Trade counter open Mon–Fri 08:30–17:30 · Sat 08:30–12:00 · While-you-wait assemblies

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Technical Reference

Pressure ratings, thread identification and the questions we answer most often at the counter.

Working pressure chart

Maximum working pressures fall as bore size increases — the ranges below run from smallest to largest bore. Always design to the lowest-rated component in the circuit.

Hose / tube typeBore rangeMax working pressureSafety factor
1-Wire Braid (1SN / R1AT)3/16" – 2"225 – 25 bar4:1
2-Wire Braid (2SN / R2AT)3/16" – 2"415 – 40 bar4:1
4-Spiral (4SP)3/8" – 2"445 – 165 bar4:1
4-Spiral (4SH)3/4" – 2"420 – 180 bar4:1
Thermoplastic (R7 / R8)3/16" – 1"700 – 70 bar4:1
Compression Tube (DIN 2353 S)6mm – 38mm630 – 160 bar4:1

Thread identification guide

BSP (British Standard Pipe)

Seat
60° cone seat
Thread
Parallel (BSPP) or tapered (BSPT), Whitworth form

Most common on UK-built machinery. 1/4" BSP measures approx. 13.2mm OD on the male.

JIC 37° Flare

Seat
37° flare seat
Thread
UNF parallel

Steep flare, straight threads. Popular on American plant and agricultural equipment.

Metric DIN

Seat
24° cone, L (light) or S (heavy) series
Thread
Metric parallel

European machinery. Same thread size can appear in both L and S — check the cone.

ORFS (O-Ring Face Seal)

Seat
Flat face with O-ring groove
Thread
UNF parallel

Flat sealing face, no cone. The leak-free choice for high vibration circuits.

NPT / NPTF

Seat
Thread seal (no cone)
Thread
Tapered, 60° form

Visibly tapered male threads that seal on the thread itself — needs sealant or dry-seal form.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an appointment for the trade counter?

No. Our Ashton-under-Lyne trade counter is walk-in, Monday to Friday 08:30–17:30 and Saturday 08:30–12:00. Bring the failed hose or fitting and we will match it.

How quickly can you make a hydraulic hose assembly?

Most standard assemblies are made while you wait — typically within minutes. Larger spiral hose and specials are usually same day.

What is the highest pressure you can supply?

We supply quick release couplings and thermoplastic hose rated to 700 bar working pressure, and spiral hose to 450 bar.

Can you identify a thread I cannot name?

Yes. Bring the fitting in or send photos with a caliper measurement of the OD and we will identify BSP, JIC, Metric, ORFS or NPT for you.

Do you offer credit accounts?

We do. Trade accounts with monthly billing are available to businesses — ask at the counter or request one through our contact form.

Do you deliver outside Greater Manchester?

Yes. We ship assemblies and components nationwide across the UK by next-day carrier, with collection from Ashton-under-Lyne also available.

Still not sure what you need?

Send us the details or a photo and we will identify it for you.

Ask our technical team