AN Swivel Adapters

AN swivel adapters change a line’s direction right at the port, using a female nut that turns freely on the body until it is tightened. The angle can be set exactly before the joint is made, without twisting the hose or turning a fitting further into its thread. Listed here are 45° and 90° adapters, swivel tees and spare nuts from AN3 to AN16.

The problem they solve is clocking. A one-piece elbow in a tapered NPT port stops only where the taper tightens, and an elbow in an O-ring port needs a locknut to hold its direction. A swivel adapter seals on a 37° cone instead, so it can point anywhere and still reach full clamping force.

Each adapter adds a joint and some length, and a stack of them adds leverage on the port. Where an angled hose end can do the job, it is lighter and shorter. Swivel adapters earn their place on hard-to-reach ports, or where a hose end could not be turned once the hose is in place.

The title gives ends, angle and size:

• Female / male: a swivel nut on one end and a male 37° flare on the other, at 45° or 90°. On a male port it turns the port and offers a fresh male end.
• Female: listed separately at 45° and 90°; compare the title with the ends to be joined.
• Swivel tees: AN6 and AN8 tees with the nut in the running direction, which avoid stacking an adapter on a separate tee.
• Size: AN3 (3/8-24 UNF), AN4 (7/16-20), AN6 (9/16-18), AN8 (3/4-16), AN10 (7/8-14), AN12 (1 1/16-12) and AN16 (1 5/16-12 UNF).
• Finish: aluminium in blue or black, with separate nuts from AN3 to AN12.

On a female port, fit a straight male adapter first. Fit the swivel adapter by hand and point it along the hose’s natural path. Then hold the body with one spanner and tighten the nut with another, so the port takes no torque. A film of oil on cone and threads helps prevent galling; tape and sealant stay off.

Inspect each cone first, since a scratched cone leaks however hard the nut is pulled. Aluminium flares need only modest force, so tighten to a firm stop, then slightly further. Clip the hose near the adapter so its weight cannot work the joint loose, and recheck the nuts after the system has been hot.