A nipple is a short, straight connector hose fitting, typically with male threaded ends. Hose nipples, made from tubular stock, are made to fit straight end hose. They almost always have a male NPT thread. A combination of nipples are recommended for low-pressure discharge and suction service for compatible liquids (not for compressible products such as air, nitrogen or steam).

The working pressure of combination nipples will vary with the size and construction of the hose, the type and number of clamps used, clamp placement, proper installation of clamps, temperature and product being conveyed.

Single Nipple Hose End:
Single nipple hose ends were primarily used with early type heavy-wall flexible hose. Generally speaking, this is much like heavy duty hydraulic hose, and by nature, it is heavy. Further to this, some single nipple hose end designs tend to blow off the end of the hose,especially if a thin-wall hose is incorporated. Well designed single nipple hose ends are engineered to eliminate this phenomenon and they've become one of the standards of the racing industry.

Double Nipple Hose End:
This is the common "cutter" hose end. It uses a double nipple which has two separate parts. In practice, the nipple tube slips inside the hose. But further up the assembly is another nipple or cutter. The pair of nipples (one being a cutter) act as two separate seals on the hose end. This eliminates any blow-off, especially if a lightweight hose is used in the system. If there is a knock on double nipple hose ends, it's the fact that it tends to chew up the hose during assembly.

Some of the popular hose nipple are:

Male Hose Nipple
These hose fittings assure the user of a tight fitting connection with excellent sealing characteristics, maximum flow, low profile and superior performance when used with clamping systems.

Female Swivel Hose fittings
In this design, nut end has conical seat to seal with the Male Hose Nipple. The large diameter hole provides for maximum flow. A machined steel mender is there to repair leaking hose quickly and easily.

Tri-Lokt Hose Nipple
The exclusive design of the Tri-Lokt Hose Nipple is the answer for heavy duty industrial hose applications including single and double wire braid hose. It is designed for higher pressure hose applications and is mostly manufactured in stainless steel (with stainless steel tie strips for superior corrosion resistance).

Swaged Hose Nipple
These hose fittings in shank design have extra length and larger ribs to five swaged nipples superior holding power. All swaged nipples have National Pipe Threads.

Full Flow Hose Nipple and Hose Nipple Pushers
Full Flow Tri-Lokt Nipples are used for concrete placement hose, plaster spray, grouting hose and other applications needing full flow and reduced abrasion within the nipple. These minimize the downtime and save money by making up full flow hose assemblies. These nipples are heat treated for longer life.