What Is a Brass Coupler?

A brass coupler is any coupling constructed from brass. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc and is an ideal material for the manufacture of couplers due to its corrosion-resistant characteristics. As a non-ferrous material, it is also spark-free and widely used to couple components carrying explosive or flammable materials. There are a wide variety of brass coupler types in general use, most being either of a two-piece, screw-together design or of one-piece threaded or ridged construction.

Brass is a metal alloy of copper and zinc that exhibits good corrosion and chemical resistance, excellent casting characteristics, and is relatively easy to machine. The absence of iron in the alloy also means that brass items produce no sparks when struck against one another or by other materials. These characteristics make brass an outstanding choice of material for the manufacture of a wide range of coupling products. The alloy's resistance to corrosion and chemical attack make it an outstanding choice for couplings used on hoses and pipes carrying water, oils, and chemicals. Its non-sparking properties mean that the brass coupler can be used to join pipes and hoses transporting highly flammable or explosive gases and liquids.

There is an extensive selection of brass coupler types available for an equally large number of applications. Most are, however, of a threaded or ridged design in either two- or one-piece configuration. Threaded couplers are available as two-piece units consisting of one male and one female threaded halves. These fittings often include a integral O-ring, which enhances the integrity of the seal offered by the coupling. They are available with a variety of hose insert elements as well, including crimp ferrules and ridged nipples for use with hose clamps.

One-piece brass coupler types are either of a screw-down or inside-hose nipple design. Screw-down types may feature an internal female thread for insertion over external male threads on the ends of pipes or hoses, or back-to back male threads for use with female hose fittings. The straight-nipple type hose coupler is the simplest of the brass coupling family and consists of little more than a ridged tube with a raised collar in its center. Either end of the tube is pushed into the ends of the two hoses until the hose is up against the collar. Both sides are then secured with conventional hose clamps, ensuring a solid, leak-proof joint.