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Veneer Supplies Newsletter
Lock-On Vacuum Connector
This brass vacuum connector securely attaches to our vacuum bag stems and our vacuum clamping fittings. It has a soft O-ring inside which makes a leak-proof connection. All of our vacuum press kits include the new style of the lock-on connector.
You can select the new or the old version of this connector using the options menu above. The new version is the best choice for most users since it has several improvements. The old version will soon be discontinued.
Using the drop down menu above, you can select a barbed fitting that will allow the lock-on connector to work with your vacuum tube size. Select the barb fitting option that matches the inside diameter of your vacuum tube. For example, all of our vacuum press kits come with 3/8" ID vacuum tube, so then you will need the 3/8" barb fitting option above.
Upgrading from the Old Style to the New Style Lock-On Connector?
If you already have one of our vacuum press kits and you're upgrading to the new connector, then be sure to order it with the 3/8" barb fitting option using the drop-down options menu above. This is required because the female threads on the new style lock-on connector are different from the old style lock-on connector threads.
Questions and Answers
Click on the Q&A tab above for answers to common questions about this item.
New Style Lock-On Connector
Parts Compatibility
The new lock-on connector has a 1/8" NPT-female thread on the side where the barbed fitting is attached for your vacuum supply tube. If you are upgrading the old-style lock-on connector to the new one, then you will also need to upgrade the brass stem on your old-style vacuum bag. The locking side of this connector is compatible with the following items:
 Vacuum Bags |
 New Vacuum Bag Insert |
 Flush-Mount Bag Stem |
 Brass Tube Adapter |
 Vacuum Clamp Fitting |
Old Style Lock-On Connector
Parts Compatibility
The lock-on connector has a 1/4" NPT-female thread on the side where the vacuum supply tube is attached. The locking side of this connector is compatible with the following items:
 Old Vacuum Bag Insert |
 Brass Tube Adapter |
 Vacuum Clamp Fitting |
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals, including lead, which are known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Questions & Answers
How do I use the lock-on connector with a vacuum press made by another company?
You will first need to remove any existing fitting on the end of the vacuum tube (if one exists).
- If you have a soft and flexible tubing, then measure the inside diameter of the vacuum tube and select a brass barbed fitting from our options shown above. The barbed fitting will allow soft vacuum supply tubing to attach to the the lock-on connector.
- If your existing tubing is rigid and designed for a "push to connect" fitting, then measure its outside diameter first. Then order the lock-on connector and the PTC fitting we offer here.
How do I use the lock-on connector with a vinyl vacuum bag from another company?
The existing vacuum stem will most likely have to be removed. Then our flush-mount vacuum stem can be adhered to your vinyl vacuum bag. Our stem kit includes a brass fitting designed to work with the lock-on connector.
How do I upgrade my older VeneerSupplies.com vacuum bag to the new style brass stem?
You can replace the old stem with the new version. Simply grip the old stem with pliers and gently twist and pull until the brass fitting comes out of the flange. Then press the new fitting into the flange.
What is the thread size on the back part of the lock-on connector?
The new version of the lock-on connector has a 1/8" NPT female thread. The old version of the lock-on connector has a 1/4" NPT female thread.
Why would I chose the old version of the connector instead of the new one?
The only reason to order the old version is if you have the old style stem on your vacuum bag or clamping jig.
Other than the lock-on connector, what else do I need to connect my vacuum pump to a vacuum bag?
If you have only a vacuum pump then this lock-on connector is not the right thing to buy. Instead you need to order a vacuum press kit. The connector is included with all of our vacuum press kits. We offer the CRS and EVS vacuum press kits for users that already have a vacuum pump.
Does the vacuum bag have to stay connected to the vacuum press after full vacuum is achieved?
Yes because a perfect seal on a vacuum bag is virtually impossible. Here are some things to consider.
- Sometimes the bag closure doesn't seat perfectly across the opening.
- Sometimes the bag stretch a bit after full vacuum is created and will then need a bit of additional vacuum. This happens most often when there is a large project in the bag. You'll hear the vacuum system cycle off (if you have any auto-cycling system) and then turn on again for a few seconds. After that, it may not cycle again for several minutes or even hours.
