---
title: Different Materials and Configurations of Push-to-Connect Fittings
description: What are the different materials, styles, and configurations that make up push-to-connect fittings? Learn about the two types - composite and brass.
---

[Brennan Industries Blog](https://blog.brennaninc.com)

# [Different Materials and Configurations of Push-to-Connect Fittings](https://blog.brennaninc.com/different-materials-and-configurations-of-push-to-connect-fittings)

 Written by [Ally Pulskamp](https://blog.brennaninc.com/author/ally-pulskamp) | March 25, 2021

Different Materials

There are two types of push-to-connect fitting materials commonly used; composite and brass.

Composite

The development of composite body push-to-connect fittings has provided a significant advancement over their brass counterpart. Though brass is still a common material, the polymer body and brass screw threads in a composite fitting are extremely durable and provide labor- savings, lighter weight and lower cost compared to brass push-to-connect fittings.

Typically composite push-to-connect fittings are approximately 43% lighter than the same brass fitting size. Considering there are about 60 to 100 D.O.T. fittings used on a tractor-trailer the weight savings is around 7 to 9 pounds per vehicle. This may not seem like much for one truck, yet it adds up when dealing with a large fleet. Especially considering that even the smallest reduction in weight can provide significant fuel efficiency and payload potential across an entire the fleet.

Brass

Brass body D.O.T push-to-connect fittings are a major improvement over the use of the legacy [brass compression fitting](https://brennaninc.com/product-category/brass-fittings/). Like a composite body fitting, they reduce installation time and complexity, and still meet or exceed the performance of brass compression fittings. The internal collet and O-ring seal provides a comparatively leak-free assembly without the need for additional tools. And brass fittings do not corrode, rust or become brittle in cold temperatures. Like composite fittings, [brass push-to-connect fittings](https://brennaninc.com/product-category/push-to-connect-pcdt-b/)are also quick and easy to assemble, reducing labor costs.

 

Different Styles and Configurations

The styles and configurations of push-to-connect fittings are typical to the configuration of compression fittings, which include:

- Bulkhead Fittings
- Elbow Fittings
- Straight Fittings
- Tee Fittings
- Tube to NPT Fittings
- Union Fittings
- Y Fittings 

Most of the above are available with push-to-connect at one or more ports and male or female NPT end connections the other port(s). 

Specifications for D.O.T. & SAE Compliant Fittings

 

This blog is an excerpt from our whitepaper, D.O.T. Push-to-Connect Fittings: Safety on Our Highways. Click the link below to download your free whitepaper! 

Primary Sources:

- [Bendix](https://www.bendix.com/en/)
- [Fleet Equipment Magazine](https://www.fleetequipmentmag.com/push-to-connect-fittings-trucks-trailers/)
- [Fleet Owner](https://www.fleetowner.com/resource-center/regulations/article/21659678/trucktractor-braking-rules-cut-stopping-distance#:~:text=Jul%2027%2C%202009-,The%20National%20Highway%20Traffic%20Safety%20Administration%20(NHTSA)%20has%20finally%20issued,a%20reducti)
- [InfoSpace Holdings](https://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/brakes/brake-types/air-brake.htm)
- [KNILT](https://knilt.arcc.albany.edu/Unit_2:_Air_Brakes_in_Commercial_Vehicles)
- [Nurenberg ● Paris](https://www.nphm.com/blog/truck-accident/understanding-air-brakes-work-commercial-motor-vehicle-cmv/#:~:text=Air%20brakes%20are%20likely%20the,to%20slow%20the%20wheel%20down)
- [Ontario Ministry of Transportation](https://www.ontario.ca/document/official-ministry-transportation-mto-drivers-handbook/foundation-brakes#:~:text=The%20brake%2Dassembly%20components%20at,by%20the%20air%20brake%20system)
- [TGA Truck Driving School](https://www.catruckschool.com/cdltraining/onlinetraining/airbrakesOUT.html#:~:text=DO%20NOT%20rely%20on%20the%20sound%20of%20the%20air%20pressure%20spitting%20out.&text=The%20air%20governor%20should%20cut,it%20is%20a%20good%20test.)

 

   

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