Identify NPT, JIC, ORB, BSPP Hydraulic Fittings Fast

Justin Kovac

NPT, JIC, ORB, BSPP: The fast way to identify your hydraulic fittings

Spring maintenance moves fast. A wrong fitting can halt a shift and cost you a day. This field guide shows you the quickest way to sort tapered vs straight threads, read seat geometry, choose sealants, and grab the right adapters on your first trip.


Bring a sample or clear photo. We will match it at the counter. Canada-wide shipping available if you are on the road.

Start here: tapered vs straight

First, decide whether the thread seals at the threads or at a seat or O-ring.


  • Tapered threads (NPT or NPTF) get tighter as they engage. The crest-to-crest gap closes toward the shoulder. These seal on the threads and require sealant.

  • Straight threads (JIC, ORB, ORFS, BSPP) run parallel and do not seal on the threads. They seal at a metal flare, an O-ring boss, a face O-ring, or a bonded washer.


Tip: put a straight edge against the thread. If you see daylight widening toward the tip, it is tapered. If sides run parallel, it is straight.

Seat geometry and what it tells you

Once you know tapered or straight, look at the nose and mating seat.


  • JIC 37 degree flare (also called SAE 37 degree): male has a 37 degree cone. Female has a matching cone seat. Seal is metal-to-metal at the flare. Common on hoses and tube ends. What does JIC stand for? Joint Industry Council.

  • ORB (O-ring boss): straight male thread seals with an O-ring under the hex into a female port counterbore. No flare.

  • ORFS (O-ring face seal): flat face on the male with an O-ring captured in a groove; female has a flat face. Excellent leak resistance under vibration.

  • BSPP (British Standard Pipe Parallel): straight thread. Often seals with a bonded washer at the face against a flat spot or under a captive seat. Common on European and offshore equipment.

  • NPT vs NPTF: both are tapered. NPTF has a dryseal form that controls crest and root for a tighter interference. In hydraulics, use the correct sealant, do not mix and match blindly.


Seat clues:


  • Visible cone seat? Likely JIC 37 degree.

  • O-ring under the male hex and a smooth boss in the port? ORB.

  • O-ring in the face groove and flat mating faces? ORFS.

  • Flat face with room for a bonded washer on a parallel thread? BSPP.

  • No seat and a taper that binds early? NPT or NPTF.

NPT vs JIC in one minute

  • NPT is tapered and seals on the threads with sealant. It is a pipe thread. You do not bottom a JIC nut onto it, and you never rely on a flare to seal an NPT port.

  • JIC is straight with a 37 degree flare that seals metal-to-metal. No thread sealant is used on the flare. JIC sizes align with dash sizes (-04, -06) and tubing.

  • Performance note: JIC is typically more serviceable and reusable; NPT is more sensitive to over-torque and thread damage.

JIC vs SAE, cleared up

In fittings conversations, SAE can refer to SAE straight-thread O-ring boss ports. ORB is the accurate term. JIC means SAE 37 degree flare. To tell them apart in the field:


  • JIC shows a cone seat on the mating faces.

  • ORB has a straight male thread with an O-ring under the hex, no cone. If someone says SAE and points to a boss port with an O-ring under the head, they mean ORB.

Quick thread pitch and size checks

Grab calipers and a thread gauge. Work methodically.


  • Measure outside diameter of male threads. Record in inches or millimetres.

  • Check pitch. For pipe threads, count threads per inch. For metric or BSP, measure pitch in mm.

  • Compare to a chart. BSPP can look like NPT until you measure pitch. Example: 1/4 BSPP is 19 TPI, while 1/4 NPT is 18 TPI.

  • Test a known nut or gauge if you have it. Never force a near-fit.


Pro tip: cone gauges make JIC 37 degree vs 45 degree flare obvious. We have cone and thread gauges at the counter. Bring your part.

Sealing choices that prevent call-backs

  • NPT and NPTF: use Loctite 567 liquid thread sealant for hydraulic service. It fills thread voids and resists vibration. Avoid excess PTFE tape on systems where shreds can migrate to valves.

  • JIC 37 degree: seal at the cone. Clean, undamaged faces are critical. For persistent seepage on older flares, JIC Flaretite coated seals can reinforce the seat.

