Male & Female Swivel Adaptors
When To Use A Male / Female Swivel Adaptor
A Burnett & Hillman male and female swivel adaptor is used in hydraulic systems when you need to connect two components but also require flexibility during installation or operation. Unlike a fixed adaptor, the female end can rotate while the male end is tightened, making it ideal for preventing hose twist, reducing stress on connections, and simplifying assembly in tight or awkward spaces. These adaptors are particularly useful where hoses need to be aligned without over-torquing, or where fittings may need to be disconnected and refitted frequently for maintenance. They are also valuable in applications involving vibration or movement, as the swivel allows the joint to accommodate motion without damaging the hose or seal. In addition to these advantages, a male and female swivel adaptor can still perform the same role as a fixed adaptor by adapting between different thread types or sizes, but with the added benefit of rotation for ease of use and longer service life.
Key Features & Benefits
- 360° Rotation – Swivel adaptors allow movement during installation, making it easier to align hoses and fittings without twisting.
- Prevents Hose Damage – Reduces stress, twisting, and kinking in hoses, extending hose life and reducing maintenance costs.
- Easier Installation & Removal – Connections can be tightened without rotating the entire hose assembly, saving time and effort.
- Leak Prevention – Keeps the hose relaxed in its natural position, helping maintain a secure, leak-free seal.
- Versatility – Available in male x female or female x female versions to suit different connection points and system layouts.
- Improved Safety – Minimises the chance of accidental loosening caused by hose movement under pressure.
- Ideal for Confined Spaces – Allows fittings to be connected in tight or awkward areas where fixed adaptors are difficult to use.
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.
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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 |
If you require any further information, our excellent customer service team is here to help so please call us on 01794 835835.
