Fabricating hose assemblies from bulk hose and reusable end fittings requires some basic skills and a


Figure 5-7.Hose fabricating machines.
 

few hand tools. The skills required are the ability to follow step-by-step instructions and to use the required hand tools.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS. Fabricating hose assemblies is a function of intermediate- and depot-level maintenance. The intermediate and depot shops are equipped with hose fabricating machines (fig. 5-7) and proof-test equipment. Each machine or equipment is supplied with operating instructions. The basic hand tools that are required to fabricate hose assemblies up to 3,000 psi operating pressure are a bench vise, a hose cutoff machine, open end wrench sets, a sharp knife, slip joint pliers, an oil can for lubricating oil, a marking pencil, a small paint brush, masking or plastic electrical tape, a steel ruler, a thickness gauge (leaf type), and a protractor. Mandrels are special hand tools (fig. 5-8) that are not required but are recommended for fabricating hose assemblies. During hose assembly fabrication, mandrels can be used to protect sealing surfaces, support inner tubes, and guide fitting nipples into hoses.

Figure 5-8.Mandrel kits.



Figure 5-9.Synthetic rubber medium-pressure hose assembly.