Hose crimping makes hose assembly easier and more convenient than other tooling methods. But there’s one major problem: an incorrect crimp can put your system, safety, and even the environment at risk. Some common crimping mistakes people make include using the wrong crimper, using the incorrect die ring or fitting, and not placing the fitting far enough on the hose beforehand.
The latter mistakes are avoidable, that’s for sure. Before you crimp your hose, consider the following three tips to increase the chances of proper hose assembly.
Perform Accurate Measurements Beforehand.
A problem many people make when deciding what type of hose crimper they require, in terms of size, is assuming both ends of their hose feature the same diameter. Always measure both ends! In addition, make sure to measure the diameters after every cut.
Don’t Ignore the Manufacturer’s Suggestions.
Manufacturers have guidelines for a reason: to keep you safe and better ensure you have a successful outcome. Although we all have our moments of pride from time to time, using a hose crimp without referring to (and listening to) the manufacturer’s recommendations can set you up for trouble.
Even if you’ve used a hose crimper in the past, it’s always a good idea to have a little refresher to help you avoid potentially detrimental situations.
Always Test Your Assemblies Before Operating at Full Capacity.
So, you think you’ve successfully installed your hose crimper. That’s wonderful! But not so fast. Before operating your hose at full capacity, it’s important to test your assembly. While you might find testing an inconvenience and waste of time, it’s a critical aspect of the post-installation process that could keep you, the environment, and your system safer.
When you go to test your assembly, make sure to confirm the recommendations for test pressure and duration from the Association for Rubber Products Manufacturers.
Using a hose crimper isn’t necessarily a one-fits-all type of situation, and some people may struggle more with it than others. However, as long as you collect accurate measurements of your hose’s diameters, pay close attention to the recommendations from the manufacturer of your crimper, and never fail to test your assemblies, you could end up with a successful assembly.
Whether you have questions regarding using hose crimpers safely or are interested in buying a new crimper, contact ASJ Hose & Fittings by phone at (951) 735-1351. We’ve been proudly serving North America for decades!