AN Pressure Test Kit: Check And Stop Leaks Fast
Learn how to use an AN pressure-test kit to detect leaks before installing hoses. Compare top kits from Summit Racing, Redhorse, and Fragola.
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Building your own custom fluid lines can be incredibly satisfying for any automotive enthusiast. The AN sizing system is commonly used in automotive and aerospace applications to ensure compatibility between hoses and fittings.
You take pride in routing everything perfectly. However, you never want to find out about a mechanical mistake by spotting fluid pooling under your car. An AN pressure test kit helps you verify the integrity of your assembly before installing it on your vehicle. AN hoses are typically made from materials such as rubber, PTFE, or stainless steel, each offering different levels of flexibility and pressure resistance.
By performing a simple pressure test, you ensure that your fittings and hose connections are secure. A dependable pressure test kit is the perfect go-to tool for both DIY builders and seasoned professionals who want to avoid messy mistakes.
Why do you need a test kit in your garage?
You spend a lot of money and time on quality components for your vehicle. Finding leaks early guarantees you haven't wasted your investment. When you catch a flaw before the line is active, you prevent catastrophic fluid failures under pressure.
Countless customers have saved their engines from disaster just by taking a few extra minutes to verify their work. Even a friend in the Netherlands recently told me how a basic test kit prevented an expensive oil system blowout on the track. Verifying your work gives you absolute peace of mind.
What to look for in a quality kit
When shopping for a fitting pressure test kit, you want something versatile and durable. Here are the main features to consider before adding an item to your cart:
- Size range: A complete kit usually covers multiple sizes, with AN hose sizes ranging from -03 to -16, which corresponds to the inner diameter of the hose in sixteenths of an inch.
- Adapters and couplings: Quality pressure test kits include adapters and couplings that must match industry standards like NPT, BSP, ORB, or JIC to avoid hazardous failures.
- Pressure range: Select a kit with a pressure range ideally twice the normal operating pressure you expect to test.
- Calibration: Professional pressure test kits should include traceable calibration certificates to ensure readings meet regulatory requirements.
- Gauges: Digital gauges offer higher precision and features such as data logging, while analog gauges are simpler and more reliable for general use. Liquid-filled gauges are preferred for applications with vibrations or pulsations, as they stabilize readings and protect internal components.
- Hardware: Look for durable aluminum construction and matching plugs that won’t damage your threads.
- Air delivery: It should feature an integrated Schrader valve so you can easily inject compressed air into the system.
- Organization: Having a rugged storage case keeps everything organized. Many kits have the storage case included to keep everything organized.
Comparing the top AN Lines and Fittings Pressure Test Kit
Finding the right product requires a quick look at the top contenders. If you check the current inventory, you will find a few highly rated options that get the job done right.
Summit Racing™ AN Pressure Test Kits SUM-221004
AN Hose Pressure Test Kit, Fittings with Air Valves/Matching Plugs, -3 AN through -16 AN, Kit
Summit Racing SUM-221004
This 14-piece kit offers incredible value at $69.99. It ships fast, assuming they have enough quantity in stock. It covers -3 AN through -16 AN and comes with a durable plastic case. If you read a customer review, you will see many praise its reliable performance and low cost.
Redhorse Performance AN Hose Assembly Pressure Test Kits 5666-2
AN Hose Pressure Test Kit, Fittings with Air Valves and Plugs, -3 AN through -16 AN, Aluminum, Black, Kit
Redhorse Performance HSE-5666-2
Priced slightly higher at $89.99, this option comes with two sets of plugs—one standard and one with air valves. Having multiple sets makes it highly versatile for various line configurations. It is a solid choice that simply works well for repeated use.
Fragola Performance Systems Hose Test Kits 900060
AN Hose Pressure Test Kit, Fittings with Air Valves and Plugs, -3 AN through -16 AN, Kit
Fragola Performance Systems FRA-900060
At $157.99, this premium kit is designed for heavy-duty use. While it only covers seven popular sizes, it is made in the USA and built to withstand rigorous shop environments. I recommend this kit for professionals who need uncompromising reliability.
How to use your kit step-by-step
Using these tools is straightforward once you understand the basic mechanics. Follow this quick list of instructions to secure your lines:
- Attach the plugs: Thread the aluminum plugs onto your finished hose ends, tightening them securely. Attach the standard solid plug to one end, and attach the plug with the air valve to the opposite end.
- Apply air: Pressurize the assembly with a compressed-air source. Do not exceed the manufacturer's recommended air limit.
- Check for bubbles: Submerge the entire assembly into a water bath. Watch closely for any escaping bubbles, which indicate a leak.
- Adjust and repeat: If you spot bubbles, remove the hose, tighten or reassemble the faulty fitting, and test it again.
Secure your build for the road ahead.
Don't let a small oversight ruin a major project. Taking the extra step to verify your fluid lines ensures safety, reliability, and peak performance. Be sure to add all the necessary tools to your workspace before starting your next plumbing project.
Thank you for reading!
Your friend,
Todd
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Todd Bandel
Todd Bandel
Todd Bandel
Todd Bandel