked like a charm.such a simple fix for something that has been driving me crazy for months.bless you brother.

[@macanders1888]

You are a diamond mate. Cheers you cured my earache

[@curtisjohnson944]

Good call. Never thought to take one apart. 👍

[@ESLinsider]

You made getting that thing off easy. I spent the last 2 hours trying to get it off. I got a skinny black hose.

[@williamnelson2942]

May go straight to the top of the to-do list. 👍

[@CHIBA280CRV]

Thank you sir , finally a explanation to the mysterious leaking coupler...

[@doublewide6]

You are welcome thanks for commenting.

[@stevengarbs5557]

Hey doublewide thanks for sharing I appreciated this and all your videos.

[@retrorestore]

Great tip bud, I didn't know that you could strip these things down. I know what i'll be doing tomorrow lol. Cheers Martin

[@doublewide6]

So you need to add about 2 feet of cord to Sharron's pull start, and fix the air fittings today. You guys do such a nice job of spray painting. I would like to see a video on effective tools to spray paint small jobs. I always have problems trying to spray and eventually my guns get clogged. It seems to me it is more work spraying than it is worth, but I watch you and you have awesome results spraying.

[@retrorestore]

Haha, Yes Pull cord first lol. I have vids where I share my spray equipment but I suppose I could update this. Cheers Martin

[@STBRetired1]

Ooooh, so THAT'S how those things work. I was thinking that the leaking was where the big fitting clamps onto the smaller fitting. The problem now is - Harbor Freight fittings leak right from day one. That would indicate to me that they use a cheap washer or a hard washer that doesn't seat well against that smaller fitting end. Before I go crazy, I'll have to pull some of those washers and get some measurements. Then, see if I can buy or make new washers out of a more pliable material that would seal better. Even if part of the problem IS a loose clamping action between the two fittings, a thicker more pliable washer material would take up the slack and seal better. THANKS FOR THE VIDEO. Very enlightening.

[@OutlawEdge]

Awesome video brother!👍 i love learning new shop tricks! Thanks for sharing👍

[@silverssonyoutube8438]

i have an air die grinder that is 5'' extended the brand is APAC the pin thats in the trigger gets stuck doesnt come back up fully so when the air is connected the tool spins slightly because of it . any tips on what i can do ?

[@doublewide6]

Try some penetrating oil

[@offgridhomesteadingrvtrave7511]

Can you change the screwdriver bit on a pneumatic screwdriver to a torque bit

[@eddiefoy3701]

Ditch that hose clamp and use the Gates PowerGrip heat shrink clamps. Love those things!

[@Delmar829]

Thank you for taking the time to do this. IT Helped !!!!!!!!! God Bless

[@mlaugh3]

Hey thank you for the fix. I have had this leaky problem for some time now and now...........thanks to you it is fixed!

[@Rhosticks]

I get my couplers from Home Depot and Walmart. Never had any issues with either. I see HFT with some new branding couplers. I might test out those to see how they do.

[@nicholasweber21]

That's why you should buy Milton made in USA. More money up front but will never leak

[@doublewide6]

It is good to know a good brand that will last. Thanks.

[@Papa-qv6ep]

Milton no longer made in USA. Taiwan www.amazon.com/Milton-S-697-2-FNPT-Style-Chuck/dp/B00HFLAPOS/ref=pd_ybh_a_5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=Q2ZBZWGF2ECNK76ZC0Y8

[@mh-ve9nv]

25 years ago maybe

[@splash5974]

One of my Milton couplers is leaking right now...

[@31acruz]

Great practical video. Good job.

[@CristianoUniversal]

Thanks much for sharing this. I thought mine needed an o ring on the other side of the coupler, but now I know. 😁

[@Dave-nm3xc]

This was very helpful. Thanks for sharing.

[@BrianDoherty-e8s]

As long as you have the fitting apart you can treat the flat O-ring you flipped over with dielectric grease or 100% silicone spray to preserve the rubber and keep it from drying out. This can also be done on brand new fittings to make them last a lot longer. The treatment also lubricates the rubber so the male end of the tool you plug in will not wear out the rubber.

[@kimb9539]

Thanks for the tutorial. My first compressor and the regulator was bad then, one of the new couplings was hissing like a caged animal after initial first filling of the tank.

[@chumjoe2223]

Learned something new. Thanks for the demo.