- After many uses some bags develop pin holes which can be almost invisible. In those cases, it's best to let the vacuum press keep the bag vacuum under control.
If the vacuum system is disconnected from the bag, you won't know if there is a leak because there is no vacuum gauge on the bag itself. If the bag is connected to a vacuum press system, you can easily see the vacuum level by looking at the gauge on the vacuum press. The vacuum inside the system is the same amount of vacuum inside the bag. If your vacuum press cycles on and off too frequently during a project pressing, you'll know there is a leak and if you can fix it. However if you can't fix the leak, at least the vacuum system will keep manage the vacuum in the bag until the panel is finished.
Product Reviews
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Super Happy
Review by Kyle Emerick
Rating:
This proved to be a good quality product and works well with no issues. I can tell it will last much longer than other products I looked at. Super happy with the purchase.
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Great Service and Producdt
Review by Michael Fross
Rating:
I was having issues with my older connector. I emailed Joe and he quickly pointed me to the right fittings. This clicks onto the bag quickly and without leaks. Highly recommended.
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Great Connector
Review by Chuck Kelly
Rating:
Works as advertised, I would highly recommend this project to anyone makes it easy to positively connect and disconnect to vacuum bag. Purchased with a build your own bag.
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Top Quality
Review by Ben Long
Rating:
Top quality machined brass fitting and barb with nice thick o-ring that isn’t too hard to compress. Worked like a charm. Secure lock with no vacuum leak.
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Great Product - No Issues At All
Review by Victor Spellman
Rating:
I upgraded my connector to the latest version and can say that this is a much better way to attach to the vacuum bag. Once the sleeve snaps into position it is definitely locked in place. You can pull on the connector as hard as you want but it won't come off unless the locking sleeve is pulled back first. I get a perfect seal when I attach it. I know this because I have an autocycling vacuum press kit that only turns on when vacuum is lost. This is probably the best vacuum connection on the market. Just make sure you update your vacuum bag stem if you are upgrading to the new design. You won't be disappointed.
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What a Great Resource
Review by Mike Jones
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I've bought numerous times from this company and I'm always impressed by them. Customer service is great, products are terrific, and the resources they offer online are wonderfully helpful.
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Great Item
Review by Leon Goldman
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Ordered this for new bag. It works beautifully and is more secure than the older version. I updated my old bag so I could use this on it as well as with my new bag. Easy to use.
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Must-Have and Works as It Should
Review by Eric Arnsdorff
Rating:
This connector works extremely well and makes connecting and disconnecting vacuum hoses quick and easy. I was a bit concerned about leaks since this appears to be similar to the pneumatic connectors that leak like a sieve. But no issues at with leaks!
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Great Product
Review by Jim Bonnell
Rating:
Tight fit with no leaks at all. I'm very pleased with it as I am with all the other products I've bought from them over the years. Great service and fast delivery. Highly recommend them!
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Connector Review
Review by Charles Cheeseman
Rating:
Much better than the old style connector, more positive connection to the bag. Snap it on and it holds perfectly. Great improvement! Will switch out on my older bags.
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Excellent Alternative to Press-In Connectors
Review by Brian Pape
Rating:
So much better than the press-in connectors on my other bag system. I will be replacing all of the apertures on my other bags to accommodate these fittings.
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Quick Connect and Product Support
Review by Bob Jackson
Rating:
After a number of years, the 'old style' connector didn't seal as well, resulting in the pump cycling frequently. The new 'quick connect' style is much easier to use. Other: I was also having a problem with the pump failing to start when necessary for a 'cycle'. Veneer Supplies correctly diagnosed the problem via email! Not only do they have great products, they have 5 STAR customer support!
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No Leaking!
Review by Chase Akins
Rating:
I used this fitting with 1/4 barb adapter. On and off the bag easy, no binding or sticking like some other quick connect fittings. More important: no leaking!
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Good Experience
Review by Eitan Barazani
Rating:
Items arrived on time, with instructions. Process was easy good quality. Customer service was very responsive and helpful. I would recommend this store.
