This is a good read and a graphic reminder of how bad Hydraulic power can bite! Don't ever use sub standard or damaged fittings...just don't. Click once and read about it, click again and it's very graphic.........

 

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CDkQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidersecretstohydraulics.com%2Fhydraulics-accident.html&ei=1lJ9UuXSOuqdiAKGiIG4DQ&usg=AFQjCNGvzT2ymBM4AunC1apR_gveJjjpcQ&bvm=bv.56146854,d.cGE&cad=rja

Grisly. I looked away, clicked the link, then slowly looked back until I could barely see it. That was enough for me. This kind of thing is exactly why I don't mess about with crafting my own hydraulic systems, since I don't know enough to be safe about it.

I've crafted a system or 3. BUT, I always have the hoses and fittings made by a pro........The framework is another matter but equally important.

and that was with gloves on. darn

Yep, should see what compressed air can do to you.

That's almost as bad as a safety poster of a guys hand they were passing around the military about 6 years back.  Aparrently someone decided to use the primer end of a .50 caliber round as a hammer. It pretty much stripped the middle, ring, and index finger of flesh all the way back to the wrist.