  • ORB and ORFS: replace O-rings with the correct elastomer and hardness. Light oil on the O-ring helps seating. Do not use thread sealant on the straight threads.

  • BSPP: use a bonded washer at the face or an O-ring where the design calls for it. Do not add sealant unless the design specifies.

Common conversion adapters you will actually use

  • ORB male to NPT male straights for port conversions on pumps and valves.

  • ORFS to JIC when tying face-seal hose ends into existing 37 degree flare plumbing.

  • BSPP to JIC when integrating European cylinders to North American hose assemblies.

  • NPT female elbows and swivels to clean up tight spaces on legacy gear.


We stock JIC, NPT and NPTF, ORB and ORFS, BSPP, and DIN variants, plus straights, 45 degree and 90 degree hydraulic fittings. If you need a fast bridge, see our selection of hydraulic adapters and fittings. Bring the sample; we will match thread, seat, and material.

Field photo and measurement checklist

Before you leave the site:


  • Take a clear, square-on photo of the male thread and the mating seat.

  • Shoot the female port showing any counterbore or flat face.

  • Measure OD of male threads and record to 0.1 mm or 0.005 in.

  • Count TPI with a gauge or count over 1/2 in and double it. For metric, record pitch in mm.

  • Note sealing style seen in service: thread sealant residue, bonded washer, O-ring, or metal flare line.

  • Capture context: hose ID, pressure rating on the hose layline, and any clearance limits.


Text us the photos or bring the part to the shop. We will confirm on the bench and build the right solution.

When to reach for Loctite 567 vs bonded washers

  • Use Loctite 567 on tapered thread joints, NPT or NPTF, where the threads provide the seal. Apply a thin, even coat on clean, dry threads. Do not flood the first thread.

  • Use bonded washers on BSPP or other parallel face-sealing joints that are designed to compress a washer at a flat face. Do not add sealant to make up damage; replace worn washers and clean the face.

Fast answers to common questions

  • What are the different types of hydraulic fittings? The main field types are NPT and NPTF tapered pipe, JIC 37 degree flare, ORB and ORFS O-ring sealing straight threads, and BSPP parallel with bonded washer or O-ring face seal. You will also encounter DIN and metric tube forms on European equipment.

  • How do you determine fitting type quickly? Decide tapered vs straight, inspect the seat for a 37 degree flare, O-ring boss, O-ring face, or flat face for a washer, then measure OD and pitch with a gauge. Confirm with a known nut or port when possible.

  • What is JIC in hydraulic fittings? JIC stands for Joint Industry Council and refers to SAE 37 degree flare fittings that seal metal-to-metal at the cone.

  • What is the difference between NPT and JIC? NPT is a tapered pipe thread that seals on the threads with sealant. JIC is a straight-thread connection that seals at a 37 degree metal flare and does not use thread sealant on the sealing surfaces.

  • How do you tell JIC from SAE straight-thread ports? JIC shows a cone seat and uses a flare nut. SAE straight-thread port, known as ORB, has an O-ring under the male hex and a counterbored female port with no cone seat.

Stock and support at Island Hydrostatics

Peak season is busy. We carry a deep inventory across standards so you can walk out ready to install. If you are building or troubleshooting, we can also supply test and support items:


  • Need adapters across standards fast? See our range of hydraulic fittings and adapters on our site.

  • Setting up diagnostics? We stock hydraulic pressure gauges to help you verify settings and chase spikes.

  • Building or replacing lines? Our shop supports custom hydraulic hoses and high pressure hose options, including stainless steel braided hose for abrasion and tight routing.


Canada-wide shipping available. Prefer in-person? BRING A SAMPLE OR PHOTO. We will match it while you wait whenever stock allows.

Summary

Identify tapered vs straight, read the seat, then measure. With those three steps, you can separate NPT, JIC, ORB or ORFS, and BSPP in minutes. Use Loctite 567 on tapered threads, bonded washers on BSPP face seals, and consider Flaretite at stubborn JIC cone joints. When in doubt, bring the part. We will confirm thread, seat, and size and send you out with the correct adapter or hose end.


Call 250-951-2170 or visit Unit 55 - 1117 Industrial Way, Parksville, BC. Email service@islandhydrostatics.ca. BRING A SAMPLE OR PHOTO. CANADA-WIDE SHIPPING.


Links to help you get what you need: