Troubleshooting: What to Do If Your BFM® Sleeve Won’t Snap In

One of the most common questions we get about BFM® fittings is: “Why won’t my sleeve snap into the spigots properly?”

 

If you’re trying to install a BFM® sleeve and you notice a gap or a section that just won’t pop into place, don’t worry—it’s a common issue and usually very easy to fix. The good news is that this doesn’t necessarily mean your sleeve is defective or the wrong size.

Often, it simply means the sleeve needs a bit more help guiding evenly into the spigot bands.

 

How to Properly Snap in a BFM® Sleeve

Here’s a simple method to ensure a snug, complete installation:

  1. Start with Your Thumbs Together
    Position your thumbs together on the band and press the sleeve into the spigot as you normally would.

  2. Work Around the Sleeve in Sections
    Instead of trying to snap it in all at once, move a few inches at a time around the sleeve, pressing it into place section by section.

  3. Complete the Circle
    Continue working around the full circumference of the sleeve until you hear or feel that satisfying snap all the way around.

 

When This Method Is Especially Helpful

This technique is particularly effective when working with:

  • Very large diameter sleeves, which may be more rigid

  • Very small sleeves, where limited surface area can make installation trickier

  • Any sleeve that just needs a little extra assistance aligning properly

Regardless of sleeve size, this hands-on method ensures a proper seal and full engagement with both spigots—critical for maintaining the dust-tight, hygienic performance BFM® is known for.

 

Watch the Installation Technique in Action

We’ve put together a short video to show this method in real-time.


👉 Click below to watch and share it with your team to ensure consistent, proper sleeve installation across your facility.

We’re Here to Support You

BFM® fittings are trusted in thousands of installations worldwide, from food and pharmaceutical to chemical and industrial manufacturing. As the leading BFM® distributor in the U.S., we’re committed to helping you get the most out of your system.

 

If you have any questions about installation, product compatibility, or need a quote—reach out to us anytime.

 

Let’s keep your process running clean, safe, and efficiently!