Can beaded hose barb fittings be used for high-pressure hydraulic lines?

No. These fittings are for low-pressure systems only—typically under 300 PSI. Using them in high-pressure hydraulic applications can lead to failure and safety risks.

What are typical applications for beaded hose barb fittings?

They are commonly used in coolant lines, shop air hoses, fuel return paths, and other non-critical, low-pressure fluid conveyance systems.

What thread types are available?

Delphi Fittings offers beaded hose barb adapters with NPT and ORB thread ends to accommodate a wide range of system configurations.

A set of zinc-plated steel beaded hose barb adapters on a workbench, ready for low-pressure hose and clamp applications.

Steel Beaded Hose Barb Fittings

The Old-School, No-Nonsense Way to Clamp a Low-Pressure Hose.

Sometimes the Simplest Way is the Best Way.

Not every line holds 5,000 PSI. For the countless coolant, shop air, and fluid return lines that make a machine run, you don't need a high-dollar hydraulic fitting - you need a solid, reliable beaded hose barb. The design is simple because it's smart: the barbs grip the inside of the hose, and that raised bead gives your clamp a solid shoulder to bite onto, so the hose doesn't walk off. It’s the go-to for a reason.

Listen Up: This is a Low-Pressure Fitting. ONLY. Let's be crystal clear. These fittings are for low-pressure lines. Think well under 300 PSI, and that depends on your hose and your clamp. If you put one of these on a high-pressure hydraulic line, it will fail. It's not a matter of if, but when. Don't do it. Use the right fitting for the job.

We machine our beaded barbs from solid carbon steel and give them a tough zinc plating for a good, long service life. We offer them with NPT and ORB ends to make it easy to plumb them into just about any system. Find the right size for your job below.

Beaded Hose Barb Fitting Catalog (Steel)

Beaded Hose Barb x NPTF Pipe Male Adapter

Part #: 4404

Straight adapter connecting a low-pressure hose (secured with clamp over bead) to a female NPTF port. Beaded barb x Male NPTF ends.

Beaded Hose Barb x NPTF Pipe Male 90° Elbow

Part #: 4501

90° elbow adapter connecting a low-pressure hose to a female NPTF port. Beaded barb x Male NPTF ends.

Beaded Hose Barb x NPTF Pipe Male 45° Elbow

Part #: 4503

45° elbow adapter connecting a low-pressure hose to a female NPTF port. Beaded barb x Male NPTF ends.

Beaded Hose Barb Tee

Part #: 4504

Tee fitting for branching low-pressure hoses. Features beaded hose barb connections on all three ends.

Beaded Hose Barb x ORB Male 90° Elbow

Part #: 4601

90° adapter elbow connecting a low-pressure hose to a female SAE O-Ring Boss (ORB) port. Beaded barb x Male ORB ends.

Beaded Hose Barb x ORB Male 45° Elbow

Part #: 4603

45° adapter elbow connecting a low-pressure hose to a female SAE O-Ring Boss (ORB) port. Beaded barb x Male ORB ends.

Beaded Hose Barb x ORB Male Adapter

Part #: 4604

Straight adapter connecting a low-pressure hose to a female SAE O-Ring Boss (ORB) port. Beaded barb x Male ORB ends.

Toolbox Talk: Beaded Hose Barbs

A beaded barb is a fundamental piece of hardware. It's not complicated, but like any part, there’s a right way and a wrong way to use it. Here’s the straight skinny.

How It Works: The Barb, The Bead, The Clamp

This is a three-part system, and all three parts have to do their job:

The Barbs Grip: The sharp, angled ridges dig into the inside of the hose. This creates the initial friction and seal.
The Bead Holds: That raised ridge at the end is the whole point. It acts as a backstop.
The Clamp Locks It Down: The hose clamp is what provides the real holding power. It squeezes the hose behind that bead, locking everything in place so it can't slide off under pressure.

Why They're Still in Every Shop

Simple as Dirt: Anyone with a screwdriver can install one. No special crimpers needed.
Cheap and Effective: For the low-pressure jobs they're designed for, they are the most cost-effective solution.
Fix it in the Field: A damaged line can be cut and re-clamped on-site in minutes, getting a machine back to work.

The Big "Don't": When NOT to Use a Beaded Barb

NO High Pressure. Did we mention this already? It’s worth saying again. Never use these on hydraulic lines that see real pressure. They will blow off and can cause serious injury.
NO Pulsing Pressure: Even at lower pressures, if a line sees a lot of sharp pressure spikes (impulses), the clamp can loosen over time.
NO Guessing Clamps: Don't use a cheap, flimsy clamp. A good quality worm-gear or band clamp is essential. The fitting is only as strong as the clamp you use.

Common Uses for These Workhorses:

Radiator and heater hoses in engines.
Shop air lines and low-pressure pneumatic tools.
Fuel return lines and engine vacuum lines.
Low-pressure fluid transfer and drain lines.

The Right Way to Install One

Cut the Hose Square. A sloppy cut won't seat right.
Slide the Clamp On First. Don't forget this step.
Shove the Hose On. Push it all the way until it bottoms out against the back of the bead.
Position the Clamp. Place it right behind the bead. Not on top of it, not an inch down the hose. Right behind it.
Tighten it Down. Make it good and snug, but don't try to crush the life out of it. The band should just start to bite into the hose. Give the hose a good tug to make sure it's locked on tight.

It’s a simple fitting for a simple job. Do it right, and it’ll work for years.

The Simple Workhorse Every Shop Needs.

Our steel beaded hose barb fittings are a staple part you can't afford to run out of. As the direct factory, we supply distributors and OEMs with volume pricing that makes sense. Let's talk about keeping your bins full.

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