Stainless Braid AN Hose size comparison

[PaulProe]

Somewhere in the last couple years, I saw a comparison of AN hoses by brand/manufacturer. The article pointed out the issues of mixing brands of hoses and fittings, but now, my friend Google and I can't find that article.

As I recall, it listed about five different manufacturers/suppliers and the ID & OD of the hoses.

Does anyone recall seeing this or know of a source?

Thanks

Paul

[Kevin66]

I thought the whole point of these military specs (Army/Navy) when they were implemented was to standardize things, so that there wouldn't be any variations in size/fit from different suppliers?

[338Raptor]

I’ve never heard of problems mixing manufactures fittings.  Are you referring to mixing manufactures components? Like using a hose end from one manufacturer and hose from a different manufacture? That could definitely be problematic.

[Chrisss31]

I thought the whole point of these military specs (Army/Navy) when they were implemented was to standardize things, so that there wouldn't be any variations in size/fit from different suppliers?

I believe you're correct on that point, but as materials and needs change that kind of went out the window.  I bought some Earl's Speed Flex house and the fittings are very different from the conventional stuff.  I highly recommend Speed Flex by the way.  If that information is out there it'll probably be at the link below.

https://www.anplumbing.com/

[CV355]

I thought the whole point of these military specs (Army/Navy) when they were implemented was to standardize things, so that there wouldn't be any variations in size/fit from different suppliers?

Standards are great when there is only one to contend with.  Like, UTS (unified thread standard, ANSI) vs ISO.  Or, when some manufacturer makes a "universal" thread type that only works due to severe clearances between the thread flights and a belleville washer to help seal (looking at you, UniFIT).  I watched a guy try to use some JIC "universal" fittings in a hydraulic system about 8 years ago and made a massive mess.

Another thing to consider is QC / quality checks with thread gauges.  Cheaper components often don't fit together well because of a lack of quality checks or a poor interval - taps wear, major ID decreases, suddenly nothing fits in it.  Dies wear, major OD increases.  All it takes is a few thou in either direction...  I run into that with machine shops now and then, mainly on reamed holes.  Reamer heats up, suddenly my H7 tolerance is a G6 over the course of the machinework.   

[Falcon67]

On -AN braided hose, I have used Summit, Jegs, Earls, Russell, Fragolia, unknown from swap meet - all fit the hose.  Same with hose - Earls, Summit, Jegs, Russell, swap meet - all mix and match.  The fittings may have slightly different modes of attachment, but -8 AN fitting works on -8AN braided hose.  The Falcon and the dragster are both plumbed with Jegs Max Flow black/red fittings and their Pro-Flo braided nylon hose.  Installs same as the steel braid stuff.  They were plumbed with Summit fittings and hose, but those parts were not compatible with methanol.  Over time, some assembly methods in the fittings have been better than others, but most are pretty straight forward with a little care.  THe worst that I won't use is a type that attempts to cut into the end of the hose as part of the sealing process - very hard and IMHO not worth the effort and expense.  And a set of one of the aluminum -AN vice jaws.  That is worth it's weight in gold for assembling fittings.

If you get away from that, then the push loc stuff may be mfg specific, mostly on the hose side. 

[BattlestarGalactic]

I think you just have to watch what the hose is actually rated for. 

I went through some crap when I was plumbing the Willys project a few years back.   Fuel hose is fuel hose, but if you get something rated for something else, the size does change and fittings won't fit correctly.  I think it was the nylon style hose vs. the rubber, though both were say 8AN, they don't take the same fitting.

[cammerfe]

If you are re-plumbing, I STRONGLY recommend using teflon-cored hose. If your hose has some sort of rubber tubing as the 'carrier', you can expect to have to replace it about every five years. The SSbraid/teflon is good practically forever. It costs a bit more, but when you go through the replacement routine a couple of times, you've spent more money than doing it right the first time.

KS