Camlock selector & buying guide

Find the right camlock fitting in under 30 seconds.

Tell us what you’re connecting. We’ll show you the exact fitting type—and where to buy it.

Female couplerMale adapter
Exploded camlock coupler and adapter
Locking armsGrooved connectionNPT thread
Fitting finder

What are you connecting?

Choose the connection already on your hose, pipe, or equipment.

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The alphabet, decoded

Camlock fitting types explained

The letter identifies the two ends on a fitting. Start with the connection you have, then choose whether you need a female coupler or male adapter.

Quick rule

Couplers have arms. Adapters have the groove. Same-size couplers and adapters lock together.

Sizing without guesswork

Use the hose or pipe size—not a ruler on the fitting.

Camlock sizes are nominal. A 2-inch camlock is selected for a 2-inch hose or 2-inch NPT connection even though its actual outside dimensions are different.

  1. For hose: use the hose’s inside diameter.
  2. For pipe thread: use the nominal NPT size.
  3. For an existing camlock: match the marked nominal size.
Shop fittings by size →
1"1¼"1½"2"
2"
Example

A 2" layflat hose normally takes a 2" Type C or Type E hose-shank fitting.

Common mistake

Measuring the male adapter’s outside diameter and treating that as the camlock size.

Material guide

Choose for the fluid, environment, and budget

Material is a separate decision from fitting type. Confirm pressure, temperature, chemical, and gasket compatibility for the actual application.

Polypropylene

Lightweight and economical. A practical choice for many water-transfer, agricultural, and compatible chemical applications.

Best starting point: value

Aluminum

Durable without excessive weight. Common for water transfer, pumps, irrigation, and general industrial service.

Best starting point: general use

316 stainless steel

Chosen when corrosion resistance, durability, cleanliness, or broader chemical compatibility matters.

Best starting point: demanding service

This guide helps identify connection geometry. Always verify the manufacturer’s pressure, temperature, media, and gasket ratings before putting a fitting into service.

Troubleshooting

Common camlock questions

How do I know what size camlock fitting I need?+

Match the nominal size to the hose inside diameter or nominal NPT pipe size. Do not size the fitting by its outside diameter.

Do male and female camlocks use the same size?+

Yes. A male adapter and female coupler connect when both have the same nominal camlock size.

Why is my camlock leaking at the connection?+

Check that the gasket is present, clean, undamaged, and compatible with the fluid. Make sure the adapter is fully seated and both arms are closed evenly.

Why is a threaded camlock leaking?+

Confirm that both sides use compatible NPT threads, inspect for damage, and use the appropriate thread sealant for the application.

Can I mix camlock materials?+

Sometimes, but the whole assembly is limited by its least compatible material, gasket, pressure rating, and temperature rating. Verify the complete system.

What are DC and DP fittings?+

DC is a female dust cap for a male adapter. DP is a male dust plug for a female coupler. They close unused ends; confirm whether they are rated for pressure in your application.

Ready to connect?

Know the type. Get the fitting.

Shop poly, aluminum, and 316 stainless camlocks in the most-used sizes.

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