Male/Male Adaptors

When To use A Male x Male Adaptor

A Burnett and Hillman male x male hydraulic fitting is typically used when two female-threaded components need to be connected within a hydraulic system. These adaptors are especially useful for joining different thread types, such as BSPP to NPT, or for connecting different sizes of the same thread standard. They are also used to convert between sealing methods, for example, linking a BSPP female port, which seals with a bonded washer, to a JIC female port that seals on a 37° cone. In addition, Burnett and Hillman male x male adaptors provide a compact solution in tight installations where space is limited, eliminating the need for additional hoses or elbows. In short, Burnett and Hillman’s male x male hydraulic fittings offer a reliable and versatile way to connect female-threaded parts across a wide range of hydraulic applications.

What Tape To Use On Threaded Fittings?

For Tapered Threads (BSPT, NPT):

  • PTFE Tape (Thread Seal Tape) is commonly used.
  • Acts as a lubricant to prevent galling and helps create a pressure-tight seal.
  • Suitable for oil, fuel, water, and hydraulic fluids.
  • PTFE tape = only for BSPT and NPT male threads.
  • Never use tape on BSPP, JIC, ORFS, SAE, or Metric parallel threads.
  • Always ensure threads are clean and avoid loose tape strands entering the hydraulic system (contamination risk).

Installing Hydraulic Fittings:

  1. Check & Prepare:
  • Make sure the threads match (BSP, NPT, JIC, etc.).
  • Inspect threads, O-rings, and sealing faces for damage.
  • Clean both ports before fitting.

      2. Apply Seal (if needed):

  • Tapered threads (BSPT, NPT): use PTFE tape or thread sealant.
  • Parallel threads (BSPP, Metric, SAE): use the correct O-ring or washer.
  • JIC / ORFS: rely on the cone or face seal – no tape required.

      3. Tighten:

  • Start by hand to avoid cross-threading.
  • Use spanners on both hexes to tighten.

      4. Follow torque guidance:

  • Tapered → 1 1/2–3 turns past finger tight.
  • O-ring/washer → tighten until compressed.
  • JIC/ORFS → tighten until faces meet, then snug.

      5. Check:

  • Make sure fittings are aligned (no twisting).
  • Pressurise slowly and check for leaks.
  • If leaking, check seals instead of over-tightening.

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

IMPORTANT: The technical data given on this website is for preliminary information purposes only and is published without guarantee. All line drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be regarded as wholly accurate in every detail. We reserve the right to withdraw or to alter the specification of any product without notice. For more information, please consult our Terms of Business.

If you require any further information, our excellent customer service team is here to help so please call us on 01794 835835.

 

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