Choosing the Right Pipe Flaring Tool for Your Project
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It is important to have the right tools when working with pipes in order to achieve professional results. In this article, we will look into pipe flaring tools which are needed to create strong and leak-free connections between fittings and pipes.
In pipe flaring,
The end of a pipe will be widened so that a flared edge can be created so that it can securely connect with other pipes or fittings. There are different types of pipe flaring tools on the market and this can make it a bit confusing to choose the right one for your project. The most basic pipe flaring tool you will come across is the manual ones and these generally have a flaring bar, yoke and various adaptors to accommodatedifferent sizes of pipes. You need to place the pipe over the flaring bar when using this and choose the appropriate adaptor or die and insert it into the yoke. You can then gradually tighten the yoke to flare the end of the pipe. This is a portable tool that is easy to use. It is affordable as well and you can easily find it in many shops. For occasional use and small scale projects, the manual flaring tools are sufficient. But they tend to have limited precision and you will not be able to achieve consistent results. And you also need to put in manual effort so it is not ideal for professional applications or high volume production.
For heavy-duty use in industrial settings,
You can find hydraulic pipe flaring tools. These can also be used in manufacturing facilities and automotive repair shops. Hydraulic pressure will exert a force on the pipe so that a consistent and precise flare can be created. There will generally be a hydraulic cylinder or pump in these tools along with a flaring head that comes with interchangeable dies. Their precision ensures that they are great for high volume production and professional use. And it can reduce operator fatigue. This method is compatible with a wide range of materials and pipes. But compared to the manual tools, this has a higher initial cost due to the requirement of a hydraulic power source or pump. These are also quite bulky and not as portable as the manual ones.
A single flare
Can be created at the end of the pipe with single flare pipe flaring tools and these are generally used to make connections with soft tubing or compression fittings. A 45 degree flare angle will be created on the pipe end so that a secure and leak proof seal can be achieved. You can find these tools used in plumbing repairs and automotive brake line applications. This has a fairly straightforward application and you can use it for soft materials like aluminium, copper and soft steel. This is a cost-effective option but it is limited to creating single flared. And you may not be able to have sufficient strength for high pressure applications. A double flare can be created at the end of the pipe with double flare pipe flaring tools and compare to single flares, these will provide reliable connections. They are great for high pressure applications and used with hard materials. But you need to have more skills and experience to achieve consistency in the results