[@doublewide6]

No problem, learning new is why KZbin is great!

[@condor5635]

Most excellent! Now if we can only find replacement ones online! Thanks for the great video. Will be trying this tomorrow

[@doublewide6]

Yes, it is a pretty easy fix.

[@Papa-qv6ep]

Quick search I found these. I am sure there are other places online that sell them also. www.gemplers.com/search/air+chuck+washers

[@coollasice4175]

Good tip. "O ring" is a rubber washer that surely must be available in the plumbing dept.

[@doublewide6]

Here is the rubber gasket size .575 OD X .25 ID X .11 thick I can not find anything close to this online anywhere. If you can find it online let me know.

[@coollasice4175]

Sounds like it is 19/32 od. Try Danco #88573. www.hardwareandtools.com/danco-88573-1-4-inch-diameter-faucet-flat-washers-gaaa-6540.html

[@doublewide6]

Nice find. I guess it is 1/4 NPT OD, it does not say what the ID is though. It may work. Thanks

[@charliemason4355]

How about these from Milton: COUPLER WASHER M & T STYLE Height .13 Width .57 Since these are intended for couplers there's a reasonable chance the ID is 1/4". www.miltonindustries.com/parts/coupler-washer-m-t-style.html

[@stevenjordan6389]

Milton 768 rubber washer for coupler

[@8307c4]

Thank you!

[@quacky125]

Aircraft spruce & specialty 10 pk for around 5.90 & ship. Go with the black washers not yellow like other retailers carry

[@halfglassfull]

excellent thanks for posting. I'm going to try this also will put some pure silicone grease to help make it more supple. I have used silicone grease (non petroleum type, i.e. don't use WD 40 it will eat the washer over time) on other plumbing neoprene washers and it helps.

[@michaelamick8295]

Vince McK, good thought for power tool shop use, however, just a headsup for dummies like me, bad choice to use any lube on anything that may be used to paint without 1st adding air filters at the spray gun. Learn from the mistakes of others, you won't live long enough to make them all yourself!

[@jubalvw3302]

Thanks! This solved all 3 leaky connections at my bike shop :D

[@tomkrause62]

I'm absolutely sure I have at least a couple Milton couplers in my home shop that are pushing 30 years old, no leaks. I just bought a bunch of new ones a couple years ago, no trouble with any of them. We have literally hundreds of Milton couplers at work, we very seldom have issues with them.

[@meo1960]

Thank You. Something so simple can be so irritating. I'm headed to the garage right now!

[@Lanninglongarmmowing]

I never knew that you could take apart quick disconnects. Do you know if this works with the 1/4 inch ones? Great video!!!

[@doublewide6]

It works with 1/4" that is the size I used in the video.

[@Lanninglongarmmowing]

doublewide6 Oh. They looked bigger than 1/4 inch. Thanks for making this video.

[@dillwiggle2]

Doesnt work for all makes, the cheaper ones it will, some of the more expensive ones you can't take apart.

[@Lanninglongarmmowing]

Dill Wiggle Oh ok. I didn't know that. Thanks.

[@skunkjobb]

That's not really an o-ring, those have a round cross-section. I would rather call it a flat gasket. Good video anyway.

[@peterp4319]

Thank you Mr DoubleWide ... I'll be fixing mine tomorrow just like all the other guys. Do you know if the couplers and the male counter part are universal, or must you stick with the same brand for both ?

[@doublewide6]

They are universal.

[@lmdetect]

Ho-lee-crap. I had no idea. Thought I had to buy new couplers. I'll be fixing mine in the morning. Thank you for this vid. Subbing.

[@doublewide6]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for commenting.

[@jimseviltwin1]

Thanks for the info ! I just chunked a coupler in to the trash yesterday; gonna fish it out now. p.s. I have to laugh, I have all of same crappy HF air tools that are on your bench!

[@waltschannel7465]

I just tried this repair with a number 0 faucet washer. I had to ream out the center hole of the washer, but I'll bet if I had slightly heated it I could have installed it without reaming. it worked fine, except a bit more hand pressure was required to connect and disconnect.

[@doublewide6]

Good to know, thanks for posting this.

[@waltschannel7465]

Thank YOU for the original idea! 😁

[@tappet1000]

Awesome solution to something I just put up with over the years

[@terrylarotonda784]

Good job. Gives them longer life.

