A Burnett & Hillman bush (also known as a reducer bush) is used in hydraulic systems when you need to adapt between two different thread sizes in a compact and reliable way. It has a larger external male thread and a smaller internal female thread, allowing you to fit a smaller size component into a larger port or connection.
You would typically use a bush when:
Reducing port size so that a smaller hose or fitting can be connected.
Adapting mismatched thread sizes without replacing the whole component.
Making repairs or modifications where the available part doesn’t match the existing port size.
Saving space compared to using larger adaptors or extra fittings.
Maintaining a secure, leak-free seal in both high- and low-pressure hydraulic applications.
A Burnett & Hillman bush is best used when you need a compact, cost-effective solution to step down thread sizes and connect components of different dimensions.
Key Features & Benefits
Reduces thread size to connect smaller fittings or hoses to larger ports.
Compact design, saving space compared to larger adaptors.
Made from durable, corrosion-resistant steel.
Pressure-rated for reliable use in hydraulic systems.
Provides a secure, leak-free seal with the correct washers or O-rings.
A cost-effective solution for adapting mismatched thread sizes.
Connecting Threads Guide
Threads That Match Directly:
BSPP to BSPP → Seals with a bonded washer or O-ring.
BSPT to BSPT → Seals on the threads with PTFE tape or sealant.
NPT to NPT → Seals on the threads with PTFE tape or sealant.
JIC to JIC → Seals metal-to-metal on the 37° cone seat.
ORFS to ORFS → Seals on the O-ring face for a leak-free joint.
SAE O-Ring Boss to SAE O-Ring Boss → Seals with an O-ring at the port face.
Metric to Metric → Seals with an O-ring or bonded washer.
Sometimes Compatible (with care):
BSPT male into BSPP female → Will screw in, but must be sealed with a washer or sealant.
JIC and SAE 37° → Often compatible, both use a 37° flare, but check standards before use.
JIS BSPP to BSPP → Same thread, but JIS often seals on a 30° cone rather than a washer.
Not Compatible:
BSP ↔ NPT → Different angles (55° vs 60°), will not seal reliably.
Metric ↔ BSP/NPT → Different thread form, not interchangeable.
UNF ↔ BSP/NPT/Metric → Won’t seal unless part of a designed fitting.
NPSM ↔ anything else → Only seals with a gasket, not designed for high pressure.
Rule of thumb:
Tapered threads (BSPT, NPT) seal on the thread + tape/sealant.
Parallel threads (BSPP, Metric, SAE, UNF) need a washer or O-ring.
JIC and ORFS seal on the face or cone, not the thread.
BSPP
(British Standard Pipe Parallel)
BSPT
(British Standard Pipe Tapered)
NPT
(National Pipe Taper)
JIC
(Joint Industry Council)
JIS
(Japanese Industrial Standard)
Metric
(mm)
Imperial (")
(UN/UNF/UNC)
SAE
(Society Of Automotive Engineers)
ORFS
(O-Ring Face Seal)
UNF
(Unified Fine Thread)
NPSM
(National Pipe Straight Mechanical)
Thread Form
Parallel
Tapered
Tapered
Parallel with 37° Cone
BSPP/Metric (Parallel)
Parallel
Parallel
Parallel (UN/UNF)
Parallel (UNF)
Parallel
Parallel
Flank Angle
55°
55°
60°
60°
55°(BSPP) / 60° (Metric)
60°
60°
60°
60°
60°
60°
Sealing Method
Washer / O-Ring
Thread Interference + PTFE Tape
Thread Interference + PTFE Tape
37° Cone Seat (Metal To Metal)
Gasket Or 30°/60° Cone Seat
Washer / O-Ring
Gasket / O-Ring
O-Ring Boss
O-Ring On The Face
Angled Cone Seat / O-Ring
Gasket
Standard
ISO 228 / BS 2779
ISO 7 / BS 21
ANSI B1.20.1 (USA)
SAE J514 (USA)
JIS B 0203 / B 2351
ISO 261 / ISO 724
ANSI B1.1 (USA)
SAE J1926
SAE J1453
ANSI B1.1 (USA)
ANSI B1.20.1 (USA)
Applications
Medium-high pressure hydraulics, pneumatics, water systems; common in UK/European machinery
High-pressure pipework (hydraulic, steam, gas, water); widely used in construction
High-pressure hydraulics; common in North American equipment
High-pressure hydraulics (up to ~420 bar); mobile plant, aerospace & automotive
Medium pressure hydraulics & pneumatics; Japanese/Asian machinery & vehicles
Medium-high pressure hydraulics; European industrial, agricultural & mobile equipment
Low Pressure, for fastening & mechanical joints, not fluid sealing; general engineering & hydraulic systems
High-pressure hydraulics; common in hydraulic blocks, automotive & aerospace
Very high pressure, leak-free hydraulics; common in agriculture, construction, heavy plant
Medium pressure hydraulics; also used in automotive, aerospace & precision machinery
Low-pressure mechanical joints; used in piping, fire protection & water systems
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