Stainless
Steel Aircraft Braided Hose Assembly Tips
Here's
what works best for me to assemble S/S braided lines with
reusable AN fittings.
Be
sure to review your pressure requirements, temperature range,
and fluid compatibility to ensure the hose you select will
properly handle the job.
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Wrap
with duct tape or electricians tape where you'll make
your cut (to keep it from fraying during cutting and
assembly).
I
use my band saw to cut to length. A piece of angle iron
(clamped against the blade) makes a steady guide to
hold the hose during cutting.
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Next
I gently feather the inside liner with an exacto knife
to remove any burrs.
Then
I ensure the liner is round by gently shaping it with
my needle-nose pliers.
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Ensure
the liner has no frays on the outside. I use my heavy
scissors (carpet shears) to trim and 'even up' the stainless
steel braids around the outside.
Then
slip the nut over the hose.
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Push
the nut up past the tape.
Carefully
unwind and remove the tape without letting the stainless
steel braid unravel.
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Carefully
separate the steel braid around the edge of the hose
liner. This is where the tapered cone will slip in.
Gently
slip the tapered cone in place. Ensure it is slipped
over the outside of the liner and is not cutting into
it.
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Push
it down against the bench to ensure it is seated all
the way.
Gently
feather off any rough edges on the inside liner to ensure
the next piece will slip inside.
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Insert
the outer fitting shell.
Carefully
make sure it's seated all the way in.
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Run
the nut down onto the threads making sure you don't
'cross thread' it.
Tighten
the nut with a socket and wrench without distorting
it.
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Another
trick you can use is to clamp a six-point deep socket
in the vice to hold the large nut, then use a wrench
or crows-foot to tighten the nut without distorting
it.
Here's
the finished product. These ends can be reused many
times.
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I'm
sure there are other ways to assemble stainless steel braided
hoses, but I've found this procedure works well for me.
Be
sure to pressure test all hoses, especially those used for
critical and hazardous areas (lube oil, fuel, etc.) to ensure
there are no leaks.
Ensure
the hose is properly flushed out to prevent system contamination.
More
references.
Some
tips for assembling Double Braided Stainless Steel Hoses
Ok.
So you've sucessfully assembled a few stainless braided hoses.
But I'm telling you this Double Braided Hose is a different
animal.
After
trying several differfent methods, here's what works well
for me. Your milage may vary.
The
first problem is locating the correct fittings. I finally
located and ordered XRP
Premium Hose Ends to fit some Double Braided Aircraft
Hose I already had. In this example I'm installing AN-6
fittings for the power steering in my boat. Be
sure to review your pressure requirements, temperature range,
and fluid compatibility to ensure the hose you select will
properly handle the job.
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The
first step is to wrap the spot where you will be making
your cut with one wrap of electrical tape.
Then
take three wraps of .045" safety wire on one side
of the tape, three more wraps on the other side of the
tape, and three more wraps against that. You'll end
up with two safety wires against each other on one end
of the electrical tape and one on the other end of the
tape.
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Using
the metal cutting band saw in the vertical position,
slowly and carefully slowly cut through the tape right
next to the double safety wire.
Cleanup the edge of the rubber inside with a knife.
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Clamp
the hose horizontal in the vice with about 1.5" sticking
out to the right (I'm right handed and can shove better
from this side).
Grab
the "fitting ring" with vice grips. Turning to the left,
force it onto the hose up against the safety wire. While
holding it onto the braid, clip the safety wire and
continue to force it onto the braid (while turning to
the left). Force it on (clip the second safety wire
when it is in the way) until the "fitting ring" is seated
all the way on.
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Using a center punch, push into the "fitting ring" to align the liner.
Lube
the fitting with "hose assembly lube" and carefully
start the fitting threads into the "fitting ring". Use
a 6-point socket (or tubing wrench) to tighten snuggly.
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Blow out with high-pressure air, then leak test.
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