{"product_id":"castair-1npt-male-x-18-metal-flex-hose","title":"Castair 1\"NPT Male x 18\" Metal Flex Hose","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Castair VA100 is a 1\" NPT Male x 18\" metal flex hose for mid-size air compressors. This is the pump-to-tank discharge connection for Castair compressors with 1\" NPT discharge ports — typically mid-range single-stage and smaller two-stage piston units. The 18-inch length gives the hose the flexibility to absorb pump vibration in all directions without kinking, while the 1\" NPT male fittings thread directly into the pump outlet and tank check valve or manifold fitting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Purpose of This Component\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA metal flex hose is the vibration break between the reciprocating pump and the stationary tank. Every stroke of a piston compressor introduces movement — up, down, and some rotational vibration from the crankshaft. Without a flex hose, that movement goes directly into the rigid fittings on each end. Tank fittings crack, check valves break at the body, and downstream manifold fittings work loose. A proper flex hose absorbs all of that before it reaches anything that can't flex.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stainless braided construction also handles the thermal cycling that happens when a compressor runs to temperature and cools down. Repeated thermal expansion and contraction in a rigid system works fittings loose over time — the flex hose accommodates that movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1\" NPT Male Connection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Standard NPT thread sizing for mid-range Castair compressor pump outlets and tank fittings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e18\" Overall Length:\u003c\/strong\u003e Correct length for Castair compressor installations — enough flex without excessive hose length that could sag or kink\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStainless Braided Flex Construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Corrugated inner liner with stainless steel braid outer jacket for high-pressure compressed air service\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOEM Replacement Part:\u003c\/strong\u003e Castair factory-specification — direct replacement for the original equipment on Castair compressors with 1\" NPT discharge\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBoth-End Male NPT:\u003c\/strong\u003e Male threads on both ends for direct connection without reducing fittings or adapters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhen to Replace\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExterior braid shows corrosion, fraying, or cracking — once the braid is compromised, the hose can fail suddenly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKinks from installation — a kinked flex hose has stress concentrations that will eventually crack\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeping or active leak at either fitting end\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHose feels rigid and has lost flexibility — metal flex hoses work-harden over time and lose their vibration-absorbing properties\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompressor has been operated with a hard-piped connection and you're converting to a proper installation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eInstallation Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRelieve all tank pressure before disconnecting any pump-to-tank lines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClean thread surfaces on both the pump outlet and tank fitting before installation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApply thread sealant to NPT threads — use a quality pipe thread compound or anaerobic sealant rated for compressed air\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not over-torque — 1\" NPT fittings in aluminum pump bodies can crack if overtightened\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoute the hose with a gentle curve — do not pull it straight or allow it to kink at either fitting end\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter installation, run the compressor to full operating pressure and check both fittings for leaks with soapy water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFull 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\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVA100\u003c\/strong\u003e ($99.95) — 1\" NPT Male x 18\" (this part)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVA050\u003c\/strong\u003e ($46.59) — 1-1\/2\" NPT x 18\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVA125\u003c\/strong\u003e ($102.49) — 1-1\/4\" NPT x 18\" — 25-40 HP rotary units\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVA150\u003c\/strong\u003e ($111.80) — 1-1\/2\" NPT Male x 18\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVA200\u003c\/strong\u003e ($131.29) — 2\" NPT Male x 18\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVA100J36\u003c\/strong\u003e ($203.28) — 1\" JIC Female\/Female x 36\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's in the Box\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1x Castair VA100 Metal Flex Hose — 1\" NPT Male 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 VA100\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eManufacturer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cast Air \/ Castair\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConnection Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1\" NPT Male, both ends\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\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrice:\u003c\/strong\u003e $99.95\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePressure rating was not available from manufacturer data at time of writing. Confirm operating pressure compatibility 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 flex hose lineup and can confirm the right size for your compressor\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 — size questions take about a minute to resolve\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOEM Quality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Castair factory-spec parts, not generic substitutes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFull Manufacturer Warranty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Backed by Castair's standard product warranty\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":53342609539285,"sku":"VA100","price":184.6,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8466\/0949\/files\/aaflex_e0281519-cebd-41cb-94d2-fd9800dd3bfa.png?v=1772652955","url":"https:\/\/aircompressorfactorydirect.com\/products\/castair-1npt-male-x-18-metal-flex-hose","provider":"Air Compressor Factory Direct","version":"1.0","type":"link"}