Flared vs Flareless Tube Connections, Which Should You Choose?

When connecting tubing to other components in a hydraulic system, engineers have two primary options, flared connections or flareless connections. Flared connections require physically flaring the end of the tubing, creating a 37 degree cone that seals directly against a compatible fitting. These systems are commonly paired with JIC flare fittings, such as Titan’s stainless steel 37° JIC adapters, which are designed for high pressure and vibration environments.

Flareless connections, by contrast, do not require the tubing to be flared at all. Instead, the installer simply inserts the tubing into the body of the fitting. A compression sleeve or bite ring grips the tubing as the threaded nut is tightened. This style is ideal for fast installation and repeatability. Titan carries several flareless options, including stainless steel ORB (O-Ring Boss) adapters and BSPP compression-style adapters designed for leak-free sealing.

Choosing between flared and flareless connections comes down to your system’s pressure rating, installation environment, and required maintenance intervals. Flared systems are a top choice for rugged, high pressure hydraulic circuits, while flareless fittings offer ease of assembly and consistent sealing for tight installation spaces. No matter the application, Titan Fittings stocks both stainless and carbon steel options with industry-leading availability including JIC flare fittings, ORB adapters, and complete tubing solutions. Explore Titan’s full collection of hydraulic tube fittings to find the right connection for your build.