How to Break Hydraulic Hose Hard Fittings

Transferring energy by compressing fluid through a series of servos and hoses, hydraulic systems reduce the amount of force needed to operate tools and machinery. Found in many industrial and consumer applications from bulldozers to automobiles, hydraulic systems require periodic maintenance. If neglected the fluid will wear out and become sticky, causing the system to lose power and making the hydraulic hose fitting hard to break free of the connections.

Instructions

1

Attach a wrench to the hose fitting. Place the end of a hollow pipe over the end of the wrench. Using the pipe for leverage, rock the wrench back and forth gently with your arms. Dont be overly aggressive with the pipe, or you may snap the wrench or hose connector, or strip the hose fitting.

2

Place duct tape over a hose fitting that cannot be fitted with a wrench. Clamp a pair of vise grip pliers firmly over the taped fitting, with the adjustment (rounded) side of the pliers handle facing you. Slip the pipe over the rounded handle and try working the fitting loose.

3

Heat the fitting with a hair dryer or heat gun set to low. Heating the fitting expands the metal and breaks the seal. Reattach the wrench or vise grips and use the pipe to loosen the fitting.