JIC Fitting Torque Chart (37° Flare) with FFWR
Manufacturer torque and flats-from-wrench-resistance values for JIC 37° fittings from -4 to -32, compared with the commonly published SAE J514 range.
Last updated October 30, 2026. Reference values; verify against manufacturer specifications.
JIC 37° flare fittings can be tightened by torque or by turning the nut a set number of flats after it first meets resistance. The tables on this page show the values that major manufacturers publish, side by side. They also explain why charts from different companies disagree. Use them to sanity-check a job, but treat your fitting maker's instructions as the final word.
The short answer
- For steel JIC fittings, manufacturers such as Parker recommend the flats-from-wrench-resistance (FFWR) method. Torque values are given as a reference.
- A typical -6 swivel takes about 1-1/2 flats (Parker's reference torque is 22 ft-lb, 30 N·m). A -8 takes about 1-1/2 flats (42 ft-lb, 57 N·m).
- Brass and aluminium need less torque than steel. Stainless steel needs slightly more, with lubricated threads.
- Different charts disagree by 10–25% in some sizes, because they assume different plating, lubrication and tolerances.
JIC torque chart: Parker reference values with FFWR
These values come from Parker's hose products catalog. They apply to steel JIC 37° (and SAE 45°) swivel nuts with zinc plating and trivalent chromate, assembled dry. Parker lists FFWR as the recommended method and the torque as a reference.
| Dash | Swivel nut FFWR (flats) | Reference torque (N·m) | Reference torque (ft-lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| -4 | 2 | 18 | 13 |
| -5 | 2 | 23 | 17 |
| -6 | 1-1/2 | 30 | 22 |
| -8 | 1-1/2 | 57 | 42 |
| -10 | 1-1/2 | 81 | 60 |
| -12 | 1-1/4 | 114 | 84 |
| -16 | 1 | 160 | 118 |
| -20 | 1 | 228 | 168 |
| -24 | 1 | 265 | 195 |
| -32 | 1 | 360 | 265 |
Source: Parker Hannifin Technical Catalog 4400, "Assembly Methods: JIC 37° and SAE 45° Flare". The FFWR column matches the swivel-nut values in Tameson's JIC assembly guide. Parker's FFWR cells for -16 to -32 were not legible in the catalog copy we checked, so those four values are taken from Tameson. Sizes -2, -3 and -14 are left out because only one source we checked lists them.
SAE J514 torque range vs manufacturer values
Many distributor charts list a minimum–maximum torque range by dash size, which they attribute to SAE J514. The range below appears in identical form in at least two independent charts. The N·m values are converted from ft-lb at 1.3558 and rounded. Pressure Connections Corp, which publishes the same range, states that its values are for threads lubricated with 10W hydraulic oil.
| Dash | Torque range (ft-lb) | Torque range (N·m, converted) | Parker reference (ft-lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| -4 | 11–12 | 15–16 | 13 |
| -5 | 14–15 | 19–20 | 17 |
| -6 | 18–20 | 24–27 | 22 |
| -8 | 36–39 | 49–53 | 42 |
| -10 | 57–63 | 77–85 | 60 |
| -12 | 79–88 | 107–119 | 84 |
| -16 | 108–113 | 146–153 | 118 |
| -20 | 127–133 | 172–180 | 168 |
| -24 | 158–167 | 214–226 | 195 |
| -32 | 245–258 | 332–350 | 265 |
The range values are lower than Parker's reference in most sizes, for example 36–39 ft-lb vs 42 ft-lb at -8. Both are published for steel fittings. The difference comes mostly from the assumed friction: plating, thread finish and whether the threads are lubricated all change how much of the torque actually clamps the seat.
FFWR: tube nut vs swivel nut
A flared tube connection and a hose swivel connection of the same dash size do not always take the same number of flats. Flared tube connections take the same or more flats than swivel nuts, especially in the small and middle sizes.
| Dash | Flared tube nut (flats) | Hose swivel nut (flats) |
|---|---|---|
| -4 | 2-1/2 | 2 |
| -5 | 2 | 2 |
| -6 | 2 | 1-1/2 |
| -8 | 2 | 1-1/2 |
| -10 | 1-1/2 | 1-1/2 |
| -12 | 1-1/2 | 1-1/4 |
| -14 | 1-1/2 | 1-1/4 |
| -16 | 1-1/2 | 1 |
| -20 | 1 | 1 |
| -24 | 1 | 1 |
| -32 | 1 | 1 |
Tube and swivel FFWR values as published in Tameson's JIC assembly guide. The swivel column matches Parker Catalog 4400 from -4 to -12. Another distributor chart (Hose and Fittings) lists fewer flats in several sizes, for example 1-1/2 tube and 1-1/4 swivel flats on a -6, and 1 swivel flat on a -8. Both sources give tube nuts the same number of flats as swivel nuts, or more. One flat is one-sixth of a turn (60°).
