DELPHI FITTINGS
The Factory Playbook: Hard-Won Knowledge for People Who Work on a Clock
There's textbook theory, and then there's the stuff you learn from years of seeing what actually works—and what fails—in the real world. This is our collection of straight-shooting guides to help you identify, install, and troubleshoot the connections that keep equipment earning.
Toolbox Talk: What Hydraulic Fittings Actually Do
The starting point. A no-fluff guide to the job of a fitting, and why using the right one is the difference between uptime and a mess on the floor.
Read the Briefing →Field Guide: How to ID Any Fitting That Hits Your Bench
Got a mystery fitting? This guide gives you the tools—calipers, thread gauges, and a little know-how—to identify it and get the right replacement ordered fast.
Read the Guide →Decoding Dash Sizes: What "-8" Actually Means
Dash size is just shop talk for sixteenths of an inch. A -8 is 8/16", or 1/2". This guide cracks the simple code so you can order the right part the first time.
Read the Guide →The Showdown: JIC vs. ORB vs. ORFS
Three of the most common fittings go head-to-head. We break down how they seal, the pressure they handle, and the right job for each one.
Read the Comparison →Why Pros Trust ORFS (O-Ring Face Seal) Fittings
For machines that shake and rattle, ORFS is the top-tier solution for zero leaks. We cover the tech and why it's worth the money for critical systems.
Read the Case Study →The JIC Flare: An Honest Look at the Good, the Bad, and the Leaky
JIC fittings are everywhere. We get into the weeds on why they're popular, how to install them right, and—more importantly—how to keep them from failing.
Read the Analysis →The ORB Standard: Your Guide to O-Ring Boss Ports
A massive upgrade from tapered pipe threads. This is the complete guide to SAE O-Ring Boss (ORB) fittings—how they provide a leak-free port seal and where to use them.
Read the Guide →The NPT Playbook: Making the Old Workhorse Seal Right
National Pipe Thread has been around forever. Here’s a no-BS breakdown of how it’s supposed to work, why it leaks, and how to get it right the first time.
Read the Playbook →Field Alert: Why You NEVER Mix NPT and BSPT Threads
They look damn near identical, but American (NPT) and British (BSPT) pipe threads are not the same. This guide shows you how to spot the difference before you wreck something.
Read the Alert →The Bottom Line on Stainless Steel Fittings
When does it actually make sense to pay more for stainless? We cover the grades (316 vs. 304) and the jobs where it’s not a cost, but a damn good investment.
Read the Analysis →Flange Fittings: Code 61 vs. Code 62
For big lines and serious pressure, you need flanges. This guide explains the critical difference between standard duty (Code 61) and heavy duty (Code 62) SAE flanges.
Read the Guide →The DIN 2353 "Bite-Type" Fitting Explained
The standard on most European and Asian equipment. This guide dives into how DIN 2353 / ISO 8434-1 metric compression fittings work and why they're so reliable.
Read the Guide →How to Properly Seal NPT Threads: Tape vs. Dope
A leaky NPT fitting is an installation failure. This guide covers the right way to use sealant to get a leak-free joint without contaminating your hydraulic system.
Read the Guide →The #1 Mistake That Kills JIC Fittings (And How to Stop Making It)
The fastest way to make a JIC fitting leak is to overtighten it. Here are the simple rules for getting it right without cracking the flare.
Read the Rules →The Real Story: Are AN and JIC Fittings the Same? (Spoiler: No)
They look the same, and they have the same flare angle, but AN (military) and JIC (industrial) fittings are not the same. Here’s why you don’t mix them.
Read the Story →Can You Mix Fitting Brands? (The Blunt Answer)
Can you use a Parker fitting with a Gates hose? As long as they are built to the same industry standard (e.g., SAE J514), the answer is yes. This guide explains the rules.
Read the Answer →Toolbox Talk: Hydraulic Fitting Safety
A failed fitting isn't just a leak; it's a high-pressure injection hazard that can kill you. A straight-shooting guide to safe installs and protecting your crew.
Read the Guide →