[@doublewide6]

Double the life, so about 2 extra years.

[@jaygames1980]

What you think about Teflon tape

[@erniew5805]

works great used it for years. in the oil patch fittings were always dirty dusty a little tape no leak. if you are switching tools back and forth tape might not last but to plug in and use easiest leak preventer

[@exinanition2307]

I was wondering what kind of air compressor you are using.

[@RatsForBrekfast]

hello, nice video you got there. I have a problem with air leaks in the couplers, i just buyed a new compressor and it leaks air even though the male coupler is good size 1/4. What do i do wrong?? Can you please ansew me , i am new around and i have no one to ask :( Thank you

[@MrGarcon98]

nice this one was easy ,,, i have some that have like 3 o rings and rubber washers ? pain in the ass mine are , thanks

[@gangabahadurlimbu1239]

TY for Sharing your expertise.

[@lourias]

Measure the gasket/o-ring, and take it to your nearest hydraulics supply house. Surely , it cannot be too hard to get a replacement.

[@chqp3977]

throw that seal away.. replace it with one of those fat "O" rings that come on both ends of a fuel injector.. never leak again.

[@MrAgatto2]

where do you get those

[@joeypolanco8754]

@@MrAgatto2 Look for an old fuel injected car in the junkyard and just remove the fat O ring from the fuel injector

[@Sazonman]

@@joeypolanco8754 Can those type of rings be purchased, if so what is the correct name of the ring when purchasing it... TIA 👍

[@joeypolanco8754]

@@Sazonman Just google " fuel injector O -ring " along with the model of your car and engine type.

[@jt9498]

He's right! I changed all my couplers with a fuel injector O ring. Never leaks!

[@campbejouc]

Thanks! for the tip. couplers are great and suck at the same time.

[@doublewide6]

I agree.

[@markbenoit]

Nice tip, But how can you stand that huge hose clamp on their? Use a smaller clamp and the right size barb for the hose . Even better I have a wire clamp tool that you can use wire as a hose clamp its really low profile. I cant deal with that sharp bulky clamp on there. You can even buy a cheap hammer crimp and Farrell’s to repair just like it came new.

[@grantthethirst415]

Thanks mate, I was about to try and pull the ring out through the coupling. Would have destroyed it.

[@aleblanc3547]

Awesome...you know the neatest stuff, Doublewide! Thanks for sharing.

[@doublewide6]

You are welcome. Thanks again for commenting.

[@rar8798]

worked like a charm-THANKS!

[@williamandrebecca]

Not sure its the same size but looks close to a faucet washer, o-ring.

[@waltschannel7465]

william lucas The newer faucet washers work well for this as they are more flexible than the older neoprene washers. They are not as good as faucet washers, however.

[@johnauch6930]

Looks exactly like a "00", "000" faucet washer used on angle stop valves under your sink.

[@johnmilner7603]

Good tip, I need to fix 1 coupler that's leaking too. Thx.

[@doublewide6]

I thought it would help out lots of people. Leaky air hoses are a common problem. Most people think the problem is the male end, but it is almost always the female because the gasket is softer than the brass male end.

[@iRepairElectronics]

Gonna go and try this now. My damn air compressor keeps kicking on cause of slow leaks on these fittings. been driving me crazy for years. figured it was just because of it being harbor freight. if this dosent work ill get a milton kit.

[@ZoliMusic]

Thank you sir. Saved me so much frustration.

[@luktish]

Anyone used silicon spray on these connections to lubricate the collar?

[@TNtoolman]

This probably would have worked if the knuckleheads who built my coupler didn't use a steel spring that rusted out... instead of a stainless steel spring... All brass connector except the pressure component that rusted out. Geeeeez!

[@natalegawaelia7165]

👍👍👍👍👍 simply & useful..thanks bro

[@garychandler4296]

It's actually a rubber washer. For those couplers that have actual o-rings, I've just put in a slightly thicker one from my kit. Also, occasionally, one.will unscrew itself a bit and leak, and all you need is tightening. And I stopped buying them at Harder Fate tools, just being suspicious of the usually crappy Chinese metal.

[@michaelgiebler4967]

where can you get o rings?

[@randyobert2218]

that hose clamped wonder of a hose you have is dangerous at a few levels... known a few guys hurt by "whipping" hoses and clamps that turn into flying knives... seems body shop guys are more prone to getting hurt by them coming apart as they have the hoses over their shoulder more often...

