I need to drive some metal pipes into the ground, but the ends flare badly ... FLARE Fittings on soft copper for water lines? DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent To correct this, you’ll need to cut the tubing below the flare and repeat the procedure. The arms of the reamer will tighten against the flare form as you tighten the reamer. When I am not writing, you can find me studying for my PhD in Psychology, photographing nature, and swimming at the lake with my grandkids. In addition, copper tube used for Fuel Gas (Liquefied Petroleum (LP), Propane Gas or Natural Gas may be joined utilizing flared brass fittings of single 45º-flare type, according to NFPA 54/ANSI. If you see any abnormalities, start over. When it comes to Copper Pipe and Tubing products, Grainger's got your back. The reasons that copper is usually the best choice is because: As long as you are not connecting gas or oil lines, you can certainly use soldering or brazing. Loosen the clamps on the flare form and remove the, How to Match Home Lighting with Plumbing Fixtures. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. a drop of oil on the backside of the tubing flare. Can I Solder or Braze My Copper Tubing Instead? I am a DIYer who loves writing about anything home-related. The flaring should be even and smooth. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. Be sure the slots in the yoke are in the right spot to engage the flaring block properly. You can also use a flat-file to get rid of the burrs from the outside of the tubing. In this video, I will show you some tools I use when working with copper tubing. You can buy flaring tools and copper pipe cutters at all hardware stores. Chris Wantuck . Tim Carter of Ask the Builder demonstrates how to flare the end of soft copper tubing to produces leak-proof joints. Loosen the reamer until you can remove it. You may want to soften copper so you can bend it without crushing it or distorting its shape. The steps to hammer flaring are as follows. If the flaring isn’t even or smooth, this is due to the pipe slipping as you used the reamer. Before starting to fit the pipe in the flare form, remember to slide the compression nut over the tubing, making sure it’s facing the right way. A. I use these tools mostly for plumbing and hvac applications. Don't use compression fittings on gas connections at all as most codes do not allow it nor do we recommend it. The cutting tool circles around the pipe, gradually cutting through the copper and leaves a clean edge, which is perfect for plumbing fixtures and fittings. The flaring should be even and smooth. Slide the flare nut and tighten it to the flare fitting by hand. If you hit it repeatedly, it becomes harder. They call this a capillary or lap joint because the sockets hang over the end of the tube. This is a great one When making the flare use a bit of refrigerant oil, or even a better a bit of Nylog. Copper tubing is joined using flare connection, compression connection, pressed connection, or solder. It is likely that without oil for lubrication of the swivel surface the flare nut will catch on the flare and twist the tubingor not be drawn down as tight as needed. Use a good, modern flaring tool designed for refrigeration. Bending copper alters its internal structure, and the more the metal is worked the more brittle it becomes, until it reaches a breaking point and fractures. The reamer has a point on it as well as holding arms and a screw. Copper is a bendable, flexible metallic element that's normally reddish-brown in color. This allows free swivel of the nut as you tighten it down on the fitting. Make sure you choose the right diameter for the tubing you are using and leave about 1/16th of an inch of the tubing sticking up. Then you join the two connections by melting a filler material into the capillary spaces. Copper tubing is slowly being replaced by PEX tubing in hot and cold water applications. Copper tubing is most often used for heating systems, and as a refrigerant line in HVAC systems. The flare form will have wing nuts at each end. Important: In some cases, the flaring is not smooth because the piping may have moved slightly when you turned the reamer screw. I would guess lower pressure need the double flares with Al tubes? The top of the pipe needs to be flush with the top of the flare form but not extending beyond it. You will not be able to get it on there afterward. The copper flare and the brass nose are the sealing surface for this leak proof connection. This is the tool that actually does the flaring. The hacksaw will cut the pipe but can leave the edges ragged which won’t be ideal for precision