
Industrial machines and equipment are designed and manufactured in every corner of the world. The hydraulic systems alone use countless different types of fittings and adapters with different sealing methods and thread forms. While the sealing method can often be distinguished by appearance, thread forms all seem to look the same, making it difficult and time-consuming to identify them when equipment modifications or repairs are needed. Identifying a fitting can be easily done, however, through the process of elimination after uninstalling the fitting.
First, determine the type of fitting – is it permanent or reusable?
Hydraulic hose fittings can be one of two types – permanent or reusable. Permanent or crimped hydraulic fittings are widely used in the fluid power industry because they are easier and quicker to attach than reusable fittings. Crimped fittings are also more reliable. To attach a crimped fitting, you will need crimping or swaging equipment. These fittings are squeezed onto the hose at assembly and are discarded when the hose assembly fails.
Reusable or field attachable hydraulic hose fittings are not commonly used today since they are considered "old technology." A reusable fitting is easily identifiable because it fits right onto a hose by using only a wrench and a vise. Reusable fittings typically cost more than crimped fittings and are more time consuming during the assembly process.
Identify fitting ends and port connections
Accurate identification of ports and connectors in a hydraulic system is necessary before the correct hose or tube assembly can be assembled and installed.
Port Connections |
Tube/Hose Connections |
NPT/NPTF
BSPT (JIS-PT)
Metric Taper
SAE Straight Thread
ISO 6149
JIS-B2351
DIN Metric
BSPP (JIS-PF)
4-Bolt Flange
|
37⁰ Flare
30⁰ Flare (Metric)
45⁰ Flare
24⁰ Flareless (SAE)
24⁰ Flareless (DIN)
30⁰ Flare (BSPP)
O-Ring Face Seal (ORFS)
60⁰ NPSM Swivel
60⁰ Cone (BSPP)
60⁰ Cone (Metric) |
Next, identify the sealing method
Types of hydraulic fittings vary depending on their sizes, configuration, and thread types. The three most common types of hose fittings are O-ring, mated angle and threaded. However, there are several more types of hydraulic hose fittings available.
O-Ring: The three types of O-ring seal designs are O-ring boss, flat face O-ring seal and O-ring flange. With these types of couplings, there is an O-ring seal that is the main component in creating the seal.
Mated Angle: An example of a mated angle is SAE 45° or JIC 37° but there are others as well. Fittings with an angle seat have straight or parallel threads for sealing. When the male and female counterparts are threaded together, the threads themselves do not actually form the seal. Instead, they function mechanically to bring the two mating angle seats together which ultimately forms the seal.
Tapered Threads: These types of fittings have two types of threads: male or female. Male fittings feature their threads on the outside and female fittings have threads on the inside.

When the male and female counterparts are threaded together, the tapered threads deform which applies pressure on the couplings ultimately making a tight seal. Tapered threads can be imprecise but never use tape to ensure the seal. Tape is often banned in hydraulic and pneumatic systems because of its tendency to shred and contaminate sensitive areas. Its lubricity has also been known to induce over-torquing.
Then, look at the fitting design
After you have determined the sealing method, visually look at the location of the O-ring, nose seat, seat angle and fitting termination. You can visually see the O-ring location as well as the type of nose seat. However, you will need to use a seat gauge to determine seat angle.
Mated Angle Seat with O-ring:
O-Ring Location |
Nose Seat |
Seat Angle |
Fitting Termination |
Inside |
Inverted |
60⁰ Inclusive |
British Standard Pipe Parallel |
Inside |
Inverted |
24⁰ Inclusive |
DIN 24⁰ Cone |
O-Ring Face Seal:
O-Ring Location |
Nose Seat |
Seat Angle |
Fitting Termination |
In Flange Groove |
Flat Face |
N/A |
SAE O-Ring Flange (Code 61 or 62) |
Outside |
Flat Face |
N/A |
SAE O-Ring Boss |
At Nose Seat |
Flat Face |
N/A |
O-Ring Face Seal |
Mechanical Joint or Mated Angle:
O-Ring Location |
Nose Seat |
Seat Angle |
Fitting Termination |
None |
Standard |
37⁰ |
JIC 37⁰ Flare |
None |
Standard |
45⁰ |
JIC / SAE 45⁰ Flare |
None |
Standard |
30⁰ |
Japanese Industrial Standard & Komatsu |
None |
Inverted |
N/A |
Metric Stand Pipe |
None |
Inverted |
30⁰ |
National Pipe Straight |
None |
Inverted |
45⁰ |
SAE Inverted Flare |
None |
Inverted |
24⁰ |
Inclusive French Gaz 24⁰ Cone |
None, except -20 |
Standard |
24⁰ |
Inclusive French Gaz 24⁰ High-Pressure Flange |
Thread Interface:
O-Ring Location |
Nose Seat |
Seat Angle |
Fitting Termination |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
National Pipe Tapered |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
British Standard Pipe Tapered |
Lastly, measure the thread
With the caliper, measure the thread diameter of the largest point (Outside Diameter (O.D.) of male threads; Inside Diameter (I.D.) of female threads). Using the thread gauge, determine the number of threads per inch. Comparison of gauge and coupling threads against a lighted background will ensure an accurate reading.
Parker’s Hose Products Division has shadow images to easily determine thread, cone and hex size. Click on these images to print out a useful guide to assist in identifying hydraulic fittings.

After you have determined the hydraulic hose fitting you need to replace, Parker Hannifin is an ideal supplier of choice. Parker offers the largest selection of hydraulic hoses plus more hydraulic fitting sizes than any other manufacturer.
Parker’s Hose Products Division offers steel, brass, and stainless steel fittings from 3/16" to 3". Styles include O-ring face seal, flare, male pipe, metric designs and much more.
Custom tube and hose fittings are also available in various configurations including NPTF, JIC, SAE, GAZ, ISO, DIN, JIS and BSP. Many manufacturers offer fitting wall charts as well to assist in the identification process.
Article contributed by Kyri McDonough, marketing services manager at Hose Products Division, Parker Hannifin.
Other related topics on hydraulic hose, hose application, and selection criteria:
An Effective Way to Identify Hydraulic Fitting Orientation
Decoding a Hydraulic Hose Layline
Five Most Important Factors You Need to Consider for Hydraulic Fittings
Hydraulic Hose 101: Fast Facts
Successful Hydraulic Hose Assembly Starts Here
Going to Extremes: A Closer Look at Hydraulic Hoses
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