Quick Disconnects: What are They and How Do They Work?

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Here at HOSER, we know just about all there is to know about hydraulic hoses and their various accessories. Our team wants to help you get the best performance from your hoses, and that means choosing the right fittings for your needs. One important type of hose accessory is what’s known as quick disconnects. In this article, we’ll go over more about what quick disconnects are and how they work.

Quick Disconnects: What are They and How Do They Work?

What are Quick Disconnects?

As the name suggests, quick disconnects are components designed to let users quickly detach and reattach fluid lines and hoses. Unlike other types of fitting connections, quick disconnects can be operated by hand, without the use of tools. This makes them a great choice when you need to make your assembly easier to service.

How Do Quick Disconnects Work?

There are multiple types of quick disconnects, which are used for a variety of scenarios and all work slightly differently. These include:

  • Ball-Latching – These quick disconnects have a spring-loaded ball latching mechanism that automatically engages whenever the two halves of the fitting are pushed together.
  • Non-Latching – Non-latching disconnects do not snap together when the two ends of the connection are brought together, but most do have seals to prevent fluid from leaking out. They are used in applications where quick serviceability is needed.
  • No Shut-Off – These quick disconnects, unsurprisingly, do not shut off the flow of fluid when the two halves of the connection are separated. Because of this, their use is limited to low-pressure air or other non-hazardous gases.