Air line connectors

[Jimbo]

Hey folks,

So I decided it was time to invest in a compressor for various jobs, from keeping the old car tyres inflated to being able to clear out various things with a quick blast of air, to nailing the large shed I'm going to start building soon before Summer buggers off.

Then I discovered the different types of connector and my world caved in. Could do with some advice.

I bought an airline with blissful naivete and it doesn't fit my compressor. The airline uses PCL nozzles, and the compressor uses, erm, something else. Not sure if it's Euro, or NPT, or whether they're even the same thing. Before I spend my remaining pennies on all the different connectors under the sun, can someone offer some advice?

The one thing it's too late to change is the compressor, a Scheppach HC53DC. If anyone owns one of these or knows something about them, can you please advise which type of connector I need? Unbelievably, the instruction manual does not mention the connector types.

Thanks
J

 

[Burnerman]

Usually the compressor outlets are 1/4 BSP although the bigger ones can be 3/8 BSP.
You may have PCL or PCL AC types, the former being compatible with euro connectors.
Check out Machine Mart for examples of what you need. If your air hoses are rubber they are easy to split, somewhat more difficult if plastic.
John

 

[Jimbo]

Thanks Burnerman , the compressor outlets are already fitted with female QR connectors rather than BSP threaded; and my PCL males don't fit. I assume they're Euro, given that Scheppach are a German company. I've just gone and ordered a set of adaptors and my fingers and toes are firmly crossed

 

[Burnerman]

Surely the QR outlets are threaded into the manifold.....?
John

 

[Jimbo]

Surely the QR outlets are threaded into the manifold.....?
John

Yes they are, but looking closely at then they have some sort of compound (glue or something) involved, so I'd be worried about unscrewing them in case they damage the manifold. I've tried to upload a picture, it's not clear, it almost looks like it's been braised in place.

 

[Burnerman]

I've never seen them brazed in place, more likely to be a sealing compound with ptfe tape. My own compressor came with taps, which I changed as they were reducing the air output.
John

 

[Keithmac]

They may use sealing paste (I have a bottle of liquid PTFE for air fittings).

That connector will unscrew and just fit a Female PCL in its place (with male 1/4 BSP end).

I went PCL for all my tools and air lines, a lot simpler with just one fitting.

I still have a Euro connector as well as PCL on the compressor just in case but never used it.

 

[Keithmac]

My trusty old SIP, saved it from the scrappers with a new pressure switch assy recent for the grand total of £15!.

Think it's not far of 20 years old and still going.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

The one thing it's too late to change is the compressor, a Scheppach HC53DC. If anyone owns one of these or knows something about them, can you please advise which type of connector I need? Unbelievably, the instruction manual does not mention the connector types.

I think you will find that Aldi and Lidl often sell the connectors to match that compressor and much cheaper than PCL items. I have been there and got the T shirt. I settled on using the connectors on the compressor as it was cheaper and I didn't need compatibility with anyone else. I plumbed my garage and workshop up with it. You can if you are lucky get the connectors from Machinemart and or a pneumatic specialists.