BCM Community

Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Paladin on September 27, 2011, 05:53:31 PM

Title: AN fitting advice needed
Post by: Paladin on September 27, 2011, 05:53:31 PM
I haven't worked too much with AN fittings in the recent past and my current experience is reminding me of why I stopped, it's pain in the arse!

I have the braided line and I have the fittings but I'm having trouble getting a clean cut on the braid to get the fitting going. This stuff ain't cheap to keep messing with either. I've used tape of various types over the braid and cutting devices of various types but it just never seems to cut very cleanly. It just seems like it should be at least a tad easier than this.
Does anyone have any tips and tricks they use on their hot rods, buses, aircraft or whatever to share with me?


Title: Re: AN fitting advice needed
Post by: Melbo on September 27, 2011, 06:01:28 PM
Dremel tool with the FINE cut off blade

HTH

Melbo
Title: Re: AN fitting advice needed
Post by: luvrbus on September 27, 2011, 06:19:32 PM
I tape mine before cutting and use a regular chop saw and I leave about 1/4 of a in tape on the end I cut screw it together works for me

good luck
Title: Re: AN fitting advice needed
Post by: Utahclaimjumper on September 27, 2011, 06:41:06 PM
 1/8th inch high speed abrasive cut-off wheel,, tape with masking tape and cut slowly for a nice clean cut. >>>Dan a&p IA 30 years
Title: Re: AN fitting advice needed
Post by: Paladin on September 27, 2011, 06:50:39 PM
Thanks Dan and everyone. I tried the Dremel but maybe my wheel was just all wrong. I'm going to go get another specifically of the type etc mentioned and try again.
What do I have to lose but another inch of line right?

Title: Re: AN fitting advice needed
Post by: Utahclaimjumper on September 27, 2011, 07:43:16 PM
The 1/16thX4" work very well also at a high speed.>>>D
Title: Re: AN fitting advice needed
Post by: demodriver on September 27, 2011, 07:45:26 PM
Quote from: luvrbus on September 27, 2011, 06:19:32 PM
I tape mine before cutting and use a regular chop saw and I leave about 1/4 of a in tape on the end I cut screw it together works for me

good luck

Same here.

Eric
Title: Re: AN fitting advice needed
Post by: uemjg on September 27, 2011, 07:46:33 PM
I used masking tape 1 inch longer in both directions of the cut...this provides a good surface to mark with a sharpie.  I used a pneumatic cutoff wheel with a thin disk and high speed.  I sometimes clamped the hose on a bench vise...also use a leather glove if holding with your hand.  Before I started using a leather glove I held the hose bare handed and nicked my hand with the cutoff wheel...ouch!
Title: Re: AN fitting advice needed
Post by: bevans6 on September 28, 2011, 02:09:03 AM
I use a Beverly shear to cut the hose, depending on the size.  Wrapping in tape and cutting with a fine blade hack saw works.  Using a sharp set of diagonal cutters to trim works.  Using a cut-off wheel works fine, as mentioned by many....

Brian
Title: Re: AN fitting advice needed
Post by: dickegler on September 28, 2011, 04:41:13 AM


Hi,

The best method we have found is to use a set of electrical cable cutters ( not the straight jaw cutters, but the one with curved blades.)  Have used it for sizes up to -8 with no fraying.  It does smash the end, but a little squeeze and it's back round and no fraying.

Also important to have the correct ends for the hose you are using.  There are many types of the stainless braid hose, and specific ends for each type.

Hope it helps.

Dick
Title: Re: AN fitting advice needed
Post by: bevans6 on September 28, 2011, 04:49:07 AM
Also remember that AN fittings are for 37 degree flare, while most fittings on buses are 45 degrees.

Brian
Title: Re: AN fitting advice needed
Post by: gus on September 28, 2011, 04:12:58 PM
Like he others, I've found a high speed very thin disc to be the only thing that works.

AN hoses are a pain in the rear and I see no reason to use them except on airplanes as required. If I didn't already have all the equipment I would get rid of them as they wore out on the bus.
Title: Re: AN fitting advice needed
Post by: Highway Yacht on September 28, 2011, 05:04:19 PM
Paladin .......Usually when there is trouble getting the fitting or sleeve over the hose, it is due to fraying the stainless steel braid which causes it to spread out. You need to make sure whatever you are using to cut the hose with is very sharp and does not smash the hose while cutting it. If you are making up several hoses at one time and using 2 piece hose ends with the sleeves, you can load up several sleeves at one time once you get a nice clean cut on your hose. Just make sure you load them up on the hose in the right direction so you can crimp the fittings. Its alot easier to load the sleeves back to back since the last sleeve you install will keep the hose from fraying until you install the next one. I use to load up enough sleeves at one time to make up to 10 hoses.
Also..as Brain stated.. Those are 37 degree JIC fittings. Only the #6 and #12 JIC fittings will interchange with 45 degree SAE fittings.

Jimmy