Quote:
Originally Posted by Ogehsim
The warnings/advice I've gotten so far are 1. cut the tube square and 2. teflon tape your connections prior to stuffing the tubing on.
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Good morning!
I absolutely agree with point 1. It's THE most common mistake. Cut it square and neat, and don't reuse ends after you insert them. Buy a tubing cutter, they're cheap, simple, and accurate.
For point 2, I really hope you mean taping the threads of the fitting. You should never, ever tape the tube itself. You'll foul the fitting, and send little bits of teflon tape through your air system.
Teflon tape is a bit of a polarizing question. If you do it right, it's fast, easy, and clean. However, if you don't, you can reduce airflow, CREATE leaks, and foul your tubing. Instead, I'd suggest a sealant. Similar to loctite, you drip a little onto the threads, and snug them down. Permatex is the brand I'd suggest. It's a lovely purple color.
On the subject of tightening fittings, be careful. Never use an adjustable wrench. Most air fittings are brass, or softer metal, and you just strip them out. Use a correct wrench, and just snug them down. You'll never get them all the way to the bottom because the threads widen (NPT), and are intended to jam.
I'd also be careful mounting your air tanks. Don't use hose clamps. Make a bracket, or use plastic plumber's tape. Hose clamps will cause the tank to fail.
The other tip that few people know is that some fittings (Norgren, SMC, and a few others) have an INTERNAL hex. You can put an allen key inside the fitting, and snug it down that way, which is a lifesaver in tight spots.