1/4 Inch Hydraulic Hose | Sizes, Models & Specifications

At just 6.2–7.0 mm bore, 1/4 inch hydraulic hose is one of the smaller sizes YIBO offers. It is a common choice wherever flow demand is low but routing space is tight — pilot lines, steering circuits, gauge connections and small hydraulic tools.

1/4 Inch Hydraulic Hose: Pressure Rating by Construction

1SNBraided, 1 wire22.5 MPa (225 bar)2SNBraided, 2 wire27.5 MPa (275 bar)4SPSpiral, 4 wire45.0 MPa (450 bar)

Three constructions are produced in the 1/4 inch bore. Working pressure is the continuous rating at 30–60 °C with mineral oil; burst pressure is the minimum before rupture (typically 4× working pressure).

Nominal bore 6.2–7.0 mm, outside diameter 14.1 mm (1SN), minimum bend radius 100 mm, weight 0.22 kg/m (1SN).

Where 1/4 Inch Hydraulic Hose Is Used

• Automotive steering and brake circuits — Power steering return and pressure lines on passenger cars and light trucks, where the hose has to snake past the engine mount without kinking.
• Pilot and control lines on mobile equipment — Joystick, pilot and signal lines on excavators and telehandlers. Flow is only a few litres per minute, so pressure drop stays negligible even at this bore.
• Hydraulic hand tools and jacks — Porta-power rams, torque wrenches, crimping tools and body-shop jacks — 1/4 inch keeps the tool light and the hose easy to coil.
• Lubrication and gauge lines — Central lubrication systems, pressure gauges and test points where the hose carries signal rather than power.

How to Choose the Right Construction

For pilot and gauge lines, 1SN is enough and keeps the bend radius at 100 mm. Move to 2SN when the line also carries working pressure on a machine that sees continuous cycling — the two-wire braid roughly doubles the impulse life. Choose 4SP when 45 MPa is genuinely required at this bore; at 1/4 inch the four-spiral construction is stiff enough that tight routing becomes difficult.

Fittings for 1/4 Inch Hose

1/4 inch hose is normally crimped with JIC 37° (7/16-20), BSPP (1/4"), ORFS (9/16-18) or DIN 24° cone fittings. For pilot lines on European machinery, DIN 24° light series is the usual match.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the outside diameter of a 1/4 inch hydraulic hose?

Around 14.1 mm for 1SN and 15.5 mm for 2SN. Allow 20–25 mm of clearance around the hose when planning a route through a tight chassis.

Can I use 1/4 inch hose for a return line?

Mainly for low flow. Above roughly 8 L/min the velocity and pressure drop become excessive; step up to 3/8 inch instead.

What is the burst pressure of 1/4 inch 1SN hose?

90 MPa, four times the 22.5 MPa working pressure, which is the SAE 100R1AT minimum.

Tell us the working pressure, flow rate, fluid and fitting type, and YIBO will confirm the exact model, bend radius and lead time for your 1/4 inch hose. Samples are available for approval before volume production.