Use Quality Air Hose Quick Connect Couplers & Plugs

Example of a plug on the left and coupler on right.

In this post, I wanted to stress the importance of using a high quality air hose coupler and plugs. As you know, these are the components that allow you to easily and quickly connect your air hose to your sandblaster or whatever air powered tool you may have.

I’ve had another inexpensive sandblaster to use for small projects that requires a different abrasive. That sandblaster came with some cheap couplers and plugs. After a while, I was realizing they were leaking air out of a small area. I totally neglected to fix it and I have been using it for weeks!

Even if you have a very small hole leaking air, that is putting a huge burden on your air compressor and making your sandblasting experience that much worse. A small hole is leaking more air than you may think and I think it makes me irritable!

Here are the newer, much better air hose coupler and plugs by Amflo connected to my sandblaster, air hose and air blow gun.

So I finally got around to buying a better quick connect kit and what a world of a difference it has made! First, let me tell you– quality kits don’t cost that much money. Here are some reasons to fix a air leak with a better kit right away:

• Only slight cost more – I realized that those cheap couplers are really only a few dollars lower than a quality version.
• Save energy, save money– you will actually same money with a coupler that seals perfectly. When air is leaking where it shouldn’t, it is using up and costing so much more via electricity or gas.
• Smooth, easily on & off– a good brand is machined with precision so I realized how much easier these are to work with. There is no more fidgeting with connecting or disconnecting the air line. It now comes off so much easier.

I purchased a 5 piece coupler/plug kit from a local store by the brand name Amflo as shown in the photo (model number 12-205R). I believe it was less than $10 and it works well.

If you need to replace your air hose quick connect components, I urge you to do so as soon as possible. I am not familiar with all the brands and tested each model (some brands may have models better than others). So I think the next best way is to search through Amazon in these listings and read the reviews before purchasing.

Related posts:

Fixing Air Hose Leak Making Tips & Nozzle Solutions Inexpensive or Quality Expensive Brands? Air Compressor Pressure Pot Chart for Nozzle ID Size