• Introduction
• Usage
• Tubing

• Related Pages

Unlike compression fittings and flare fittings, which are intended for permanent connections, one touch fittings make it easy to disconnect, reconnect, and reconfigure things.

They are made by a variety of manufacturers in various styles and with different characteristics (e.g., you can get them with antistatic characteristics or made from stainless steel).

Here are the specs for one particular model that I happened to find:

• Compatible Fluid Type: Air (No other gases or liquids)
• Operating Pressure Range: 0~150PSI; 0~9.9Kgf/CM2(0~990kPa)
• Negative Pressure: -29.5in HG -750mmHg(10Torr)
• Operating Temperature Range: 32~140°F 0~60°C
• Recommended Tube Material: Polyurethane and Nylon

Usage

Here are a couple of one touch fittings in two sizes.

Some manufacturers use a color code on the plastic ring to indicate size of the tubing or other characteristics.

Once the one touch fitting is screwed into your gadget, you can make a connection by just pushing a piece of plastic tubing firmly into the fitting.

Done!

After the tubing is pushed all the way in, the fitting holds it securely against minor tugs.

It is also easy to undo the connection:

• Make sure that there is no pressure in the system.
• You press the plastic ring in towards the metal body of the fitting.
• This releases the fitting's hold on the tubing.
• With the ring held down, pull the tube out.

Tips:

• Make sure that the tube has exactly the right outer diameter (O.D.) for the fitting.
• When you cut the tubing, use a sharp utility knife. You want a crisp, clean cut. If you use scissors or other cutters that squeeze the tubing, you are likely to get a crimp on the cut end of the tube.
• There are many different kinds available, with different ratings. Read the manufacturer's literature to find out things like recommended tube material, and pressure limits. Some one touch fittings can carry water or other fluids. Some are limited to air.

Do not cut tubing this way! You are likely to get a crimp on the cut end of the tube!

We took a look at Home Depot to check out their offerings of small disameter plastic tubing [circa October 2005]:

• black polyethylene 1/4" O.D. ? PSI - drip irrigation tubing
• white polyethylene 1/4" O.D. 140 PSI@70°F
• white polyethylene 3/8" O.D. 165 PSI@70°F
• clear vinyl 1/4" O.D. 55 PSI@70°F
• clear vinyl 3/8" O.D. 55 PSI@70°F

I also took a look at a Lasco catalog [2005]:

• CLEAR VINYL TUBING
  • Pressure Range 75 PSI @ 70°F
  • Maximum Temperature 175°F
  • Minimum Temperature -40°F
  • Non-Toxic; Resistant to Oils, Acids, Alkalies, and many Solvents
  • 1/4" O.D., 1/8" I.D.
• MILKY-WHITE POLY TUBING
  • 125 P.S.I (Mean) • 185°F
  • Non-Toxic; Resistant to Acids, Alkalies, Organic Solutions, and many Solvents
  • 1/4" O.D., .17" I.D.
• COLORED POLY TUBING
  • For Water Filtration and RO systems
  • Colors: WHITE, RED, BLUE, YELLOW, BLACK
  • 1/4" O.D., .17" I.D.
• BLACK POLY TUBING
  • For use with Drip Irrigation systems
  • 1/4" O.D., .17" I.D.
• BLACK VINYL TUBING
  • For use with Drip Irrigation systems
  • 1/4" O.D., .17" I.D.

• compression fittings
• flare fittings
• one touch push-in [this page]
• pneumatic quick disconnect
• threaded pipe connections

Thank you for visiting. Your comments are welcome.
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