[@fernandonogueira3290]

🎬 Excellent 📹 Video 🎥! _ Congratulations! 👍 🇧🇷

[@mikefennema5561]

There is a large difference in air flow between the bargain couplers and better quality ones.

[@danedewaard8215]

THANK YOU!!!!! That was VERY HELPFUL!!!!!!

[@marshallborder9089]

Thanks I'll check mine out next , air leaking thing drives me crazy .

[@debravilla5815]

Hi, thanks for the video. I wonder if you could give me some directions on an air hose issue. My husband has been using a pneumatic nailgun and when he picks it up to use it the hose blows off at the connection at the gun and hose. The connector does have a leak at the connection where hose and air compressor connect. Thank you for any advise.

[@ryancantrell6480]

Tru-Flate connectors are the only way to go!!

[@deplorable113]

I swear so help me God! When I clicked I heard the intro....I thought he said “ Double Wide Sex” I lost my shiiiiiit...🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@vinceje]

So you flip the seal and then it starts to leak again in a couple months when the other side wears out. Buy Milton and never have thus issue.

[@dillwiggle2]

I just looked, my connector does NOT have that round part that you used your vice grips on. Mine was a MILTON i think, maybe the cheaper couplers are made that way. Doesn't look like mine is able to be taken apart :(

[@doublewide6]

That is too bad.

[@dtrrtd774]

Mine didn't either, think it was Amflo. Trying to figure out how it was put together in the first place, but didn't see any seams. The cheaper ones seem better in this way, I like maintainable stuff.

[@jasonsprouse2803]

They all come apart, that is how they are assembled. Miltons are no different. They all work the same, just the quality and tolerances of the parts. And yes, I just walked over to the Milton on the end of my air hose, it screws together.

[@mlb6d9]

Cool - Good to know. Thanks for sharing!

[@gregorypiercesr.794]

Anyone ever find that washer?

[@V.Z.69]

I just bought my first air compressor. The hose ending has a male threading and no matter what coupler I put on there it leaks. I bought 3 new couplers and they all leak. Everything is brand new. Any idea why? AT first I thought it was the hose, but bought a new hose. It's actually the couplers that all leak. So when I connect anything, because of the leak I don't get any pressure above 20psi (it's a 120psi 1 Gallon air compressor). They are all new parts so I don't get it.

[@jasonwood7340]

Did you put teflon tape on all the threads?

[@rabbycacker]

Does your compressor have a pressure regulator that may be set at 20 psi? I have seen compressors that have in line regulators that are actually just a bleed valve that reduces outlet air pressure by venting system pressure. The venting sounds like a big air leak. Pipe dope or thread tape the male threads of pipe thread connectors. Even with no thread sealant a tight thread should not leak enough air to reduce your pressure unless you have a very low cfm compressor like a tire inflator type. Good luck if you haven't figured it out already.

[@deanharris7149]

Great video.

[@LTVoyager]

Need to fix that air hose with a radiator clamp on it. That is hilarious.

[@Pyridox]

Thanks, that tip helped. I had a leaky connector, I didn't realize there was a rubber washer inside of them. I always replaced the entire connector. I wish they would sell the washer that fits in there, garden hose washers are a little too large.

[@doublewide6]

the rubber gasket size .575 OD X .25 ID X .11 thick If you can find in online let me know. Thanks.

[@troycartwright9523]

Thanks man, it worked.

[@lout3921]

It did the trick for me. thanks

[@doublewide6]

I'm happy to hear that thanks.

[@Sazonman]

Thank you, I'm having the same problem

[@pearldiver1006]

Wire strap the hose connection.

[@brianscheele8587]

Thank you!

[@KamiCrit]

Oh man, I'm a millwright apprentice at a box factory. Constantly surrounded by leaky air quick connects. I know what I'm doing next time everything is off. Hunting down air leaks.

[@KB-kc7ou]

Not only getting rid of annoying noises, this saves energy and $ by saving the compressor having to run...

[@mike97525]

thanks you could find a faucet washer that would fit maybe

[@doublewide6]

the rubber gasket size .575 OD X .25 ID X .11 thick I could not find one to match. Please let me know if you find a match online. Thanks

[@lloydjohnston9348]

great tip I've been throwing them out also thanks great video