Abstract: A universal hydraulic tool for compressing a connector fitting to tube portions to be joined is disclosed. The tool includes a base member and a tool member which define aligned receiving chambers. The base member defines a first jaw set and a slide member defines a second jaw set. The reception chambers have a width adjacent the jaw sets slightly larger than the connector fitting end. The base member mounts a cylinder having a piston operatively connected to the slide member. Relative movement between the base member and the slide member compress the connector fitting in either the forward direction or the reverse direction to form the desired tube joint without using a different hydraulic tool.

Abstract: A nut retention system for nut connected couplings including an end fitting having an outer end wherein interfering abutments are defined upon the end fitting and nut to limit retraction of the nut on the end fitting when the coupling is disconnected whereby the outer end of the nut will always axially extend beyond the outer end of the end fitting to protect the end fitting outer end and seal located thereon.