---
title: "Parker D.O.T. Fittings: Compression vs. Push-to-Connect"
description: Learn when to use compression style and when to use push-to-connect transportation (D.O.T.) fittings. Links to related articles.
---

[Industry News & Information Blog by Motion & Flow Control Products ](https://www.mfcp.com/blog)

# [Parker D.O.T. Fittings: Compression vs. Push-to-Connect](https://www.mfcp.com/blog/parker-d-o-t-fittings-compression-vs-push-to-connect)

 Written by [Marek Bobik](https://www.mfcp.com/blog/author/marek-bobik-gravitar) | Tue, Jun 28, 2011 @ 11:58 PM

In most transportation applications there are clear advantages to using D.O.T. approved push-to-connect fittings over compression fittings.

While push-to-connect fittings typically cost more than compression fittings, quicker installation, less maintenance and less chance for leakage can make up for a higher purchase price. Additionally, the compact design of push-to-connect fittings is ideal for precise positioning in tight places.

Compression fittings are available in more sizes and configurations than push-to-connect fittings. Some compression fittings can support a higher PSI rating than their push-to-connect counterparts.

Compression fittings also require the use of tools to install, whereas push-to-connect fittings can be easily installed or removed without using tools, minimizing the chance of damaging equipment.

The nut on a compression fitting must be tightened correctly in order to create a seal and guard against leakage. With push-to-connect fittings, there are no compression nuts that need to be tightened. Simply pushing the fitting onto the hose or tube creates a leak free seal.

Compression fittings sometimes need to be retightened to prevent or to halt leaks. Push-to-connect fittings typically do not need readjusting in order to remain leak free.

**When deciding which transportation fitting is right for your vehicle you must take into consideration:**

- Pounds per square inch (PSI) pressure requirements
- Thread type needed
- Type of tube or hose that you are connecting the fitting to

Also refer to your owner’s manual for your specific application.

For a clear comparison of the transportation fittings reviewed in our prior blog posts “[Selecting a Parker D.O.T. Approved Push-to-Connect Air Brake Fitting](https://www.hoseandfittingsetc.com/our-blog/bid/60144/Selecting-a-Parker-D-O-T-Approved-Push-to-Connect-Air-Brake-Fitting)” and “[Choosing Compression Transportation Tube & Hose Fittings](https://www.hoseandfittingsetc.com/our-blog/bid/60058/Choosing-Compression-Style-Transportation-Tube-Hose-Fittings),” please refer to the table below.

| **Transportation Fitting Name** | ***Transportation Fitting Type** | **Thread Type Available** | **Pressure (PSI)** | **Tubing or Hose Type** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| NTA | Compression | Straight Thread & Pipe    | Up to 150 | SAE J844 Type A & B Tubing |
| Transmission | Compression | Pipe only | Up to 150  | SAE J844 Type A & B Tubing |
| AB | Compression | Straight Thread & Pipe  | Up to 400 | SAE J844 Type A & B, Copper, Nylon w/ Tube Support |
| Air Brake Hose Ends | Compression | Straight Thread & Pipe | Up to 225 | Parker 271 Hose |
| Vibra-Lok  | Compression | Straight Thread & Pipe | 100 to 1000 - depending on size & vibration | Copper, Aluminum, Steel (Bundy), Stainless Steel & Glass |
| Prestomatic  | Push-to-Connect | Pipe & Metric | Up to 250 | SAE J844 Type A & B Tubing |
| PTC Composite | Push-to-Connect | Pipe only | Up to 250 | SAE J844 Type A & B Tubing |
| Metric Prestomatic | Push-to-Connect | BSPT & Metric | Up to 250 | DIN 73378 Virgin Nylon, SAE J844 Tubing   |

*All compression and push-to-connect air brake fittings are D.O.T. approved. 

**Questions about Parker transportation fittings?**

 

Posted by Linn Martinez

[View full post](https://www.mfcp.com/blog/parker-d-o-t-fittings-compression-vs-push-to-connect)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Marek Bobik"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2025-04-15T19:13:55.937Z",
  "datePublished" : "2011-06-28T23:58:00Z",
  "headline" : "Parker D.O.T. Fittings: Compression vs. Push-to-Connect",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 171,
    "url" : "//cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/79679/file-27962760-png/images/blog/2011/parker-push-to-connect-66pmt.png",
    "width" : 300
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://www.mfcp.com/blog/parker-d-o-t-fittings-compression-vs-push-to-connect",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60,
      "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4092/img/default-amp-logo.png",
      "width" : 60
    },
    "name" : "MFCP Blog"
  }
}
```