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Very Good Quality Lock-On Connector
Review by John Keller
Rating:
Holds vacuum very well. I have used a lot of lock on connectors that like to stick and are hard to get on/off. This one is very smooth operation and seals very well.
The one thing that I didnt like is that is uses a 1/8" NPT when every other fitting in the system is a 1/4" NPT.
[Note from Joe: The new style lock on connector is something I could offer in a 1/4" NPT fitting but it is significantly more expensive... more expensive than simply using a new 1/8" NPT barbed fitting as mentioned on this page. And the 1/4" NPT version offers no noticeable improvement in flow. Lastly, the lock-on connector is not the only part in the system that uses 1/8" NPT.]
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Good Upgrade
Review by Jim Eddy
Rating:
This new connector is a definite improvement over the old style. Certainly worth doing. It's a much more secure connection. The old connector didn't always seal properly.
[Note from Joe: The old connector does seal very well but the user has to press down on the connector before releasing the spring clip.]
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Joe and Crew Do It Right!
Review by Pete Holzman
Rating:
I'm continually amazed at the depth of knowledge and depth of product line that this mom and pop business provides. At least I think it is mom and pop, since Joe always seems to be available to talk with. I would much rather deal with these folks as opposed to one of the big woodworking sites when it comes to veneering. It feels like I'm getting personalized service. Joe and crew do it right!
[Note from Joe: The "About Us" link at the top of our website explains more about our business.]
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A+++++++
Review by Steve Stover
Rating:
I installed the flush mount bag stem, fitted this connector to my vacuum system and went to town (haha). The vacuum pressure held at 22 for hours! I highly recommend all the veneer and hardware on Joe's website. I only wish I could convince my wife to close her eyes and let ME buy all my Christmas presents!
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Great Products and Good Service
Review by Tim Bacon
Rating:
Really good item. I used it with the bag stem assembly flush mount and my bag was airtight once more! This replaced an older through mount from below, which was always a pain to align and leaked badly.
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Very pleased!
Review by Tim Morris
Rating:
I use this fitting on 2 different vacuum pumps and love it. It's quick and easy to attach and release. I have one venturi pump from Joe and another pump to me it's critical that these not leak so the pumps don't run continuously. I've never had a problem with this fitting failing to seal with either system. Very pleased.
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Fast Shipping
Review by Mike Maesner
Rating:
Shipping was fast, communication was great and the connector works exactly as I need it to, could not find one locally. This connector combined with Bag stem Assembly is the easiest best way to make the connection to vacuum bag. I use the set up for pressing skis.
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Quick and Easy
Review by Mike Lemer
Rating:
The lock on vacuum connector was delivered on time and as advertised. Install on the end of the 3/8" braided vacuum tube it along with the brass fitting for vacuum clamping jigs it worked perfectly, a quick and easy way to connect to the vacuum chamber.
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Even Better
Review by Dwight Fisher
Rating:
This one is even better than the one I got from Joe many years ago. Thanks for continuing to improve your already great products.
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Extremely Happy
Review by Mike Mortimer
Rating:
I am extremely happy with the bags and fittings supplied. The pricing was good and the delivery updates and timing is first class. I found the info on the website very helpfull and informative Thanks Joe you are supplying a great product I will deal with you in the future.
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Great Connector
Review by Kim Hoogeveen
Rating:
This connector works perfect. I'm very satisfied. Thanks!
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Review from Okotoks, Alberta
Review by Matt Lemay
Rating:
This is a REALLY handy gizmo. It makes moving from bagging to clamping to chucking a breeze!!! Joe really rocks!!
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Review from Long Island, NY
Review by Brad Herron
Rating:
My connector just arrived by post office. It only took 2 days to get here. Looks like a well made piece of brass with clean machining marks and no rough edges. The finger spring clip is strong and you can feel when the vacuum bag stem seats inside. The o-ring inside must be soft so that it makes an airtight connection. It took me a while to understand what this fitting in compatible with but Joe was very patient and helpful answering my questions. Basically... READ THE PRODUCT DESCRIPTION... it tells you what parts the lock on connector will work with.
