A connection assembly is disclosed for connecting a magnetic separator into a central heating system circuit, the magnetic separator including a housing, a separation chamber within the housing, and externally threaded inlet and outlet ports extending from the housing. The connection assembly comprises: a fitment adapted to be received within at least one of the ports of the separator, the fitment including a bore for carrying fluid from/to the central heating circuit to/from the separator; a threaded connector disposed around the bore for securing the fitment to the or each port, the threaded connector having a hand grip area for facilitating tightening of the connector by hand; and a removable force transfer element receivable between the fitment and the threaded connector for transferring force between the threaded connector and the fitment.