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Description
Imperial Kwik-Coupler™ Hose Shut-Off Adapters turn old-school threading into a quick push-pull action for fast, no-spill service. Built for refrigeration and A/C techs who want quicker connects, safer disconnects, and tighter seals—too easy. They automatically depress the core and shut the hose when you pull away, so you’re not venting gas or oil.
Key Features & Trade Benefits
- Automatic core depression — depresses Schrader cores fully with no fiddly adjustments, so gauges read true and charging starts straight away.
- Push-pull open/close — couple the hose half and access-fitting half, then push to open and pull to close; faster, cleaner, and more positive sealing than threading.
- Built-in hose shut-off — retains line pressure when disconnected, letting you send high-side hose refrigerant back through the manifold to the low side—no waste, no puff of gas.
- No more messy discharges — prevents hazardous discharge of refrigerant and oil on disconnect, protecting you, the unit, and the customer’s site.
- Precise charging on small systems — makes metering a critical charge on minisplits and fridges a ripper, with less chance of over/under.
- Finger-safe in the cold — reduces “freezer-burn” fingers when popping lines on heat pumps in winter—fair dinkum helpful.
- Speeds service on hand-valve systems — separate core depressors in hose ends are no longer needed, cutting steps and call-backs.
Why This Product Matters
Real talk from the field: on a Brisbane townhouse rooftop in summer, we swapped a pair of threaded couplers for Kwik-Couplers and shaved minutes off every connect/disconnect. Pressure stayed in the hose, nothing vented, and the charge tweak on a tight R32 unit was spot-on. When you’re up a ladder in 40-degree heat, that’s a bloody good upgrade.
Browse compatible hoses and fittings in our Hoses & Couplings range for a complete setup.
Pro Tip
Before coupling, crack the manifold low-side valve slightly to equalise against the hose shut-off. You’ll avoid a sharp pressure jolt when you push to open, and the seal will last longer. No worries.
Compatibility & System Info
- Port sizes: 1/4″ SAE (Imperial 16-C straight, 17-C elbow) and 5/16″ SAE (Imperial 26-C straight, 27-C elbow).
- Typical refrigerants by port: 1/4″ commonly used on R22/R404A service ports; 5/16″ commonly used on R410A/R32 minisplits—check the service port size on the unit.
- Set option: Imperial 18-C set (matched pair for high/low).
Local Use in Australia
From Sydney high-rise split installs to Brisbane cold-room service, these couplers keep jobs tidy and compliant. The shut-off saves gas on every disconnect and makes stormy, wind-blown roof work a bit less of a juggle—she’ll be right.
What’s Included
- Option: 16-C — 1/4″ straight Kwik-Coupler (hose half)
- Option: 17-C — 1/4″ elbow Kwik-Coupler (hose half)
- Option: 26-C — 5/16″ straight Kwik-Coupler (hose half)
- Option: 27-C — 5/16″ elbow Kwik-Coupler (hose half)
- Option: 18-C — set of two (high & low) for full manifold hookup
Each unit arrives ready to use—no separate core depressor needed.
Specifications
Model | Port / Thread | Body Style | Operation | Construction |
---|---|---|---|---|
16-C | 1/4″ SAE flare | Straight | Push/pull; auto core depression; hose shut-off | Brass |
17-C | 1/4″ SAE flare | Elbow | Push/pull; auto core depression; hose shut-off | Brass |
26-C | 5/16″ SAE flare | Straight | Push/pull; auto core depression; hose shut-off | Brass |
27-C | 5/16″ SAE flare | Elbow | Push/pull; auto core depression; hose shut-off | Brass |
18-C | 1/4″ or 5/16″ (set) | Set: high & low | Push/pull; auto core depression; hose shut-off | Brass |
Specs and functional claims per Imperial manufacturer information.
Warranty & Returns
Backed by the manufacturer’s warranty. For delivery times, change-of-mind terms, and return steps, see our Shipping & Returns page (AU-wide couriers, tracking provided).
FAQs
Q: Do these stop refrigerant loss when I disconnect?
Yes—the built-in shut-off retains hose pressure so you can route charge back through the manifold instead of venting.
Q: Which model for R410A or R32 minisplits?
Most minisplits use 5/16″ service ports, so choose 27-C (elbow) or 26-C (straight). Always confirm port size on the unit.
Q: I still use 1/4″ ports on some kit—what’s my pick?
Go 16-C (straight) or 17-C (elbow) for 1/4″ Schrader ports.
Q: Can I remove a sticky core without dumping gas?
Pair your coupler with a proper valve core remover tool to swap cores under pressure safely.
Related Products
- Setting up a new manifold? This Imperial 90 cm Hose Set (1/4″ to 5/16″) keeps you covered across minisplits and older gear.
- Need the 5/16″ elbow for tight minisplits? See Imperial 27-C.
- Working straight off the gauge tree on R410A/R32? Check Imperial 26-C.