Pipe flaring is where you expand the end of a pipe to fit it into the end of another pipe or to connect it to a fitting. This is a task that is very important for pipe repairs and installation. This ensures you have leak free joints that are very secure. There are many different pipe flaring tools available.
You can also find a pipe flaring tool set which will have all the tools you need for the job. This will include a flaring tool, a deburring tool, a tube cutter and many other adapters that will fit different pipe sizes. This can be used for a wide range of pipe flaring tasks. You can also use a single flaring tool that is quite inexpensive and simple to use. This has a cone shaped mandrel and once you insert it into the end of a pipe, you can use the clamp that comes with it to hold the pipe in place. When you force the mandrel to the end of the pipe, the pipe will gradually flare outwards. Another similar tool is the double flaring tool and this can be used to create a double flare at the end of the pipe which can come in useful when working with high pressure pipes or brake lines. This allows you to create a more secure connection. And a big risk with high pressure pipes is leaking. This will help minimise the risk.
The above tools are mostly simple tools that can be used to flare pipes.
There are more advanced tools that you can use for larger pipes. These tools tend to be quite expensive. Hydraulic flaring tools allow you to achieve high accuracy and you can use it in high volume production environments. If you want to flare the pipe at a non-standard angle, you will need to use an eccentric cone flaring tool. This is a specialised tool generally used in refrigeration and HVAC industries where the pipes have unique angles. If you want to reduce the diameter of a pipe, you will need to use a swaging tool. This is generally used for plumbing and HVAC applications. This will allow you to fit pipes in a smaller space. You can use this along with a flaring tool for leak free joints.
As there are many pipe flaring tools available,
You need to consider the material and the size of pipe you are working with when selecting the right choice. Some tools are designed to be used with large pipes and vice versa. The type of flare you need to create is another consideration. Single flares are used for low pressure applications while a high pressure pipes will need double flares. Also specialised applications use eccentric cone flares. You need to go through the manufacturer’s instructions to get an idea of the right way to use the tool. When used incorrectly, the flare will not be accurate leading to leaks. It is also important to wear protective clothing such as eyewear and gloves when working with flaring tools.
