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"Which way do I measure this metal hose?"

A common question among some customers who use metal hoses is: "Which way do I measure this metal hose?" Well, there's a few different options.

  1. The first method is to measure the overall length of the assembly.
  2. Or, the live flexible length of the hose assembly can be measured.

Live Length vs Overall Length

Traditionally, the live length - or the amount picture showing live length versus overall lengthof flexible hose between the fitting - is used to determine whether there is sufficient hose length to accommodate a certain offset or movement, whereas the overall length of the assembly would be used to determine if the hose is going to fit in an application.

When measuring the overall length of the hose assembly, make sure to measure the overall length via end-of-fitting to end-of-fitting and if it has floating flanges on it, remember to measure to the face of the stub end on that floating flange.

JIC Swivel Fitting

If it's a female JIC swivel fitting, however, it's not necessary to measure the overall length to the end of the nut. Measure to the seat of the JIC inside the female swivel fitting. This is the standard for the metal hose industry.

Some customers may measure the overall diagram showing measurements with centerlinelength to the end of the JIC nut because some standards are measured differently by hydraulic manufacturers. If there are elbow fittings on the ends of the hose, metal hose industry standards dictate that measurements should be taken to the centerline of those elbow fittings rather than measuring the outside of the radius of the bend on those elbow fittings.

Laid flat with no kinks or bends

When measuring the length of a hose assembly, make sure it's laid flat without any kinks or bends in the assembly. If it's a strip wound hose assembly, ensure that strip wound hose is in its relaxed length, midway point between fully compressed and fully extended. Then, take the measurements on the length of that assembly.

For a great visual representation of measuring metal hose assembly lengths, watch this informative video below from Hose Master:

This video was produced by Hose Master and can be found on their Youtube channel or on their website.

For more information, contact Gallagher Fluid Seals or call 1-800-822-4063.