JIC Fittings Guide › JIC Fitting Types
JIC Fitting Types: A Practical Guide
JIC fittings come in many shapes, and catalogs describe them with a mix of words and codes. This guide explains each common type, what it is used for, and how to describe it so a distributor quotes the right part. For dash sizes and threads, see the main JIC fittings guide and our JIC thread size chart.
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How to Describe a JIC Fitting
A fitting is described by its shape, each end connection (gender, type and dash size), and its material. Example: "90° elbow, -8 JIC male × -8 SAE O-ring boss male, zinc-plated steel." Gender refers to the threads: male has external threads (and a 37° cone nose on JIC); female has internal threads, usually on a swivel nut.
Straight Fittings
- Union (male × male): joins two female JIC swivels, e.g. two hose ends.
- Straight adapter: JIC on one end, a port thread on the other (SAE ORB, NPT, BSPP or metric).
- Reducer / expander: changes dash size, e.g. -8 JIC female × -6 JIC male.
- Female swivel × male: lets a hose end connect without rotating the hose.
Elbows
- 90° and 45° elbows route lines around tight spaces. Available male × male, male × female swivel, or JIC × port thread.
- Adjustable (positionable) elbows have a straight-thread O-ring boss end with a locknut so the elbow can be oriented before tightening.
- Long-drop or extended elbows give clearance for wrenches or neighboring fittings.
Tees and Crosses
- Union tee: three male JIC ends.
- Run tee: the port or swivel end is on the straight run.
- Branch tee: the port or swivel end is on the branch (side) outlet.
- Cross: four male JIC ends.
Bulkhead Fittings
Bulkhead fittings have a long threaded body and a locknut so they can pass through and clamp to a panel, tank wall or frame. Common forms are straight bulkhead unions, bulkhead elbows and bulkhead tees.
Swivels, Nuts and Sleeves
- Swivel nut: the female nut on a hose end or adapter that turns independently.
- Tube nut and sleeve: used with flared tube; the sleeve supports the flare and the nut clamps it to the male cone.
- Swivel adapters with a rotating joint are a different product used to relieve hose twist under motion.
Caps and Plugs
A JIC cap (female) seals a male JIC end; a JIC plug (male) seals a female swivel. They are used to close unused ports and to cap lines during service.
Adapters to Other Systems
Common adapters include JIC × SAE ORB, JIC × NPT, JIC × BSPP, JIC × metric 24° and JIC × ORFS. See JIC vs NPT, JIC vs BSPP, JIC vs metric and JIC vs ORFS.
FAQ
What is the difference between a run tee and a branch tee?
On a run tee the different end (port or swivel) is on the straight run; on a branch tee it is on the side outlet.
What is a JIC bulkhead fitting?
A fitting with a long threaded body and locknut that mounts through a panel or tank wall, connecting lines on both sides.
What is the difference between a JIC cap and plug?
A cap screws onto a male JIC end; a plug screws into a female JIC swivel.
What is an adjustable elbow?
An elbow with a straight-thread O-ring boss end and locknut so it can be positioned before tightening, then sealed by the O-ring.
How should I describe a fitting when requesting a quote?
Give the shape, each end connection with gender and dash size, material, and quantity.
Related guides
- JIC Fittings Guide (main)
- JIC vs NPT
- JIC vs ORFS
- JIC vs AN
- How to Identify a JIC Fitting
- JIC Thread Size Chart
- -4 JIC Fittings
- -6 JIC Fittings
- -8 JIC Fittings
- -10 JIC Fittings
- -12 JIC Fittings
- -16 JIC Fittings
- JIC vs SAE 45° Flare
- JIC vs BSPP
- JIC vs Metric (DIN 24°)
- JIC Torque Specs
- JIC Materials & Pressure Ratings
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