Pipe flarer

Craig Graham · 2004-03-02T08:21:15+00:00

I'm planning on getting a pipe bender soon, since there are some plumbingjobs queued and it seems more "proper" to bend the pipes rather than justuse right angle solder joints.Looking around, I've found pipe flarers as well. Am I right in thinking thatone of these will make seperate straight solder joints redundant, byallowing me to flare the end of one pipe to fit snugly over another so I canjust solder the two pipes together? If it's so simple, I'm suprised I've notcome across them before...--Dr. Craig Graham, Software EngineerAdvanced Analysis and Integration Limited, UK.

Mar 02, 2004 26 Replies

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Ed Sirett 22 years ago

I would not worry about the difference between 15mm (OD) and 1/2" (ID) they are very nearly identical.

For 3/4" (ID) the OD is 21.5 or thereabouts. The socketing tool will obviously work on 3/4" pipe. However the 3/4" pipe will be a very loose fit in a formed socket, this will probably work OK sine the pipe end will abut the socket deep inside but there will stikll be issues with the solder wanting to drop out of the fitting.

I've not tried one of these adgets as yet - I'm put off by the need to have to clean the formed socket where as (fresh) fittings come delivered spotless.

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IMM 22 years ago

"all" fittings should be cleaned before applying flux.

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Andrew Gabriel 22 years ago

Interesting - in the aircon industry where they are used a lot, pipework comes sealed in oxygen-free bags, and should not be opened until the moment the pipework is used. I don't think you are allowed to clean the pipework, as you get no chance to flush out any bits of wire wool and copper [oxide] powder prior to use.

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Craig Graham 22 years ago

Although I find I don't need to clean new pipe. If it looks clean and bright then the amount of flux I use is evidently capable of removing any oxide, since I've had no leaks as yet. It's only when I'm connecting to old pipe which is visibly dull and cacked up that I have to have a go with wire brush or sandpaper.

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IMM 22 years ago

In any practical exam, if you do not clean the fittings you are deducted points. Every pro I know, that is properly qualified and educated, cleans "all" fittings.

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Christian McArdle 22 years ago

It is still not a good idea. You should scrub every pipe and fitting you use. For fittings, get a set of fitting wire brushes. Two twists and you're done. It only takes 5 seconds. Better than tearing your finger apart with wire wool inside a 15mm.

Christian.

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IMM 22 years ago

And prevents wires wool circulating in a system.

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