If a hose or tubing in a pneumatic system will be connected and disconnected more frequently than once a week, chances are a quick-acting coupling will pay for itself rapidly by improving productivity. Although simple in concept, many quick-acting couplings are precisely engineered for specific applications. Their widespread use over many years has produced a wide variety of standard designs.
Regardless of the manufacturer, all quick-acting couplings have some elements in common. All have two parts: a plug and a socket. The plug is the male half and the socket is the female half. When connected properly, these parts seal and lock the joint effectively to contain internal pressures and resist any tensile forces that tend to pull the joint apart. The two parts are easily disconnected without tools by disengaging a locking mechanism and separating the parts.