Claw fitting leaking

[jordan1]

Just started using claw fittings and am getting a minor leak from a stop end, is this acceptable?, never had any leaks whatsoever with the smaller couplings.

 

[tigler]

Probably the rubber seal, they are available as spares.

 

[jordan1]

Probably the rubber seal, they are available as spares.

These are new fittings.

 

[brightspark]

u could try pull the rubber seals out and a light coat of vaseline see if they bed in

 

[rtbcomp]

Vaseline can rot rubber because it's petroleum based, a bit of brake fluid might do the job.

 

[tigler]

Depends if the seals are neoprene, nitrile or natural. First 2 are resistant to oil. Actually they probably are because compressors kick out oil unless they are oil free.

 

[rtbcomp]

Good point

 

[brightspark]

only 2 types nitrile or neoprene

 

[jordan1]

Point being it just about empties the tanks in 24hrs, never had any drain with lighter couplings.

 

[Pete.]

Claw fittings often leak, even new ones. If you want to avoid draining the tank, fit a shut-off valve at the outlet.

 

[tigler]

Actually, claw fittings are really intended for plant equipment where there is no receiver so leakage isn't an issue, the tools are basically fed live from the air end and there is never a need to maintain a stored air pressure. You could try greasing the seals, just a light smear.

 

[Pete.]

That's right, usually direct feed from the compressor. We use them at work for water line connectors, and we have to put drip trays under every connection 'just in case' when working in occupied/carpeted buildings.

 

[brightspark]

ive never had any problems with mine brand new or second hand theres a large compressor tank a cooling tank and the pot. none of them leak even after a few days

 

[jordan1]

Whilst they are relatively h/d kit I would have thought that they shouldn't leak, seals being in good condition that is, but if that's how they are so be it. I have shut off taps on my tanks so not a problem to close them off and allow the piplines to drain. Just wondered if it was the norm.

 

[Pete.]

It's been the norm for the 22 years Ive been using them. If you have several pairs you can swap them about until you fins a pair that fit up without leaking but odds on the next time you split and join them they will leak a bit. They are heavy duty kit but none of them are finish machined like a common air line coupling, the fittings are use as-cast. You should realise also that the rubbers deform with time and the more work they do the faster they go out. Our air-powered rock drill uses a pair of 3/4" lines feeding from a 4-tool comprssor and there are usually several spare rubbers hanging off the valve to make for a quick change when one pops out. I'd usually be changing two or three a week but these do get quite hot and you wouldn't have that problem on a small shop compressor.