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Review from Sugar Hill, Georgia
Review by Chris Parks
Rating:
This connector is machined to a tight tolerance, so the 1/4" ID brass vacuum clamp fitting mates to it with a tight fit. I bought the lock-on connector with the 1/4" ID barbed end; the connection between the two is air-tight, so it's worth paying a little extra. I ordered all the supplies to make my vacuum frame table from Joe because he has done the work to source the parts needed for my project, saving me time. Plus his customer service is excellent; he ships fast! Ordered one morning, got my stuff the next afternoon.
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Excellent Product
Review by Bijeshj
Rating:
I purchased this to make it easy plug and unplug in multiple clamping devices. Joe was very helpful in answering questions and really fast shipping.
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Highly recommended
Review by Randy C
Rating:
One of my biggest issues with my connection of my hose to my bag was having to connect the 1/2" tubing to the old barb fitting on the bag and using a hose clamp to secure. Yes...the connection was completely sealed, but I had to hook the hose on before I put my piece in the bag. It was a pain. All my issues were with the hook-up. This quick connector alleviated all of this. I couldn't order it fast enough and even bought a new valve stem kit to replace my old one. I bought a new poly bag and it came with the new valve stem so I can do all my hook-up with this quick connect. It is by far the best thing out there. Highly recommended.
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A Great Connection
Review by Michael A.
Rating:
Nice product. I've bought 4 of these to make a manifold system for gluing skateboards in 4 bags at once. This connection system is very rugged and I have never had any leaks with it.
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Easy Way To Connect To Vacuum Bag
Review by Gerard W.
Rating:
This connector works very well and I have not yet had any problems making an easy airtight connection. I have another bag from a different company and the tube just gets jammed into a nipple of the bag. Sure enough, it seemed like every time I used it, I ended up snagging the tube on something and then pulled it off the bag. This creates a mad dash back to the bag to re-attach the tube. With this connector, I've had not problems at all. I can pull all day long on the vacuum tube and it will not come of the bag. My shipping cost to Michigan was very affordable. Joe runs a great site and his customer service is impeccable.
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Work Perfectly
Review by Craig Watkins
Rating:
I have 6 of these connectors on my vacuum press manifold. I generally run 6 small bags at a time with the manifold and I have a lock on connector at the end of each of the manifold ends. This is a highly quality piece of machined brass that makes a good seal on the stems. There are other options that some companies offer which dont work quite as well. I've had a few of them come loose and nearly ruined my project. I doubt these connectors could pop off accidentally. Even if you tug on it when moderate force, it stayed connected and sealed.
I should mention that all of my current vacuum press equipment is coming from this website. I just find that the customer support here is second to none and the products are always well made and reliable.
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Very satisfied.
Review by Nathan G.
Rating:
No problems. Works as described and shipping was reasonable.
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Suprisingly Secure Bag Connector
Review by Todd Greene
Rating:
This is a suprisingly secure bag connector. It definitely feels like a heavy duty product. I had some concerns about how well it would seal against the valve stem but these worries were quickly put to rest when I tried it out on my vacuum bag. The shipping charge was reasonable (though I did have other things with my order) and it only took a couple of days to get here. I'm very satisfied.
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Very Smart
Review by Robert J.
Rating:
Excellent item. Very smart "borrowing of an idea" from another industry.
Great job Joe!
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Worked Just as I Had Hoped
Review by Joel Thompson
Rating:
Great product. Worked just as I had hoped. I will be ordering more parts very soon.
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Nice Product
Review by Mike Joonesburg
Rating:
Very nice product. Works very well!
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Just What The Doctor Ordered
Review by Tom Burwick
Rating:
Right on the money! This connector is just what the doctor ordered!!! A non-proprietary, heavy duty, and tough as nails bag connector - Finally! Thank you Joe for the outstanding find!
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Very Beefy And Rugged
Review by John Dominoc
Rating:
Very well made connector... very beefy and rugged and makes connecting to the bag a simple one handed process.
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