Hydraulic Fitting Dash Sizes Conversion Guide: Standards and Practical Methods

Dash Size Conversion helps you pick the right hydraulic fittings. Dash size tells you the inside diameter of hoses or fittings. This size affects how fluids move in your equipment. If you pick the wrong size, you can have many problems:

• Poor fluid flow can lower performance and waste energy.
• Leaks, bursts, or pressure drops can stop machines and cause safety risks.
• Overheating, hose damage, and loud noises can happen.
• Wrong parts or broken assemblies can cause downtime and costly repairs.

You can stop these problems by knowing dash size and choosing correctly.

Dash Size Basics

What Is Dash Size

Dash size is a universal sizing system you will see on hydraulic hoses, tubes, and fittings. This system uses numbers like -04, -06, or -08 to describe the size of a component. Each dash number represents a measurement in increments of 1/16 inch. For example, a dash size of -04 means 4/16 inch, or 1/4 inch. You can use this system to quickly identify the right size without needing to measure every part. Knowing the Hydraulic Fitting Dash Sizes helps you make informed decisions for your applications.

Here is how dash size works in practice:

1. Dash size expresses the size in sixteenths of an inch.
2. For hoses, dash size refers to the inside diameter (I.D.). For example, -08 means 8/16 inch, or 1/2 inch I.D.
3. For tubes, dash size refers to the outside diameter (O.D.). For example, -06 means 6/16 inch, or 3/8 inch O.D.
4. Fittings often use dash numbers to show both thread size and hose compatibility.
5. This system is consistent across most manufacturers, making it easier for you to match parts.

You can also see the standard increments in the table below:

Tip: Dash size simplifies ordering and ensures you get the right fit every time.

Why It Matters

Choosing the correct dash size is critical for your hydraulic system’s performance and safety. When you select the right size, you help your system run smoothly and avoid costly problems.

• Proper dash size ensures fluid flows efficiently, preventing pressure loss and system strain.
• Undersized hoses can cause high pressure drops and may burst under stress, risking equipment damage and safety.
• Oversized hoses may not hold pressure well, leading to leaks or bursts.
• Accurate sizing reduces wear on hoses and fittings, extending the life of your equipment.
• Correct dash size prevents leaks, which can waste fluid and create safety hazards.

By understanding dash size, you make sure your hydraulic system stays reliable, safe, and cost-effective. This knowledge helps you avoid downtime and keeps your operations running at peak efficiency.

Dash Size Conversion

Conversion Formula

You need to understand how to convert dash size to both inches and millimeters for accurate hydraulic fitting orders. Dash size refers to the inside diameter of a hose, tube, or fitting, measured in 1/16 inch increments. This system helps you match parts quickly and avoid mistakes.

The conversion process uses a simple formula. First, divide the dash number by 16 to get the size in inches. Next, multiply the result by 25.4 to convert inches to millimeters. This method is standard across the hydraulic industry and ensures you get the right fit every time.

Here is a quick reference table for the formulas:

Tip: Always use these formulas when you need to convert dash size for hoses, tubes, or fittings.

Inches and Millimeters

You can follow these steps to perform Dash Size Conversion:

1. Find the dash number on your hose or fitting.
2. Divide the dash number by 16. This gives you the size in inches.
3. Multiply the inch value by 25.4. This gives you the size in millimeters.

For example, if you have a dash size of -8:

• Divide 8 by 16. You get 0.5 inches.
• Multiply 0.5 by 25.4. You get 12.7 millimeters.

Here is a table with common dash sizes and their conversions:

You will see these conversions used in many hydraulic catalogs and technical documents. International standards help keep these measurements consistent. For example, ISO 8434-1 covers metric connections, while SAE J476 covers NPT connections. These standards make sure that Dash Size Conversion works the same way across different brands and products.

Note: Always check the standard for your connection type before ordering. This helps you avoid sizing errors and ensures compatibility.

Dash Size Conversion is a key skill for anyone working with hydraulic systems. When you use the correct formulas and follow industry standards, you reduce the risk of leaks, pressure drops, and costly downtime. You also make sure your fittings match perfectly every time.

Conversion Chart

Quick Reference Table

You can use a conversion chart to quickly match dash sizes with thread types, thread sizes, and seating angles. Most hydraulic fitting manufacturers use similar dash sizes, but you will see differences in thread pitch, seating angle, and thread form depending on the standard. This table helps you compare the most common standards:

Note: Always check the standard for your fitting before you order. Even if the dash size matches, the thread or seat may differ.

How to Use

You can use a conversion chart to identify the correct fitting for your hydraulic system. Start by finding the dash size on your hose or fitting. Next, look up the dash size in the chart to see which thread size and seating angle match your part. This step helps you avoid mixing up similar-looking fittings that do not seal the same way.

Most professionals in the hydraulic industry rely on dash size conversion tables that show both metric and inch thread sizes, as well as outer diameters for male and female threads. These tables follow standards like SAE J1926-1 (O-Ring Boss), SAE J514 (JIC 37° Flare), and SAE J512 (SAE 45° Flare). You will also find tables for JIC/Boss O-ring and Flat Face fittings, which give you decimal and inch equivalents for each dash size. These references make Dash Size Conversion fast and accurate.

• Always double-check the thread type and seating angle.
• Use a tape measure or caliper to confirm the outer diameter if you are unsure.
• Refer to the manufacturer’s chart for any special notes or exceptions.

🛠️ Tip: When you use the right conversion chart, you save time and prevent costly mistakes in your hydraulic fitting orders.

