From digest.v7.n857 Wed Dec 31 19:19:43 1997
From: "Steve D'Gerolamo" <steved3_at_idt.net>
Date: Wed, 31 Dec 1997 16:11:58 -0500
Subject: Brake Bleeder Caps

I've started making my own brake reservoir caps to sell with the pressure bleeder kits. The AST TA18's were decent quality but a bit on the pricey side. The less expensive Technic tool caps were poorly finished, had poorly fitting gaskets and the inlet plugs were metric thread (required rethreading to 1/4"NPT).
The new caps have been improved as follows: (1) 6061 T6 aluminum construction (aircraft quality-same as the race jacks) with a deep red (matte) anodized finish (2) special nitrile (Buna-N) gasket with an A-scale shore hardness of 60 (durometer), 3/32" thickness. This appears to be the best compromise for seal quality and durability. The factory gaskets are a shore 50, 1/16" thick and would tear from repeated R&R (3) choice of 2 different 1/4" male inlet plugs....polished brass fixed connector or nickel plated hardened steel ball-swivel connector. The polished brass unit is aesthetically nicer but the ball swivel unit is better ergonomically (4) optional pushbutton disconnect. This puts less stress on the reservoir when disconnecting the supply hose. (5) optional diaphragm-type low pressure regulator with gauge (for portable air tank usage or other non-regulated air supply) (6) optional whip hose connector (air bleed systems only). Anyone having purchased a cap from me in 1997 can take a $20.00 credit with the return of their old cap against the $30.00 cost of a new one. My thanks to all the digest folks for their support in 1997 and best wishes to all for healthy, happy New Year. SD