Can I hand flare with the tool below a stainless pipe or do I need a hydraulic flare tool?
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Joining pipes
- Thread starter Moparfiend
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this
The best that expansion tool will do is straighten out the clamp ridges.
If you have stainless exhaust tubing do yourself a favor and go to a Exhaust shop for pipe expansion.
Ugg ok. Mom and pop have places unfortunately are getting more and more scarce. Midas here is a joke.
A hydraulic expander gas enough power to enlarge it to the next size. The sectioned tool above won't make it happen, especially stainless.
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I've used the Harbor Freight version of that tool to expand outer escutcheons for fire sprinklers
for many years now - and I manage to routinely break the rubber o-rings in them.
It's actually become a disposable tool to me - I just buy a new one for each job now.
Stainless is pretty tough stuff. I suppose you could use the tool on it, provided you can get enough
torque on it and it stay together - but I wouldn't bet on it.
for many years now - and I manage to routinely break the rubber o-rings in them.
It's actually become a disposable tool to me - I just buy a new one for each job now.
Stainless is pretty tough stuff. I suppose you could use the tool on it, provided you can get enough
torque on it and it stay together - but I wouldn't bet on it.
I used one of those recently to expand a 2" aluminized pipe to 2 1/4". I used my 1/2" Milwaukee Fuel Impact. Just had to keep loosening it and rotate the tool to keep the pipe round.
Not sure about stainless though.
Not sure about stainless though.
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How many pipes are you trying mto flare and why ? Slip fit or are you going to weld them ?
The best thing now days is the flat band style exhaust clamps. I have never used them but have heard good things about sealing and the ability to take the joints apart easily. No flaring necessary.
Darter6
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Yes they work very well.One time only because they stretch when clamping.
Some say they are re-useable but not me.
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Exactly my question. I surmise it's for your exhaust system, per your other thread.
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Are you attempting to join two pipes with the same diameter ? You can insert a short sleeve-pipe inside both to join them, and either clamp or weld together.
Ok what I am doing is this. I have currently a 2-1/4 exhaust into a 2-1/2 tIl pipe. I plan to use something like this either in steel or stainless pending actual dimensions of the tips which I have on order. I plan to make a tight fit then tack with a mig. May need to expand or shrink just a bit based on fitment.
Don’t like any clamps. Have used band clamps before but I prefer welds. I dont plan to tig on my back either.
Don’t like any clamps. Have used band clamps before but I prefer welds. I dont plan to tig on my back either.
casey henson
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There are two versions of this clamp,stainless or aluminized steel. I have both on my car. I prefer the aluminized steel version because they are softer and conform better. my local store stocks stainless so if I want one quick I use what they have. I have had both versions on and off many times and they continue to seal great. I am sure there is a limit to how many times you can take them on and off but I have not gotten there yet. Also,you can overtighten one untill the clamp bars touch together and at that point it may or may not seal good the next time you take it off and and try to reuse it. One other thing... the stainless ones have super sharp edges on them so BE CAREFUL ! I cut the crap out of one of my fingers the first time I used one. the plain steel ones are not sharp like that.
casey henson
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I have the harbor freight version of this and it is probably one of the best tools I have ever bought. Don't expect too much from it though. I use it to reshape pipe ends. It will NOT expand stainless. It might expand 16 gauge mild steel if you really work with it. It will expand 18 gauge mild steel.
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I found the pieces to the magic puzzle. They all fit snug too! Now its time to weld em up! Thanks for the inputs guys!!
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