Common Mistakes

Misreading Dash Numbers

Some people see dash numbers like -04 or -08 and think they mean the same thing for every part. This is not true. If you make this mistake, you might order the wrong hydraulic fittings. Dash numbers always stand for sixteenths of an inch. But what they measure depends on the part. For hoses, the dash number shows the inside diameter. For tubes, it shows the outside diameter. Fittings use dash numbers for thread size or hose compatibility. If you mix these up, your parts will not fit together.

People also sometimes think dash numbers are the same as inch sizes. For example, a -08 dash size means 8/16 inch, or 1/2 inch. It does not mean 8 inches. Always use Dash Size Conversion to check the real size before you order. Look at the product catalog or the manufacturer’s chart to make sure you have the right size.

Tip: Always match the dash number to the right measurement type—inside diameter for hoses, outside diameter for tubes.

Tube OD vs Hose ID

Mixing up tube outside diameter (OD) and hose inside diameter (ID) can cause lots of problems in hydraulic systems. You might find that parts do not fit, or the system does not work right. Here are some common problems:

• It can be hard to put things together, and fittings may not seal.
• Hoses and fittings from different brands may not fit, even if they follow the same standard.
• Hose ID must be big enough to stop pressure loss and damage.
• Tube OD must match hose ID for a tight and leak-free connection.
• If you do not match them right, you can have crimping problems, damage, or safety risks.
• Manufacturers design hoses and fittings to work together as a system. Mixing brands often causes problems.
• Always use hose and fittings from the same brand and follow their instructions.

You keep your equipment safe when you pay attention to these details. Dash Size Conversion helps you avoid mistakes and makes sure you get the right fit every time.

Ordering Tips

Double-Check Measurements

Getting the right measurements is very important for hydraulic fitting orders. Always check the size before you buy anything. Even a tiny mistake can cause parts not to fit or your system to fail. Here are some steps to help you get the right fit:

1. Use a caliper or ruler to measure the flare’s outside diameter at its widest spot. This matches the AN dash size when you change it to 16ths of an inch.
2. Use a thread gauge or pitch gauge to find the thread size. This makes sure it will work with your system.
3. Look at an AN size chart to check your measurements and make sure the fitting size is correct.
4. Always look at the manufacturer’s instructions for exact measurements and limits.
5. Clean the fitting well before you measure it. Dirt or dust can mess up your results.
6. Use a flare gauge to tell JIC fittings apart from others that look similar. This helps you not mix them up.
7. Check the fitting for damage, like bent threads or sharp edges. Broken parts can mess up your measurements.
8. Compare your measurements with standard JIC sizing charts before you order.

🛠️ Tip: Checking every measurement twice helps you avoid expensive mistakes and keeps your connection leak-free.

Use Manufacturer Resources

You can use resources from the manufacturer to make Dash Size Conversion and picking fittings easier. Many companies have online calculators, help from experts, and detailed charts. For example, tools like the Trelleborg O-Ring Calculator let you put in how you will use the part and give you the right size based on world standards. These calculators look at things like what you are using it for, the pressure, and how the part will fit. They also warn you if your choice is not within normal limits. You can save and share your results to work with your team and make fewer mistakes. Manufacturer support teams can answer your questions and help you with hard sizing problems. Using these resources helps you pick the right fitting every time.

Why Choose Kaitu Fitting

Product Quality

You want hydraulic fittings that are safe and reliable. Kaitu Fitting is special because their products have ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 certificates. These certificates mean Kaitu follows strict quality rules all the way. You can trust every fitting meets world standards like DIN, ISO, SAE, JIS, and BSP. This means the parts fit and work with many systems everywhere.

Kaitu gives you many types of hydraulic fittings. You can pick from over 1,000 choices, like adapters, ferrules, swaged hose fittings, and push-on fittings. Each fitting is made from strong materials. Steel, such as 12L14 and 12L15, makes them tough and long-lasting. These steel fittings match dash sizes, like -12 for a 3/4 inch hose inside. This helps your hydraulic system stay tight and leak-free.

Kaitu checks every fitting with impulse and pressure tests. You get fittings that pass hard tests for leaks and strength. Kaitu also controls every step of making the fittings. This means your fittings are top quality from start to finish.

Custom Solutions

Sometimes you need more than just regular fittings. Kaitu Fitting can make custom fittings for your special needs. Their engineers work with you to design fittings for energy, chemical plants, medicine, food, and ships.

You also get quick help and expert advice. Most orders ship in 24 hours, so your projects stay on track. Kaitu gives you over 25 extra services and support to help you:

🛠️ Tip: When you pick Kaitu Fitting, you get more than just parts. You get a partner who helps your hydraulic system work well from start to finish.

Knowing Dash Size Conversion helps you pick the right hydraulic fittings. This stops leaks and keeps pressure steady. First, use a caliper to measure the inside diameter. Next, check the thread pitch with a gauge. Then, talk to an expert about your results. Use charts and tools from the manufacturer to match part numbers. These also help you check thread types. Doing these steps makes your order correct and keeps your system safe. If you want good fittings and help from experts, choose Kaitu Fitting.

FAQ

What does a dash size mean in hydraulic fittings?

Dash size shows the size of a hose or fitting in 1/16 inch units. For example, -08 means 8/16 inch, or 1/2 inch. You use dash size to match parts quickly and avoid confusion.

How do you convert dash size to millimeters?

First, divide the dash number by 16 to get inches. Then, multiply that number by 25.4.

Example: -06 dash size → 6 ÷ 16 = 0.375 inches → 0.375 × 25.4 = 9.53 mm.

Can you use the same dash size for hoses and tubes?

No. Dash size for hoses means inside diameter. Dash size for tubes means outside diameter. Always check which part you measure. This helps you avoid ordering the wrong size.

Why is it important to follow industry standards for dash size?

Industry standards like SAE and ISO keep sizes consistent. You get fittings that fit and work safely.

Always check the standard before you order. This step prevents leaks and system failures.