However, a leaking hose or fitting can spell trouble. That's why engineers from Eaton Aeroquip, Maumee, Ohio, designed an all-in-one assembly kit called the E-Z Clip System.

As the name implies, this fitting system is designed for simplicity and reliably and uses just three components: Multirefrigerant veneer hose, a clip nipple with HNBR O-rings on the nipple's outer diameter, and a retention system that uses a clip and a cage combination to simulate the crimping action of a traditional hose socket.

Assembly is said to be easy. Simply cut the hose to length using a special handheld tool, slip on two clips, oil the nipple, and insert it into the hose. Then, snap the cage into the groove on the nipple, slide the clips over the cage and into the channels, and close the clips using pliers.

The E-Z Clip system exceeds SAE J2064 coupling integrity standards and has passed severe vibration testing. It can be used in commercial refrigeration systems, construction equipment, and truck air-conditioning systems.

After cutting the hose to length, slip two clips on to the hose end, lubricate the nipple with a generous amount of refrigeration or A/C system compressor oil, and insert it into the hose.
Snap the cage into the groove on the nipple and then slide the clips over the cage arms and into the channels.
Use pliers to close the clips. The pliers should sit squarely on the clip connection points.