First and foremost, camlock fittings, also known as Cam and Groove couplings,  are a type of hose coupling. This means that they are a way to connect or disconnect a hose or pipe in a speedy, efficient way without having to involve complex tools or equipment. These connections guarantee tight and secure bonds because of the way that the "cams" lock their counterpart into place (Cam-Lock, get it?)
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The female side, as it's commonly referred to, has two handles or "ears" (the cams!) that are used to seat and seal the mating camlock (or male side) to the gasket of the female side, thus creating a leakproof seal that is easily disconnected and applied over and over again. Keep the giggling to yourself but basically, the male part is put into the female part, just like you learned in 7th grade biology, or 10th grade for some of you in the back.

Camlock couplings are great for the transfer of both dry and fluid materials. There are a variety
of camlock uses, such as transferring food, water, fuel, or sand and making them suitable for
almost any industry. Because of the variety of substances that can flow through the camlock, it is important to choose the right material for the job. Common camlock applications and their
materials are:

• Stainless Steel Camlocks are best suited for acid, alkali, and corrosive substances.
  
• Polypropylene and Nylon Camlocks can be used in the chemical industry, for transmitting liquid, and for irrigation in the agricultural industry.
  
• Brass Camlocks work very well for transmitting salty water. They are suitable for most environments except for acid and alkali.
  
• Aluminum Alloy Camlocks are great for use with fresh water or mixtures of oil and
  water.
  

Here's a quick lesson in camlock call outs, as well as a refresher of the alphabet. Almost universally, Camlocks are classified with an A through F part number, as well as dust cap and dust plug. Yes, there are jump size camlocks and conversion camlocks, but for the sake of today's conversation let's stick with the basics. Those basics are:

• A -  male camlock x female thread (by the way, the thread is almost always, always NPT)
  
• B - female camlock x  male thread
  
• C - female camlock x hose shank (a shank is basically a hose barb that you put in the hose)
  
• D - female camlock X female thread
  
• E - male camlock x hose shank
  
• F - male camlock x female thread
  
• DC - dust cap - this "caps off" a male camlock. Think of it as a hat.
  
• DP - dust plug - this plugs up a female camlock.
  

To review, this type of callout on camlocks is relatively universal but remember, there are always exceptions. So if you are confused, or perhaps just a little bit unsure (it's okay, we don't judge), then call up one of the hose and fittings experts at American Hose and Supply. We are happy to help you get the right camlock you need!