HVAC - Flaring Tools and Tubing Cutters

Here are a few of my copper tubing tools. Air conditioning guys tend to accumulate tools over the years and I'm no different. I've lost and broken my fair share of them, as well. I also find tools in odd places, but that would be an entirely different video. Tool geeks (like me) will probably appreciate this more than the Average Joe.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Flaring
• Tool
• Technique
• Double
• Flare
• Block
• Yoke
• Tubing
• Cutter
• Imperial
• Eastman
• Ridgid
• Imp
• Yellow
• Jacket

[Straycurrent]

My experience making flares is limited, so I appreciate your post. I saw one text that said a light coating of compound should be used on the face of flare connections, but I think most people in the field dispute that. I'm interested because of the difficulty sealing a pressure switch on a schrader. I hate to apply force to the point of damaging threads, but at the point I think is max torque my electronic leak detector still says there's seepage. Any recommendations?

[PutSome5tankOnIt]

The best refrigeration connectiions are brazed. The flares are better suited for water/hydraulic joints. The exception would be those compression connectors with teflon O-rings. I despise any fitting that relies on depressing a shrader valve to do its job, other than the hoses of a gauge set.

I agree with a light coating of refrigeration oil on flare faces. Sealing a connection carrying a gas is more difficult than one carrying a fluid.

[madisonelectronic]

I saw a tool some time ago that reamed the OD plus put a radius on the end of the tube OD and ID. I could now kick myself cause I cannot remember the name. It REALLY made double flaring easy on steel brake line.

[PutSome5tankOnIt]

Just be sure to buy your swage kit at a supply house that knows you. I make certain to be pleasant in those places and make friends. That "Buddy Discount" can save you a few bucks.

[RhodesHVACR]

@PutSome5tankOnIt I agree. A little bit too much money for me as well. Yellow Jacket makes a nice yoke and bar set that comes in a case. I need to pick one up.

[PutSome5tankOnIt]

I'm not sure of the brand name. The technique you describe makes sense. The tool I'm thinking of is a ratchet-type design. For the money, I think I'd rather have the old school design with a yoke and a bar

[PutSome5tankOnIt]

I agree with you about learning from Dr Z (he's the best) and Mikie. I have a ton of installation experience that spilled over into the service sector. Getting an install completed properly (and running) is how you get PAID. Techs and installers need the right tools and that's where the money really needs to be spent. Most of my knowledge was acquired on-site and by learning from guys that were smarter than me.

Thanks for the props. I'm not as smart as you think I am.

[RhodesHVACR]

@mikie2501 I think you guys are talking about the YellowJacket expander kit right? It works really well, but you can't swag it all at once. You press the handle down a quarter of the way and let off. Then turn the copper a quarter of the way and do it again, little by little. If you don't it will split the copper. They work really well but they are so big its kinda awkward to use. The run about $250-$280 from what i've seen.

[mikie2501]

Yah, expensive it was! I think it was like the size of a mini grease gun, all fit in a brief case size package. Still that sucks up truck space! :)

[bobbyton80]

Between you, Mikie2501 and Dr Z there will be no need to waste $10,000 on an HVAC class, I will sit here and watch your videos. Another excellent video. Keep them coming!

Bobby