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Beware of Cheap Air Quick Connects

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Old 04-03-2005, 02:08 PM
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Default Beware of Cheap Air Quick Connects

I used some of the cheap 'soft metal' quick connects that came with my air ratchet.

I was trying to angle it in right underneath the car, so the hose is right next to my face. One small little shove to the side and the I started to loosen the bolt when soft metal quick connect(male end) snapped!

The one portion was left in the female end which was a higher quality one I had bought, so the thing is blowing air like bad still, right in my eye. The ratchet ended up somewhere else underneath the car.

It blew air for about 8 seconds and I got out from under the car and it then shot the remaining piece across the garage and sealed itself again.

120psi in the eye doesn't feel too good and its a good thing the piece didn't come out at the same time it broke.

Going to buy some good ones today and replace all the cheap ones that came with the tools.
Old 04-03-2005, 05:50 PM
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Weird, same thing happened to me with my air ratchet about a month ago. Except it wasn't at eye level.
Old 04-05-2005, 06:03 AM
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Two down....

I was removing the DS, got the ratchet on there, hit the trigger and WHOOOSH...

Broke off in the same exact spot, scared the hell out of the dog
Old 04-05-2005, 11:35 AM
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wow, thats scary man. good to know for my buddies who buy the cheaper quality stuff to save on the pocket. i noticed too (not that its the case here) you want to stick with the same brand when you decide to do the quick connects. i had some craftsman and some Campbell Hausfeld connectors because thats all home depot had and if they arent 100% perfectly in that connecter, they leak air which just drives me nuts personally.

sorry to hear you almost lost an eye. hope it doesnt happen again! replace them all before something bad happens! or wear *shudder* saftey goggles hahaha.
Old 04-08-2005, 03:22 PM
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Wow; that sucks!

Wear safety glasses or at least regular eye glasses when working with tools.
Old 04-08-2005, 03:54 PM
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I meant to say "that blows"...

So the brass fitting are crap; should I use only steel connectors?
Old 04-08-2005, 04:32 PM
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Originally Posted by robertbartsch
I meant to say "that blows"...

So the brass fitting are crap; should I use only steel connectors?
Well, I hate to admit, that I have used some of those cheap fittings, that come with the air tools. And, not surprisingly, I have experienced the same problems. Most of the fittings I have, are from NAPA and they hold up well. I have never broken a NAPA fitting and they are not that expensive.
Old 04-10-2005, 12:28 PM
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honestly, this comes down to you get what you pay for. ive never heard of the napa, craftsman, or snapon, mac etc ones breaking. its just the cheap ones that come with the cheaper air tools. all the air tools i have ever bought do not come with quick connects. they require you to purchase your own afterwards.
Old 04-10-2005, 08:43 PM
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These were Craftsman quick connects and a Craftsman air ratchet.

I bought some new ones today you can for sure feel the difference in the hardness of the metal.
Old 04-11-2005, 08:50 AM
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Craftsman quick connects that break and cause injury....

This does not surprise me!
Old 04-11-2005, 09:24 AM
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This does suprize me. Where do you expect a garage mechanic to buy such items robert? Find a snap on tool tuck and get em? I have had no problems nor has anyone i know with these quick connects.
Old 04-11-2005, 10:39 AM
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No problems for me either. However, I'm changing all my air connections from brass to steel.

I don't think it matters that these were originally purchased from Sears - if that is what you are beefing about....
Old 04-11-2005, 02:54 PM
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im not beefing about anything, im just curious that you said youre not suprized, and what you suggest people do as a encore to these "piece of crap" (not quoting anyone, just usin em). this forum is not to bash em but suggest alternatives if thoes arent good solutions.
Old 04-19-2005, 09:21 AM
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after i had one bust and put a dent in the side of a freshly painted car i starter buying the good Miloden fittings from carquest.
Old 04-19-2005, 12:12 PM
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I think you should sue for monetary damages including mental anquish!

Start with the manufacturor, distributor, sales outlet, sales clerk, packaging company, metal fabricator, advertising agent, air compressor manufacturor, air hose manufacturor, your automobile customer who owns the car that you were fixing at the time and the delievery company.

If this does not result in satisfaction, sue your own attorney for negligence because you have a great case.
Old 04-21-2005, 12:19 PM
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wha kinda cheapo's were you using?
Old 04-21-2005, 03:33 PM
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Me?

The ones that came with the Craftsman kit.
Old 04-23-2005, 01:46 PM
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I've been using Milton brand for years ... decades!
Old 04-26-2005, 12:24 PM
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I've been wearing eye protection for decades...!
Old 05-23-2005, 10:24 AM
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Originally Posted by NoOne
These were Craftsman quick connects and a Craftsman air ratchet.

I bought some new ones today you can for sure feel the difference in the hardness of the metal.
WOW! looks like i will have to keep an eye on mine (no pun intended)
i have had craftsman connectors for 4-5 years with no problems.
maybe i'm lucky?


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