Been wondering what the - stands for in the size of braided hose. Am I right that the smaller the number the bigger the hose? -6 being bigger than -8?
Thnaks, Jim

 

For the nominal outside diameter of the hose, take the dash number and divide by 16. So -8 is about 1/2" in outside diameter.

 

Thanks.

 

This sizing structure was devised by the Army & Navy, for use in war times(beginning of WW ll, I believe) so replacement parts(hoses, fittings, etc...) could be identified & standardized, for replacement & servicability to equipment in the field. AN flare fittings(Army-Navy) & Dash Size hose included. There was no standard anything prior to this. -4 is 1/4" I.D., -5 is 5/16" I.D., -6 is 3/8" I.D., -8 is 1/2" I.D., -10 is 5/8" I.D., etc...The U.S. government also devised/standardized the nut & bolt sizing we use today. SAE(Society of Automotive Engineers) nut & bolt sizing are additional sizes added at a time in history when the automobile called for standardization of fasteners/fittings. Hope this helps. Gar

 

Hence the AN prefix....

 

Nice piece of information! I'd not heard about the origin of the AN designation and had often wondered. Thanks. Jim