plumbing. Get it as soon as Tue, Feb 9. There are two basic types of copper tubing, soft copper and rigid copper. Due to continuous operation or any other reason, the end of the pipe or tubing may crack or deform and fluid start leaking. As the pipe flares, tightening the reamer will become more difficult. To use them correctly, you’ll need to flare the copper pipe so that the fittings will be tight. Make sure it is the original diameter it was before. Make A Flare Connection Fine Homebuilding. Then loosen it and retighten it again to make sure the reamer is fully seated in the tubing. How To Bend Copper Tubing … The end of the pipes is made flare to accommodate the other end of the connection. Aquaphor and other health aid ointments help heal the skin and reduce pain or irritation. Apply potable grease on the shoulder and shank of the flaring tool to make it easier to flare the tubing. The flare should be even all around with no cracks or gaps. You should tighten the nearest nut by hand and then the far nut to make sure the block grips the tube tight enough. Here are the steps to take in order to flare copper tubing. To flare the tube, you have to use a flaring kit that comes with a flare form and a reamer, a hammer flaring kit, or an expander tool. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. Tighten alternately to ensure the tubing is held evenly. How to Make a Flare Fitting in a Copper ... How to Make a Flare Fitting in a Copper Pipe. Air Conditioning Copper Pipe Extension for Joint Double Connector Intermediate Connection Head Free Welding Butt Copper Tube Diameter 6-19mm Flare Nut (1/4" (6.35mm) Copper Tube) 4.6 out of 5 stars 103. With the right equipment, it’s very easy to flare copper piping. Making connections can be easy when it comes to social media, but it is getting more and more complicated in the real world of building. Both ends must make contact tightly, and perfectly evenly. The refrigerant tubing comes along with the new split air conditioner, and you don’t have to purchase the new one unless the distance between the indoor and outdoor units is too long. Make a new cut and try again. Put the reamer on top of the flare form so the point is centered on the tubing you want to flare. How To Use Swaging And Flaring Tools For Copper Pipe And Tubing. The steps to hammer flaring are as follows. Use a tubing cutter to cut the tubing to the right length. Use a soft brass hammer to strike the flaring tool several times. Ream the copper before flaring to remove the burr but don’t OVEREAM and thin out the copper edge. Water service applications generally use a flare to iron pipe connection when connecting the copper tube to the main and/or the meter. Tighten the screw on the reamer. Easy online ordering for the ones who get it done along with 24/7 customer service, free technical support & more. Test for air leaks afterward. Loosen the reamer until you can remove it. To flare the pipe, place the reamer on top of the flare form with the reamer against the pipe. Remove the tubing from the flare form and attach it to the fitting. Tubing cutters clamp to the tube and then rotate around the tube with a small knife, slowly cutting in a circular motion instead of pushing down to cut, which could pinch the tubing. We prefer flare with soft tubing over 3/8" OD in size and compression fittings on all hard copper and soft tubing 3/8" OD and smaller. 3. If you’re anything like me, you can’t even imagine starting your day without a cup of coffee. Hammer flaring is also called swaging. There are so many connections needed when you are building or repairing something around the house and some of them have to do with copper tubing, which can be a pain to work with sometimes. Important Tip: Put the coupling nut onto the tubing first because you won’t be able to get it on there after you flare the tube. I'm a guy with no experience in plumbing and could use some advice. How To Flare Copper Tubing Hvac Utilize a reaming tool to remove any lip from inside the tubing caused by the cutter. To bend the tubing without creating a brittle metal, you must anneal the tubing. For example, in a situation where an open flame is not feasible or with water tubing. Another tool for flaring copper tubing is the tube expander. The copper tubing are connected to the indoor and the outdoor units by flare nuts and other flaring fittings using male and female connections. Fuel lines, vacuum lines, oil lines, and even water lines may have been fabricated using copper, brass, steel, or aluminum tubing. Before you flare the copper pipe, you need to cut it to the right length. Listed for Flammable liquids, economical, use with copper, Brass, aluminum and welded steel hydraulic tubing that can be Flared and metal-to-metal seal. Use a tubing cutter to cut the tubing to the right length. DOWNLOAD IMAGE. I accidentally drilled into my hot water copper pipe. Position the flaring tool with the point entering the tubing end and centered. The cutting saw cuts in a circle around the pipe to make a nice smooth cut. All rights reserved. How to Form and Flare Tubing Ends. suggestions. 