A hose connector is a device that can be installed at either end of a hose. It is used to join the hose to other devices, including faucets, spigots, nozzles or other hoses. These connectors are also known as fittings or couplings. They are often identified as either male or female, where male connectors are inserted into a female hose connector.
The majority of hose connector models can be twisted on and off of the hose by twisting either the connector or the hose itself. Some units have an easy-twist mechanism that uses a swivel nut to connect or disconnect the hose. Rather than twist the entire hose connector, users can twist only the swivel nut to avoid twisting or kinks in the hose.
These connectors are typically made from some form of plastic or brass. Plastic is the more affordable of the two, and is also known for its low weight and ease of use. At the same time, plastic connectors are not as durable as brass units, and are more likely to break due to sharp impacts, severe weather or other factors. Brass is heavier than plastic, but tends to be much more durable over time. Avoid metal connectors made from materials other than brass, as they are susceptible to rust or corrosion.
There are a number of different types of hose connectors to choose from, depending on the application and hose design. Standard units connect a single hose to a faucet or other hose, while dual or four-way units can connect two or four hoses to a separate device. Some hose connector models have built-in valves to make it easier to turn water on or off, while others come with kink guards to prevent damage to your hose. These connectors often come in sets, which contain several different units to meet a wise variety of needs.
When selecting a hose connector, one of the most considerations is the size of the unit. Connector sizes are typically given in American Standard Pipe Size, which corresponds to the size of the hose or faucet. Outside of the US, hose connectors may be given using Nominal Pipe Size (NPS), which makes it easy to find the right connector for your hose or pipe. Other connectors may be measured using diameter. When choosing a hose connector based on diameter, be sure to differentiate between outer diameter and inner diameter.