Quick and easy: two of the most popular words in the world. We want to do things fast and in a simple way that doesn’t require any special expertise that we don’t already have. But – and it’s a big but – if we’re applying these criteria to a practical situation, particularly when our professional reputation is on the line, we also want the word effective added.
That means that if we’re looking at fitting a hose to a pump or pipe, or two pipes together, we can’t tolerate any leakage. We need a perfect seal.
The situation is even more demanding if this connection is going to be undone and reconnected often. A permanent seal can be achieved by various means, but if you want quick-on, quick-off and quick-on again with no loss of efficiency, that is where camlock fittings come in.
Camlocks are used in industries such as agriculture, sanitation, oil and gas and certain military applications.
Camlocks come in pairs: male and female. The female has two “wings”, which are closed when the connection is made, pushing the gasket (sealing ring) hard and steady up against the male. The pressure of the connection ensures a tight seal, and when you need to disconnect it, it comes right away, ready to be reconnected as firm and precise as before.
Are There Different Types of Camlock?
Care must be taken when buying camlocks because there are various types and they are identified by letters. It starts with type A, which is a male adapter with female thread, while B is a female coupler with male thread, C represents a female coupler with hose tail, and so on. As an extra complication, there are codes for dust caps (DC) and dust plugs (DP), so the brilliantly simple idea comes with potential pitfalls if you don’t take great care when ordering. There are sizes to look out for, too, anything from half inch to four inches, and if you work in metric, you know how careful you need to be with this kind of thing.
Then there is the choice of material. Camlocks come in aluminium, brass, polypropylene (plastic) and stainless steel. That is something else to bear in mind, depending on what you are using these for.
Once you’re used to it, it’s straightforward, no more complicated than buying screws or valves. But you can’t just ask someone to get you a couple of camlocks without giving precise instructions.
Camlock Fitting Supplier Australia
Because there are so many items within the camlock category, it is essential to be very specific when ordering, and therefore it pays to deal with a supplier with great experience as well as a wide range. If you know exactly what you need, then go ahead and order, but remember: one wrong letter can result in a delivery of not quite what you need, and not quite means no good.
Get this right, though, and the camlock is your friend. A top-quality item will give you the seal you need time and time again. Contact us today if you have any questions.