10+ Different Types of Coffee Makers (with Photos). The flared end of the copper tubing is facing evenly against the tapered end of the flare fitting. It has several different sized heads to use on different sized tubing. DOWNLOAD IMAGE. If the flaring isn’t even or smooth, this is due to the pipe slipping as you used the reamer. You may freely link If you are flaring a type K or L copper tube, you should use soft temper or annealed tubing. The flaring should be even and smooth. Preparing the Copper Tubing Before using flaring and swaging tools, prepare the length of copper pipe or tubing to be shaped. Secure the tubing in a vise or clamp. Most of the automobiles manufactured during the 20th Century used tubing in some form for various purposes. It’s always best to cut the pipe a little longer than you need; this makes allowances for any problems you might encounter when flaring the tubing, as rectifications can be made. Brazing is a good way to bridge the gaps between those joints that have loose fittings. Copyright© 1. How To Flare Copper The Different Tools Techniques And Tips. Use the reaming blade to ream the end of the tubing that you cut to get rid of burrs or other issues. All you have to do is attach the correct sized head to the tool and put the end into the tubing. Use this to ream the end of the tubing that you cut. View our Privacy Policy here. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be But when soldering, you should use flux to prevent the oxidization and wipe it off when you are done working. These pipes are normally made of copper, steel, or stainless steel. You can solder copper alloy flanges for horizontal or vertical joints by using these simple steps. The copper tubing can also be connected to each other by brazing. When you’re using copper pipe for plumbing, you will need to use compression fittings. 2. There are many benefits of using copper tubing, especially for plumbing, HVAC, and other building projects. Be sure to use gloves and safety glasses. Also, when flaring types K, L, or M hard or rigid temper tubing, you should anneal the end of the tubing first. Turn the screw clockwise and tighten until the cone is bottomed out completely. What Are the Steps for Soldering Copper Alloy Flanges? Check both surfaces of the piping to make sure they are free of blemishes and scratches. If the flaring isn’t even or smooth, this is due to the pipe slipping as you used the reamer. Clean the end of the tubing of burrs with a deburring tool, pipe reamer or sharp knife. The product is flare gasket, 45 degree copper flare fitting, 3/16 1/4 5/16 3/8 1/2 5/8 3/4 inch tube size. Then insert it into the tubing. All information is provided "AS IS." On the other hand, copper can be softened even more than it naturally is. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. But it is easier to solder rigid or hard temper tubing. The flaring tool consists of two elements made of a reamer, which does the actual flaring, and a flare form. Continue until the flare gets to the edge of the coupling nut. For this, you need to use a proper cutting tool rather than a hacksaw. link to 10+ Different Types of Coffee Makers (with Photos), link to How To Get Aquaphor Out Of Clothes (Step-by-Step Guide). Tim explains how soft copper can be bent without kinking. Be sure to use a tube cutter rather than a hacksaw because you will not get a proper seal if the cut is not smooth. Select the right one for the pipe you’re working on and insert the tube, closing the flare form on it. home improvement and repair website. The flare form will be in two halves and will have several different holes. You need to make clean, quick cuts in the brake tubing or else your lines will be weak and prone to leaks. We welcome your comments and I did some air conditioner joints about ten years ago, single flare, still holding fine with R410 pressures of around 300-400PSi. Loosen the reamer until you can remove it. To correct this, you’ll need to cut the tubing below the flare and repeat the procedure. Remove the flaring tool and inspect the tubing end. Product information Size Name:3/8" Tube OD | Color:Pack of 10. Secure the tubing in a vise or clamp. Each of these can accommodate a different diameter of copper pipe. While you are holding the flared end on the fitting, tighten the nut to make a secure fit. - YouTube Place the tubing in the flaring tool. Any material that melts below 840 degrees Fahrenheit is considered to be soldering but anything above that temperature is brazing. Squeeze the handles until the tube is completely flared. 