Traditional pneumatic connections rely on complementary male and female fittings that join together to make an airtight link. The High Tech Air Connection system is different because it requires no fittings on the hose itself. Instead, one metal fitting is threaded onto the tool, and another fitting goes on the compressor; then the flexible polyurethane air hose stabs directly into both of the fittings to make a secure, leakproof fit.

Short hoses are easy to create from long lengths because there’s no fussing with barbed fittings, hose clamps, or additional couplings. The fittings stay on, so I can choose a short length of hose for trimwork or longer lengths for framing.

Even though the fittings are twice the price of their conventional counterparts, I save money because I save time. I need to make fewer repairs with High Tech hoses; they just seem tougher than average. But if a leak forms near one end or the other, I cut off the bad portion with my utility knife and reinsert the freshly cut end into the tool or compressor fitting. If I damage the middle of a long length, I cut out the bad section of the hose, insert a press-on Splicer Fitting, and reconnect the two halves. In either case, I’m up and running again in mere seconds.

One drawback is that the small inside diameter of these hoses won’t supply the air volume needed to run three or four framing nailers off a compressor 200 ft. away. I run a conventional 1/2-in. pneumatic hose up to a standard T-fitting, then branch off to shorter lengths of hose. Also, when swapping guns, I kink the hose or disconnect from the compressor end to prevent air loss.

If you choose to buy the parts separately, here’s what you’ll need to get started: a Straight Fitting ($3.75), which mounts directly to the tool; a Check Valve Fitting ($10.50) designed to fit into the compressor outlet; and a Splicer Fitting ($7.25) for doing field repairs and joining hoses together for added length. Regular 3/8-in. hose costs 94¢ per ft., and high-temperature hose sells for $1.02 per ft.

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Reliable Crimp Connectors

These reliable, high-quality connectors from Wirefy work on 10-22-gauge wire have heat-shrink insulation to keep out water and road salt.

Buy at Amazon

Handy Heat Gun

This heat gun is great for drying joint compound, primer and paint when patching drywall and plaster walls. Plus it can soften adhesive, get a very cold small engine to start, and shrink heat-shrink tubing.

Buy at Amazon

Affordable IR Camera

This camera is super useful for tracking down air leaks in buildings. The one-hand pistol grip arrangement frees your other hand for steadying yourself while maneuvering tricky job sites.

Buy at Amazon