How To Use A Flaring Tool

Making A Flared Joint

Flared jointA flared joint has many applications in the mechanical trades and is easily created with only one simple tool. The benefit of a flared connection is the ability to repeatedly open and close the connection without leaks, as well as the ability to make a connection without the use of flame. Some of the uses for flared connections are:

  • Underground plumbing connections
  • Water service entrance
  • Oil supply lines
  • Propane and natural gas connections
  • Refrigeration connections

Tools and materials required

  • Flaring tool
  • Type K,L soft copper
  • Pipe reamer
  • Flared fitting
  • Tubing cutter
  • Spring bender / Tubing bender

place tubing inside the flaring tool Flaring tool step 1 Making a flared joint

Using a flaring tool

  • Cut a piece of soft copper tubing the desired length.
  • Use a pipe reamer or sharp knife to remove the inside burr from the tubing.
  • Place flare nut on the tubing.
  • Place the tubing inside the body of the flaring tool, ensure you use the correct size. Leave a little sticking out of the flaring tool body, about 1/8″ and clamp the flaring body tightly.
  • Place the flaring yoke over the body so the flaring cone is centered on the tubing and clamp it into place.
  • Now wind in the flaring cone until the flaring cone is fully seated in the body.
  • Unclamp and your done.

Tips for flaring

  • Don’t over tighten the flaring cone which may cause the copper to split.
  • Ensure the flared end mates well with the flared fitting and doesn’t interfere with the threads.
  • Use a spring bender or tubing bender to make sharp bends in soft copper as it will not allow the tubing to kink.
  • Don’t use joint sealing compounds on flared fittings.
  • Always leak test flared gas lines after making any new connection.

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