Blast hose fittings allow the blast hose to be coupled to a blast machine or other blast hose. Fittings can also be used to attach a blast nozzle to the end of the hose. Most manufactures of fittings offer them in three different materials. Plastic fittings are the the least expensive and are the lightest, however they wear out the quickest. Aluminum fittings are the most common and offer greatly increased lifetime over plastic. Brass fittings are the most expensive fittings and are generally the least common. Brass offers even higher wear resistance over aluminum but are heavier. All blast hose fitting should ideally be an external style, meaning that it attaches to the blast hose on the outside rater than internal couplings.