Welding hoses are often under appreciated and overly abused. They’re dragged through every kind of muck and used to pull equipment around. They’re stepped on, driven on and spilled on. And yet they’re tasked with fulfilling an extremely important job – safely delivering a rich source of oxygen beside a flammable gas to the torch.
Gas welding hose manufacturers produce a variety of types to meet different applications. They’re available in a wide range of lengths, connection sizes and materials. Each type is designed to handle a specific type of fuel gas for welding and cutting applications. Some of the most popular are oxy-acetylene, oxygen and propane. Some hoses are even equipped to deliver inert gasses like nitrogen.
Most gas welding hoses are compatible with a variety of welding machines and gas tanks. However, it’s crucial to check the hose’s working pressure and the connection size that fits your welding machine and tank before making a purchase. This will ensure the hose is compatible with your needs and will not burst under high-pressure conditions.
Oxy-acetylene, oxygen and acetylene gas welding hoses use the same type of connection fitting. They’re commonly called “size B” connections and are designed for a maximum working pressure of 200 psi. These fittings consist of a swivel nut, a nipple with a seating surface and a hose clamp or ferrule. Most of these nipple connections have both right and left-hand threads.
Some gas welding hoses come in twin-line and single-line varieties. Twin-line welding hoses have one hose for oxygen and another for acetylene or other fuel gases. Single-line welding hoses have just one hose and are typically used when space is limited or where the gas sources are not separated.
The hose material is also an important consideration. Some welding hoses are made of rubber or plastic while others are constructed of metals such as stainless steel. Plastic welding hoses are the most lightweight and easy to maneuver, but they’re not as durable as rubber or metal hoses and may not be compatible with all types of gases. Metal welding hoses are more durable than plastic hoses and can withstand higher working pressures, but they can be heavy and difficult to maneuver.
Aside from the working pressure and the hose material, there are several other factors to consider when selecting a gas welding hose. The most important is the hose’s burst pressure, which is the amount of pressure the hose can safely withstand before bursting. The hose’s working pressure should match the working pressure of your welding machine and gas tanks.
In addition, the hose must be able to handle the temperature of the application. The temperature range for most gas welding hoses is between -50 and 230 degrees Fahrenheit.