How to tighten a JIC fitting with FFWR
- Check that the threads and the 37° seats are clean, undamaged and the same angle. Do not use thread tape or sealant.
- Lubricate the threads lightly if your fitting maker calls for it (stainless steel usually needs it).
- Screw the nut on by hand, then snug it with a wrench until you feel the resistance rise sharply. This is "wrench resistance", where the seats meet.
- Mark a line across the nut and the fitting body.
- Turn the nut the number of flats in the table, counting the hex flats from your mark. Hold the fitting body with a backup wrench so the hose or tube does not twist.
- Check that the line on the hose is straight, then pressure-test before putting the system into service.
The full method, with common errors, is covered in common JIC fitting mistakes and FFWR basics.
Material adjustments
All the tables above are for plated steel. For other materials, manufacturers adjust the values:
- Brass: Parker uses 65% of the steel torque value. Tompkins reduces torque by about one-third for brass and aluminium, which works out to almost the same value.
- Aluminium (common in AN motorsport fittings): use the fitting maker's own chart. Aluminium seats are soft, and over-tightening flattens the cone. See JIC vs AN fittings for how AN parts differ.
- Stainless steel and Monel: Parker uses about 5% higher than steel, with lubricated threads to prevent galling.
- Dissimilar metals: use the value for the lower-rated (softer) metal, for example a brass nut on a steel adapter.
Why JIC torque charts disagree
If you compare charts online, the numbers for the same size can differ quite a bit. Here is a -8 example:
| Source | Value for -8 | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Parker Catalog 4400 | 42 ft-lb (57 N·m), 1-1/2 flats | FFWR first; torque is reference |
| SAE J514 range (as published by distributors) | 36–39 ft-lb (49–53 N·m) | Torque range |
| Hose and Fittings JIC assembly chart | 43–47 ft-lb (58–64 N·m), 1-1/2 flats | Torque range plus flats |
| Another online chart | 34–38 ft-lb (46–52 N·m) | Torque range, no source given |
There are several reasons:
- Friction assumptions. Torque is an indirect measure of clamp force. Tompkins notes that its torque values are based on a defined thread friction coefficient (it cites SAE J2593). A different plating or a drop of oil changes the clamp force you get from the same torque.
- Component design. Each maker sets values for its own nuts, sleeves and plating. Parker states that its values apply to Parker components.
- Tube vs hose. Some charts are for flared tube, some for hose swivels, and some do not say which.
- Units and copying errors. Some web charts give no source or mix in-lb and ft-lb. Always check the unit before applying a value.
The FFWR method avoids most of these problems, because it measures rotation after the seats meet rather than torque on the thread.
Other connection types
O-ring face seal fittings use their own, different values. The JIC vs ORFS page compares Parker's ORFS torque with the JIC values above. ORB ports and tapered pipe threads are tightened differently again. Check which connection you have with the JIC identification guide before you pick a torque.
If a joint still leaks after it was tightened to these values, see JIC fitting leaking for the usual causes. Working pressures by size are on the JIC pressure rating page.
References
Parker Hannifin Technical Catalog 4400 (JIC/SAE 45° assembly methods); Tameson JIC fittings assembly guide; Tompkins Industries assembly and torque guidance; distributor SAE J514 torque range tables (Pulsar Hydraulics; Pressure Connections Corp 37° JIC catalog); Hose and Fittings JIC assembly chart. Values are reference only and apply to specific manufacturers' components. Always use your fitting manufacturer's instructions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the torque for a -6 JIC fitting?
Parker lists a reference torque of 30 N·m (22 ft-lb) for a steel -6 JIC swivel nut, with 1-1/2 flats from wrench resistance as the recommended method. Distributor SAE J514 range charts list 18–20 ft-lb. Use your fitting maker's value.
What is the torque for a -8 JIC fitting?
Parker's reference value for a steel -8 JIC swivel is 57 N·m (42 ft-lb), or 1-1/2 flats from wrench resistance. Commonly published SAE J514 ranges list 36–39 ft-lb.
Is FFWR better than torque for JIC fittings?
Parker recommends FFWR for steel JIC flare fittings because counting flats after the seats meet depends less on plating, lubrication and thread condition than a torque reading does.
How much is one flat on a JIC nut?
A hex nut has six flats, so one flat is one-sixth of a turn, or 60 degrees.
Should I lubricate JIC threads before torquing?
Follow the fitting maker's instructions. Parker's steel values are for dry, plated threads, while its stainless steel values assume lubricated threads to prevent galling.
Why do JIC torque charts give different numbers?
Each chart assumes different materials, plating, friction and components, and some do not say whether they are for tube or hose. This is why manufacturers prefer the FFWR method and why their own values take priority.