swaging tools

the crimpler thread got me to thinking...

i do A LOT of swaging and pinchoffs...

i just use a hammer and a swaging block and tool,

is there any better (quicker) alternatives out there?

it seems like with enough leverage, there should almost be a hand tool that would just grab, squeeze, swage (kind of like a rivet gun or pvc cutters) you know, something that uses compound leverage

i'm in the market if anybody has any suggestions...

also, what do you guys use for capillary tube work?

i use a three-sided file, and two pairs of long nose pliers, wiggle-wiggle-wiggle-snap

is there something better?

Here's one, but I know Rothenberger makes one too.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/IMPERIAL-FlaringSwaging-Tool-1A217

The one in your link above is the one I use. Another tech at our shop has a set of pliers that are kinda nifty, no compound action and you have to work your way around a bit but, for small tubing they seem OK. Just haven't been able to buy a set locally.
Here's an image of the tool from ebay Australia.

Pipe/Tube Expander Pliers (New)
*a handy expander tool, insert the pipe expander into the pipe end, progressive pressure on the handle of the pipe expander while making a rotary movement to make a round shape, suits for soften tube pipe, soften copper and thin tube pipe and pvc pipe.
*suit to tube pipe inside diameter size (ID): 10mm-20mm
*expanding range (ID): 10mm-13mm, 13mm-16mm, 16mm-20mm, 20mm-23mm
*handle length: 160mm

thanks for the link, chuck. i've got a set like that, although that one looks a little nicer.

now, that thing otto just posted is what i need.

otto, do you have a link to that tool?

I can't find it locally. There's one on ebay in Australia, I don't think they will ship to the US.
Probably find a set if I keep looking. I get distracted when surfing around, though.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Pipe-Tub...?pt=AU_Building_Materials&hash=item588f581ab3

wow, that thing is awesome.

i need a smaller version of that.

something predominantly for 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8

i'm inspired, i'm gonna keep searching

maybe robinair has something on their website

i keep envisioning something in the style of a rivet gun,

like, you reach over the end, grab hold, squeeze the trigger, and it forces the swage tool in, in one smooth motion, now that would be the cat's ass.

I can only find the pliers available from wholesale suppliers in China where you have to buy 100 pieces or more.

There is a tube expander out there but it's kinda big like 14" long.
I would like the pliers just for small tubing and they will fit in my solder/braze bag.

I think Rothenberger makes one Lurk,but I can't find it right now. I know Robo had one and gave me a link to it years ago.

http://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Jacket-Tubing-Expander-Swager/dp/B00159X0G6

thanks, chuck, i'm gonna search on that now.

i just found this one: http://www.newmantools.com/imperial/2000fs.htm

i dont think i have ever swaged a tube, except in trade school.

http://www.cscindustrial.com/06_Rothenberger_Tube_Expanders.html

Otto, thanks for saying tubing expander, I was stuck on stupid and kept looking under swaging............

nice

i just found a smaller version of that. same company.

http://www.menards.com/main/plumbin...ing-set-3-16-1-4-5-16-3-8-1-2-5-8/p-79217.htm

Swaging is a good thing to do, less fittings=less joints=less potential for leaks

I really don't do enough weld/solder/braze to invest in the kit, also that would take up a large part of my tool bag.
If I find the pliers available, I'll post a link. They would be handy and small enough.
My friend at work got his pliers as a gift from a friend in Europe (France I think he said).

i used the block and swag dies with a hammer for years. The imperial set I have now is so much easier.

Otto, he needs to hook a brother up.......................