4. Purchase or borrow a tubing cutter. It will hold the tubing while you are flaring it so you can work with it easier. Technical Details. They are typically used to make 45-degree flares on Type K copper water tubing. It’s a very common plumbing procedure, so if you’re going to be doing much plumbing work, you can expect to encounter if regularly. Now I read that I should have used a double flare to be sure. The flare form will be beveled; this will allow for the flare on the pipe. How To Flare The End Of Soft Copper Tubing Plumbing Electric. So it makes the connection tight and prevents leaks. Clean the end of the tubing thoroughly with emory cloth or steel wool until the copper is bright and shiny. DOWNLOAD IMAGE. This is a nice safety feature when working with oil or gas lines. The main difference between soldering and brazing is the temperature to melt the filler material. You can get these from any hardware or plumbing store. Website operating Although copper tubing is often joined by brazing or soldering, a mechanical joint is sometimes required. driving metal pipe without flaring the end. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. Turn the tool a little bit after each strike. Slowly tighten the reamer as you push down on the pipe. Tighten these to hold the tubing firm. You can also use hammer flaring tools to flare your copper tubing. Make sure you put the nut on the tubing before flaring. "What is the flare degree of the flare fittings you offer?" DOWNLOAD IMAGE. Working with copper tubing you’ll find occasions that require tubing to be bent. Great video with minimal use of tools. DOWNLOAD IMAGE. However, when brazing you have to run neutral nitrogen through it to prevent oxidization. While all national model codes allow flared copper tubing joints, you should always check with your jurisdiction first. The flare form holds the copper pipe firm so it can be flared evenly with minimal effort. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Loosen the clamps on the flare form and remove the copper tubing. The flare angle used for copper tubing in residential plumbing is 45°, while 37.5° is the standard in industry and automotive work. Placing the end of the tube you just flared to the connection, hand tighten the coupling nut. Measure the copper tubing and cut to the desired length with a tubing cutter. In fact, the most common ways to join copper tubes have typically been soldering or brazing. In fact, you’re not alone as it’s estimated that 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed across... How To Get Aquaphor Out Of Clothes (Step-by-Step Guide). Step One: Cut the Tubing. To correct this, you’ll need to … Step Three: Insert the Tubing into the Flare Form, Step Six: Put the Reamer on the Flare Form. A flare nut must go behind the copper tubing prior to flaring. The correct equipment is cheap and makes a very good DIY investment. China Custom Flaring Copper Tubing For Gas Manufacturers. In making up copper tubing flare connections when do you need to go to double flare? Do not overtighten the screw. You can also use hammer flaring tools to flare your copper tubing. $9.79 $ 9. This is a common mistake made by first-time DIYers. They are typically used to make 45-degree flares on Type K copper water tubing. It features U.L. Keep tightening until you can’t turn the reamer any more. Flaring copper tubing is simple if you know what you are doing and you have the right tools. There should be a blade on the back of your tubing cutter. Loosen the clamps on the flare form and remove the copper tubing. What's the best way t... Boiler copper tube flaring - dos and don'ts. How to flare copper tubing and thread steel pipe. Want to master Microsoft Excel and take your work-from-home job prospects to the next level? Loosen the clamps on the flare form and remove the copper tubing. 79. Q. A turn or so with an appropriately sized wrench should ensure a leak-proof connection. Be sure to use gloves and safety glasses. Hammer flaring is also called swaging. The flare form is similar to a clamp that has a variety of holes in different sizes. In other words, if you’re fixing your brake lines, you need a different flare tool than what is shown here. Make sure you have a good grip on the tubing when you cut it and turn the saw slowly, tightening it as you go.