HVAC Cutting and Bending Tools
Copper, metal and plastic tubings are used in HVAC and HVACR requiring the use of cutting and bending tools. The ends of tubings must be flared or grooved to provide for splicing together lengths of tubing. Fittings must also fit accurately to prevent leaks over time.
Some of the tools needed are…
- Mini-Tubing Cutter
- Tube Cutter
- Flaring Tools
- Tube Expander
- Propane Torch
- Inner/Outer Reamer
- Spring-tupe Tube Bender
- Bending Springs
- Gear-Type Bending Tool
- Triple-Size Lever Type Tube Bender
Cutting the Tubing
There are two basic tools employed to cut tubing. Either a tube cutter or a hacksaw is necessary. Hacksaws are good for cutting larger sizes of rigid tubing. The tube cutter is useful with softer tubings that might crimp under the force of a hacksaw.
When using these tools, it is important to make the cut at a 90ยบ angle. This will ensure that any flaring will be equal on all sides of the cut. Some cuts may leave small burrs on the edge of the tubing that will have to be deburred with a reamer or small file. A reamer is usually built on to the tube cutter.
During the cutting and during the inspection of the cut afterwards, it will be important to make sure no filings have fallen into the tubing. This can make its way to the inward workings of certain mechanicals in the system and cause a breakdown.
Make sure to cap all ends of cuts to prevent moisture, bugs, and chemicals from entering.
Bending the Tubing
Water lines, plumbing, drain lines, and refrigerant lines must sometimes be placed around objects of construction. The accurate bending of tubing is integral to a professional install of equipment. Practice is the key to this work along with accurate measuring of lengths and angles.
A bend in a stretch of tubing must be done so that the final destination is reached and the fitting is installed accurately. The bend must also not cause any strain on the fittings. The rule for bending is that the minimum radius for a bend is between 5-10 times the outer diameter of the tubing.
Obviously, a bend done incorrectly can cause crimping, kinking or flattening of the tubing. This is an unnecessary waste of copper and other types of tubing. Because of this possibility, angles and sizes must be determined precisely. In addition, the bend is best done slowly and carefully with a careful eye toward any strains on the tubing.
Bending springs are handy items to use in this process. The spring may be used inside the tubing or outside depending on the diameters being bent. This tool provides the leverage needed to bend tubing safely.
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