Coupling / Connector / Hose Mender

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Hose Mender is a easiest way to restore split or leaking hose back into service. These menders / repairers connect to broken or intact flexible pipe hoses. Selection of construction materials include nyglas, plastic, steel, brass, aluminum and stainless steel.

These fittings, also known as "Hose Connector" do not have a thread and are essentially like two of the tails on a hosetail, placed back to back. This enables the joining of two hoses of either the same or different bores (Internal diameters).

Hose menders are useful for joining long lengths of hose or repairing and joining damaged sections. As they are used for coupling two pieces of hose, they are also called "Couplings"

Hose mender is available in varying sizes, commonly from ½" through to 8". They are serrated on both sides for the quick and easy repair of split hose assemblies.

Essentials of a coupling/connector/mender:

• Couplings should be full-flow, meaning they should be internally expanded to maintain inside diameter for better water flow.
• Couplings should be internally expanded type to allow full inside diameter to be used (externally crimped couplings tend to restrict water flow).

Plastic Mender/Connector
Inexpensive plastic couplings are largely used to repair small leaks. These plastics guard the menders against rust. Pronounced bend at each end assures a firm grip. Center ribs add strength and assure proper positioning of the hose. One plastic hose mender kit includes a barbed tubular insert and clam shell-shaped clamps that can be used on either plastic or rubber hose.

On plastic hose, a tapered brass bushing may be screwed into the inside of the hose to wedge it against the hose repair coupling. This bushing can be taken off and used again. Another mender for plastic hose is a tube that is inserted into the hose and sleeves are screwed over the hose. This system is also removable and reusable.

Metal Mender/Connector
Metal couplings made of sheet and/or rod and have always been used for sizable leaks or badly split sections of hose. Metal clincher couplings have metal cleats around a brass insert. After the hose is pushed over the insert, the cleats are pounded down with a hammer or crimped with pliers to hold the hose. It is important to crimp the cleats evenly or the repair leaks.

Sometimes in metal hose repair, a steel worm gear clamp is used to hold the hose to the insert. These clinchers are also available as menders for male or female ends. They can be used on rubber or plastic hoses. However, for plastic hose a compression fitting with a threaded collar is better because it is less likely to puncture the outer covering.