5/16 Quick Connectors

[Bruce L]

Any recommendations on quick connectors for the lateral lines,do's and don'ts..While it is still too cold up here for sap,we are changing lines,installing saddles,shortening lines,which will involve going across access roads for wood to avoid running a longer distance to another mainline.

[Scribner's Mountain Maple]

I don't use quick connectors for 5/16. Actually I didn't know they existed... I do use end of line hooks so I can unhook line when not in use and just roll it up. I then zip tie to main line to a tree. I have several lateral lines that cross my road that I just roll back at end of each year.

[briansickler]

I've seen them in the Leader catalog but have no experience with them. Here they are.

http://www.leaderevaporator.com/p-49-516-plastic-quick-disconnect-for-lateral-line-tubing.aspx

Brian

[jasonl6]

I have 2 of these in use. They work but they seem kind of week, Always worry about them falling apart during the season. I use a wire tire around them after they are together to make sure they don't come apart. I now use the lapirre slide fittings and role the line up if needed.

Jason

[unc23win]

I think if I were going to use a fitting so that I could take my lateral line down in order to access the woods for other purposes I would either use the Lapierre Slide Fitting with a hook https://www.bascommaple.com/category/lapierre_fittings/tubing_fittings/ or the IPL End of the Line Hook or End of the line Cap https://www.bascommaple.com/category/ipl_fittings/tubing_fittings/

The connector you showed have been around for a while they work, but the downside I see is once they are in place in order to take up the slack when you put the line back up you would have to cut some line out while with the other choices you can adjust tension.

[mapleack]

If you put enough tension on the line they're in they will begin to leak vac after two to three years. They simply aren't strong enough of a design to withstand really tight laterals. I had two left in this year, they both leaked the first week and I replaced them with standard couplers. If I need through that trail I'll install end hooks and roll up the whole line.

[Bruce L]

Thanks everyone,looks like I'll go with hooks at the end of the lines to rol them up instead of more vacuum leaks.

[ennismaple]

We do this with a few lines that cross a cottage road Bruce. It's the best alternative.