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Your hydraulic system is only as good as its fittings, and when it comes to choosing these components, material matters. The wrong fitting can crack under pressure, contaminate your system, detach from your hoses, or simply fall outside your price range. D & M Hydraulics Sales & Service in Waipahu, HI, can help you determine what material suits your needs.

Here, they break down the strengths and weaknesses of the most common fittings on the market.

Carbon Steel

The two most common competitors are steel and brass, but the former may refer to either carbon steel or stainless steel. With its low price point and broad range of practical uses, carbon steel is the most popular choice. Depending on the quality, some carbon steel fittings can withstand more than 5000 pounds per square inch, making them suitable for both low- and high-pressure systems. However, you need to choose the right formulation for your application based on temperature, corrosion, strength, and other properties. For example, coatings used to prevent corrosion may make carbon steel unsuitable for functions involving food.

Stainless Steel

Steel fittings can also refer to stainless steel—a durable option that’s particularly useful in corrosive and high-pressure environments. However, with a price tag several times higher than carbon steel, you’ll only want to employ this material when you have to.

Brass

fittingsSince it’s much softer than steel, brass has a far lower melting point. Therefore, brass fittings are primarily used in cool, low-pressure systems. However, this metal has an advantage that sets it apart from steel: brass doesn't produce sparks. For this reason, brass fittings are used extensively in automotive applications and fuel lines. Brass also has the advantage of being easy to manufacture, which makes it less expensive than steel.

In a hydraulic system, it’s imperative to use the right fittings, and D & M Hydraulics Sales & Service offers the best quality products for any application. Call (808) 671-2420 today to get the parts you need, or contact the store online to discuss your repair needs.

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