[Shop-talk] Air couplings will not release

[Old Dirtbeard]

Hi guys,

I have been using 3/8" Tru-Flate (automotive) quick connects for all the air hoses in my shop for decades.

I have a bunch of old brass female sleeve lock couplings that require you to move the outer sleeve to connect and disconnect the plug. They are working fine after decades of use.

I also have a bunch of newer plated steel Tru-flate ones that are push-to-connect that are supposed to be more convenient, but they are getting increasingly difficult to disconnect. I have one that I have to remove all air pressure before it will release the plug.

I have purchased all of these from McMaster-Carr, they are genuine Tru-Flate products.
I have tried lubricating them, but it does not seem to help.

I also have tried to find new Tru-Flate connectors without the push-to-connect feature, but cannot locate them for 1/4" pipe and 3/8" coupling.

Do any of you have experience with this problem? It is quite annoying when you want to change a tool, as you might imagine.

I have seen some universal sleeve lock couplings that are supposed to work with Tru-Flate plugs, but I have not seen them with 1/4" pipe and 3/8" couplings.

I am attaching a link from McMaster:

https://www.mcmaster.com/products/couplings/tru-flate-quick-disconnect-hose-couplings-for-air/

Thank you in advance for any help or information you may have.

Best,

Doug

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