{"product_id":"castair-1-1-2npt-x-18-metal-flex-hose-va050","title":"Castair 1 1\/2\"NPT x 18\" Metal Flex Hose VA050","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Castair VA050 is a 1-1\/2\" NPT x 18\" metal flex hose — the flexible vibration-isolation connection between your air compressor pump and the tank or discharge line. If you're replacing a flex hose on a Castair compressor, this is an OEM-spec part. The 18-inch length provides adequate slack to absorb pump vibration without putting stress on the tank fitting or hard plumbing downstream. The 1-1\/2\" NPT connection is sized for larger single-stage and two-stage compressors in the upper HP range of Castair's piston lineup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Metal Flex Hose Matters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA metal flex hose on an air compressor is not optional equipment — it's a critical vibration isolator. Air compressor pumps vibrate significantly during operation. Without a flexible connection between the pump and tank, that vibration transmits directly into the tank fittings, manifold, and any hard-plumbed lines connected to the outlet. Over time, this causes fatigue cracking at fittings, loosens connections, and can crack check valves and tank welds at the fitting interface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMetal flex hoses also allow for minor misalignment during installation. Compressor tanks and pump mounts are not always in perfect alignment — the flex hose accommodates that without forcing the pump outlet to bear the load.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen to Replace Your Flex Hose\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVisual inspection shows cracking, corrosion, or mechanical damage to the braided exterior\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHose is leaking at either fitting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHose is kinked from a previous installation or impact\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompressor has been running without a flex hose (direct hard connection) and you're experiencing tank fitting or check valve failures\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHose is beyond 5-7 years of continuous shop use — metal flex hoses are wear items\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eConstruction and Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConnection Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1-1\/2\" NPT male on both ends (standard NPT thread for compressor pump outlets and tank fittings)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLength:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18 inches overall\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConstruction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stainless steel braided flex hose with NPT fittings — rated for compressed air service at typical compressor operating pressures\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApplication:\u003c\/strong\u003e Castair compressor pump-to-tank discharge connection, vibration isolation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOEM Part:\u003c\/strong\u003e Castair factory specification for compressors using 1-1\/2\" NPT discharge connections\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSizing Your Flex Hose\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCastair offers metal flex hoses in multiple NPT sizes to match different compressor HP ranges and pump discharge sizes. Match the hose size to your pump's discharge port — using an undersized hose restricts airflow and creates unnecessary pressure drop; using an oversized hose requires adapters and creates leak points.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAvailable Configurations — Full Flex Hose Lineup\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVA075\u003c\/strong\u003e ($59.29) — 3\/4\" NPT Male x 18\" Metal Flex Hose — for smaller single-stage compressors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVA100\u003c\/strong\u003e ($99.95) — 1\" NPT Male x 18\" Metal Flex Hose — mid-size compressors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVA125\u003c\/strong\u003e ($102.49) — 1-1\/4\" NPT x 18\" Metal Flex Hose — for 25-40 HP rotary compressors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVA050\u003c\/strong\u003e ($46.59) — 1-1\/2\" NPT x 18\" Metal Flex Hose (this part) — larger piston compressors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVA150\u003c\/strong\u003e ($111.80) — 1-1\/2\" NPT Male x 18\" Metal Flex Hose — larger piston compressors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVA200\u003c\/strong\u003e ($131.29) — 2\" NPT Male x 18\" Metal Flex Hose — high-capacity systems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVA100J36\u003c\/strong\u003e ($203.28) — 1\" JIC Female\/Female x 36\" Metal Flex Hose — extended length, JIC fittings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVerify your pump outlet thread size before ordering. Check the pump discharge port with a thread gauge if you're unsure — NPT and BSP threads look similar but are not compatible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's in the Box\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1x Castair VA050 Metal Flex Hose — 1-1\/2\" NPT x 18\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart Number:\u003c\/strong\u003e VA050\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eManufacturer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cast Air \/ Castair\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConnection Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1-1\/2\" NPT\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLength:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCategory:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ball Valves \/ Flex Lines — Parts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrice:\u003c\/strong\u003e $46.59\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePressure rating and full material specifications were not available from manufacturer data at time of writing. Contact us to confirm suitability for your system's operating pressure before installation.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Buy From Air Compressor Factory Direct?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCastair Parts Specialist:\u003c\/strong\u003e We stock the full Castair flex hose lineup and can confirm the right size for your specific compressor model\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFree Shipping:\u003c\/strong\u003e On qualifying orders to the contiguous US\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFree Tech Support:\u003c\/strong\u003e Call 866-217-0063 — if you're not sure which flex hose size you need, we can help you figure it out in under a minute\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFull Manufacturer Warranty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Backed by Castair's standard warranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOEM Parts:\u003c\/strong\u003e Factory-specification replacement parts, not aftermarket substitutes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCall 866-217-0063 for quick answers and help!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cast Air","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53342609178837,"sku":"VA050","price":86.62,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8466\/0949\/files\/aaflex.png?v=1772652951","url":"https:\/\/aircompressorfactorydirect.com\/products\/castair-1-1-2npt-x-18-metal-flex-hose-va050","provider":"Air Compressor Factory Direct","version":"1.0","type":"link"}