Game changing air compressor quick coupler

[jgayman]

Every now and then you come upon a tool or accessory that is truly a game changer in the way it solves a problem. The Lock 'N Lube grease coupler comes to mind.

I have a new one to add... the Milton Safety Air Coupler. These are not new as they've been around for a quite a while but I was fortunate enough to discover it recently.

If you are like me you probably have a quick coupler like this on your air compressor hose:



It works okay but suffers from a couple issues - for me anyway. One is that it is almost impossible to attach or detach a tool with one hand while the hose is under full pressure. I usually have to jam the hose against my leg while pulling down on the collar with one hand while I attach the tool with my other hand. This eventually kinks your air hose and can lead to premature failure. It can still be difficult to overcome the pressure in the hose and get the fitting seated. When detaching a tool I usually repeat the process but in this case the air pressure helps to push the tool away. This can be good and bad as I'm sure we've all shot the air chuck across the room into the tool box.

Enter the Safety Coupler.



The way this works is you press the green button once and the inserted coupler on the tool disengages about 1/8" and releases the air pressure. You press the button a second time and the inserted coupler gently releases into your hand. When attaching a tool you simply press it into the coupler. No need to push the button or pull back a spring loaded collar. Even with the supply line fully pressurized it requires no effort at all to insert a fitting. Attaching or detaching a tool is easily accomplished with one hand.

The Safety Couplers come in a variety of air coupler styles with both male and female threads. They are available from various manufacturers. This one just happens to be a Milton in the "T style" (aka Automotive style) that I use. I've seen these Milton couplers available for less than $15 from a variety of sources.

This may be old news for some but if you find yourself sometimes struggling with the spring loaded collar on a conventional style air coupler, give one of these a try.

[coaltrain]

OK - I'm sold! Your explanation about the difficulties with the standard couplers is good - try it with weak arthritic fingers!

No link? That!s OK - off to search for the safety couplers.

[bvbearcat]

OK - I'm sold! Your explanation about the difficulties with the standard couplers is good - try it with weak arthritic fingers!

No link? That!s OK - off to search for the safety couplers.

Here you go CT: https://www.amazon.com/Milton-Body-B...003Y3ZIC0?th=1

[jgayman]

OK - I'm sold! Your explanation about the difficulties with the standard couplers is good - try it with weak arthritic fingers!

No link? That!s OK - off to search for the safety couplers.

That's my problem - weak fingers.

I didn't post a link because there are too many different types and didn't want someone to order the wrong one. Male/Female, Industrial/Automotive, 1/4, 3/8, etc.

You need to get the right style for your equipment. 99% of the planet uses Industrial style fittings. I ended up with Automotive style because that is what my dad used and we have dozens of tools and accessories outfitted with that type of coupler so no point in changing now.

[coaltrain]

That's my problem - weak fingers.

I didn't post a link because there are too many different types and didn't want someone to order the wrong one. Male/Female, Industrial/Automotive, 1/4, 3/8, etc.

You need to get the right style for your equipment. 99% of the planet uses Industrial style fittings. I ended up with Automotive style because that is what my dad used and we have dozens of tools and accessories outfitted with that type of coupler so no point in changing now.

I see your point. When I looked at the link I got confused A-style, M-style, T-style. I have no idea what I have but will figure it out.

This is a great find! Like you said it will rank up there with the locknlube.

[H-D dealer dude]

I have used this style of coupler in the past. They are the cat's pajamas. Unfortunately I don't own any. Still getting by with the old style junk. lol

[jgayman]

I see your point. When I looked at the link I got confused A-style, M-style, T-style. I have no idea what I have but will figure it out.

This is a great find! Like you said it will rank up there with the locknlube.

If you have a basic air compressor chances are you use M-style "Industrial" 1/4" NPT connectors. Below is a image of an Industrial style connector.



Weirdos like me use a T-style "Automotive" 1/4" NPT connector (shown below). Notice how the tip collar is longer on the Industrial?



Once you know the size and type you just have to match up the male/female as required on the end of your hose.

The Milton website has a nice selection of images for everything. I used it to figure out the part number I needed and then went shopping.

Couplers & Plugs | Miltonindustries.com

[coaltrain]

If you have a basic air compressor chances are you use M-style "Industrial" 1/4" NPT connectors. Below is a image of an Industrial style connector.



Weirdos like me use a T-style "Automotive" 1/4" NPT connector (shown below). Notice how the tip collar is longer on the Industrial?



Once you know the size and type you just have to match up the male/female as required on the end of your hose.

The Milton website has a nice selection of images for everything. I used it to figure out the part number I needed and then went shopping.

Couplers & Plugs | Miltonindustries.com

Thanks for the help! Yes - M-style is what I have. Just a 20gal California Air Tools compressor.

Now I know what to put in my cart.

[Ray_PA]

I actually put these on my air hoses. These are also very sweet!!! This coupler accepts all five of the most common 1/4-inch body interchanges: Industrial, ARO, Automotive, Lincoln, and Euro (Megaflow)

One hand operation. Pull back on the one sleeve, this vents air pressure. Pull back on the other sleeve, this releases the connected tool.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[HydroHarold]

Grease couplings, air hose couplings... There's more coupling knowledge on GTT than in a brides honeymoon guide...


I like the "5 in 1" style, I think I'll Amazon it right after I'm done here.