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A Few Things You Need To Know When Shopping For Couplers

by Jared De Hooge

Couplers are one of those pieces many people take for granted. Machines, hoses, and motors come with them already in place and working. Unfortunately, they will wear out, and often before the piece they ar attached to. When this happens, you can replace the whole thing, with the coupler connected to the new piece, or simply replace the coupler. Replacing the coupler is usually simpler and will cost less money. However, you need to be sure you get the right coupler or you will only end up with more damage. Here are some tips for choosing the correct one for your needs.

Mounting

The coupler needs to be mounted onto the hose or pipe correctly for how it is going to be used. Make sure the one you choose can be mounted the way you need it to be. When the unit will operate unidirectionally, you can mount it with a key or taper bushing. However, if the piece will undergo a lot of vibrations or shocks, you should use a keyless device that will not allow for backlash. 

Torque

Make sure the coupler is rated for the amount of torque it is going to have to go through and endure. It is also important when you look at the rating to understand if that is for a static or a dynamic torque. This will be very important if the coupler will be undergoing a high revolution rate during use. You do not want to have a static torque used to find out that the coupler falls off once the machine is running.

Offset

It will do you no good to buy a coupling of the right size for the piece it is going on if it has an offset that will not allow it to fit in place. Remember, other pieces will be in the machine and might make it impossible for a coupler to fit in place. Check the outside dimension of where it will be going to ensure you won't have to make a second trip to the store for a different coupler.

When replacing a coupler, it is usually best to go with one of the same material as the first one. This will ensure that the piece will work correctly. Make sure to take the bad coupler with you to the store if possible so you can compare it to the others for the best fit. However, do not worry if you cannot find the exact same coupler, as many others will do the job just as well when you follow the above tips.

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