Hose Nipples (KC) | King Nipple / King Combination Nipple (No Hex)
SUNHY supplies KC nipples—also known as King nipples or King combination nipples—for pipe-to-hose connections in serviceable hose assemblies. These fittings are used as a threaded to barb adapter when a project needs a simple transition from threaded pipe to a flexible hose line.
KC nipples feature a round body design (no hex) with a male thread on one end and a hose shank/barb on the other. We support common NPT hose barb requirements and can provide stainless steel (SS304/SS316) as well as plated steel, brass, aluminum, or PP options depending on the service media and environment.
- Pipe-to-hose transition, quick setup
- No-hex body, compact profile
- Strong hose grip, stable shank
- Easy field service, simple replacement
- Multiple materials, application ready
- Docs available, per project spec
Specification & Standard
Product
KC Nipple / King Nipple / King Combination Nipple / Threaded Hose Nipple
Body Style
Round body design (No Hex); hex hose nipple available on request (if needed)
Materials
Stainless steel (SS304 / SS316)
Plated steel / carbon steel / black iron
Brass / aluminum / polypropylene (PP) on request
Documentation & Inspection
Dimensional inspection; material certification for stainless available upon request; inspection level as specified
Connection
Male thread × hose shank/barb (threaded to barb adapter)
Thread Standard
NPT (common) / BSP / BSPT available on request
Size
Thread size + hose size (e.g., 2″ NPT × 2″ hose) as specified
Application Range
General low-pressure hose lines (suction/discharge) – selection per service requirement
KC Nipples (King Combination) for Pipe-to-Hose Connections
A KC nipple (also called King nipple or combination nipple) is a practical pipe to hose fitting used to connect a threaded pipe outlet to a flexible hose. It functions as a threaded to barb adapter for serviceable hose assemblies.
What Makes a King Nipple Different
- Round body design (No Hex): compact profile; typically installed using a pipe wrench rather than a hex wrench.
- Male thread to hose shank: one end screws into a threaded port, the other inserts into hose ID for clamp connection.
- Common uses: suction hose nipple and discharge hose nipple setups in general service applications.
Common Search Terms (Procurement)
- KC nipple / King nipple
- Threaded hose nipple
- NPT hose barb
- Male hose barb (male thread × hose shank)
Selection Guide: KC (King) Nipple vs Hex Hose Nipple
Buyers often compare hex hose nipples and king nipples. The main difference is tool access: a king nipple has a round body (no hex), while a hex hose nipple includes wrench flats for easier tightening.
- King Nipple (KC): round body design (no hex), compact and widely used for hose assemblies.
- Hex Hose Nipple: has hex flats for wrench tightening; chosen when tool clearance is limited or higher make-up control is preferred.
Ordering Checklist (BOM-Ready)
| Item | What to Specify | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Product | KC nipple / threaded hose nipple | King nipple (no-hex) |
| Thread | Thread standard and size | 2" NPT |
| Hose Size | Hose ID / shank size | 2" hose |
| Material | Based on media & environment | SS316 for corrosion-prone service |
| Service | Suction / discharge / general | Suction hose nipple |
| Clamping | Clamp method | Hose clamp / safety clamp (as required) |
Tip: Always specify both ends—thread size/standard and hose size—to avoid mismatched take-offs.
Product Assembly | How to Use a KC (King) Hose Nipple
A KC nipple is typically installed by threading the male end into a port and inserting the hose over the shank, then securing with an appropriate clamp. Final procedures should follow your site safety requirements and project specification.
Recommended Installation Steps
- Confirm compatibility — verify thread standard (NPT/BSP/BSPT) and hose ID match the selected KC nipple.
- Thread make-up — apply suitable sealant/tape per spec and tighten using appropriate tooling (round body/no-hex).
- Hose insertion — push hose fully onto the shank to the required engagement length.
- Clamp securely — use clamps suitable for suction/discharge service; double-clamp if required by the site practice.
- Test and inspect — perform leak/pressure checks per project requirement before operation.
Note: Material selection (stainless/plated steel/brass/PP) should match media compatibility, corrosion exposure, and expected service life.
Related Products
FAQ
What is a KC nipple (King nipple)?
A King Combination (KC) Nipple, often called a King Nipple, is a heavy-duty transition fitting used to connect a flexible hose to rigid pipes, valves, or equipment. It features a specific design with Male NPT threads on one end and a barbed hose shank on the other.
Primary Use: Low-pressure liquid suction and discharge (e.g., water, slurries, industrial waste).
Construction: Unlike standard connectors cast from molds, KC Nipples are typically manufactured from tubular steel pipe, providing a consistent internal diameter for smooth flow.
⚠️ Critical Safety Warning: KC Nipples are strictly for low-pressure liquids. They must NEVER be used for steam, compressed air, or gaseous service. The risk of “coupling blow-off” (the fitting detaching from the hose) in these compressible fluid applications can cause fatal injuries.
What does “no-hex" mean for a King nipple?
“No-Hex” refers to the body shape of the fitting. Unlike standard hose barbs which have a hexagonal nut section for a wrench, a KC Nipple has a round, tubular body.
Why No-Hex? Because KC Nipples are often made from pipe stock (welded or seamless) rather than cast, they lack the integrated hex nut. This design maximizes the internal bore size, reducing turbulence and flow restriction.
Installation Note: Because there is no hex surface, you cannot use an adjustable wrench or open-end wrench. You must use a Pipe Wrench (Stillson Wrench) to grip the round shank during installation.
Do you offer NPT hose barb / threaded to barb adapters?
Yes. The standard configuration for a King Combination Nipple is Male NPT (National Pipe Taper) to Hose Barb. This ensures compatibility with the majority of North American industrial valves and pumps.
NPT Standards: The threads conform to ANSI/ASME B1.20.1, utilizing a 60° thread angle and a tapered design to create a seal via thread deformation.
BSP Options: For international equipment, verify if you need BSPT (British Standard Pipe Taper). NPT and BSPT are not compatible due to different thread angles (60° vs 55°).
Which materials are available for hose nipples?
Material selection is critical for preventing corrosion and ensuring safety. The most common options include:
Plated Steel: The industry standard for general-purpose water and irrigation. The zinc plating provides rust resistance.
Unplated (Black) Steel: Essential if you intend to weld the nipple directly to a tank or pipe. Welding plated steel creates toxic fumes; use Black Steel for these applications.
Stainless Steel 316: The premium choice for corrosive environments, chemical transfer, and saltwater. It contains molybdenum to resist pitting.
Stainless Steel 304: An economical alternative for food service and mild corrosion resistance.
Note on Potable Water: If used for drinking water, ensure the fitting is certified “Lead-Free” to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act.
How do l order the correct KC nipple size?
Ordering requires understanding Nominal Pipe Size (NPS), which refers to the bore size, not the outer physical measurement.
Hose ID: The barb size should match the Inside Diameter (ID) of your hose. A 2″ KC Nipple fits a 2″ ID hose.
Thread Size: A 2″ KC Nipple will also have a 2″ NPT thread.
Jump Sizes: If your hose size and pipe port size are different (e.g., a 2″ Hose connecting to a 3″ Pipe), ask for a “Jump Size” King Nipple to avoid using extra bushings, which can introduce leak points.