Making a flare fitting on copper tubing

[PapaGene]

In trying to flare the end of 3/8 copper tubing for a connection the flare keeps splitting. It has been many years since I have had to make this type of connection, although I still had the tools. I need some suggestions as to what I need to perform to overcome this problem.

Gene

[Kevin A]

In trying to flare the end of 3/8 copper tubing for a connection the flare keeps splitting. It has been many years since I have had to make this type of connection, although I still had the tools. I need some suggestions as to what I need to perform to overcome this problem.

Gene

Are you using a double flaring tool?
http://www.ehow.com/how_5002780_use-dou ... -tool.html

[PapaGene]

No, I am making a single flare as this is a low pressure gas fitting on my bar B Que grill.

Gene

[eatatjoz]

What are you using? hard copper? soft copper?
What kind of tool to flare it if not a flaring tool?

Annealing the pipe may solve your problems.

[PapaGene]

I assume that it is soft copper as it bends easily. Yes it is a falring tool for this purpose, even has the fittings for a double flare which I used to use for steel brake lines. The tubing that I am using came from a water line that I had replaced from under a sink. However it appears to be in good condition. It may be to old but hated to purchase a 10 foot section to get this 6" piece.

[eatatjoz]

I'd suggest annealing it. I think that will solve your problems.
Just heat it with a propane torch and let it cool before flaring it. That should soften the metal and you shouldn't split it when flaring.

Depends on the copper, but I think it will fix your problem.

[PapaGene]

Thanks so much for your suggestion. Will give it a try tomorrow in annealing it. Then keep my fingers crossed to see if that helps.

Gene

[teardrop_focus]

Hey there PapaGene... is your teardrop 9' long? The one pic'd in your avatar...


Anyhoo...

eatatjoz

Annealing the pipe may solve your problems.

You can anneal this copper tubing by heating the tube end until it almost glows then immediately quench it in cold water.

Just as importantly, how are you cutting the end of the tube? Hacksaw or pipe cutter?

Cut the tube as absolutely square as you can, then chamfer the cut end before you begin attempting to flare it. Don't squeeze the tubing too hard, either, with the stock, or, clamp, or whatever you're using.

Good luck, and, I like you tug and tear combo; I'm shooting for a similar setup w/ my Ford Focus hatch.

[teardrop_focus]

Pls pardon me; I didn't see eatatjoz' second post there, explaining the annealing procedure...

[PapaGene]

Hi Teardrop-focus, finally see the connection between name and rig. My TD is a 4X10, Hunter Long Shadow, ordered it from factory with some options including brakes. Not a neccesity but could be handy in an emergency as we always haul to much stuff camping.

I cut the tubing with a tubing cutter, champered the end etc, have all the correct tools as used to use them a lot, many years ago. I don't ever remember annealling it before but maybe I did. Sounds like it is going to be necessary this time. I didn't remember the process of annealling but there is a lot of things that I don't remember.

Thanks so much for the reply.

Gene

[afreegreek]

Hi Teardrop-focus, finally see the connection between name and rig. My TD is a 4X10, Hunter Long Shadow, ordered it from factory with some options including brakes. Not a neccesity but could be handy in an emergency as we always haul to much stuff camping.

I cut the tubing with a tubing cutter, champered the end etc, have all the correct tools as used to use them a lot, many years ago. I don't ever remember annealling it before but maybe I did. Sounds like it is going to be necessary this time. I didn't remember the process of annealling but there is a lot of things that I don't remember.

Thanks so much for the reply.

Gene

just get it really hot with a torch and let it cool.

[mary and bob]

papagene: Being a truck mechanic, and owning vintage cars, I'm used to making double flares. But 20 years ago I worked for a fuel company, and we used 3/8 and 1/2 inch copper that came in a roll for fuel oil and propane lines. The company's flaring tool only did single flares and worked real good. I have since made up fuel & propane lines for myself but might have done them double flare. I have some of that copper line, if you need a short piece I'll send you some. On the propane lines we used a heavier flare nut, referred to as a "frost nut" I think. Bob

[48Rob]

Gene,

I understand being cheap, I go out of my way to save too.

I've been flaring copper for 32 years.
Most of the brittle copper I find is water lines that have been repeatedly frozen.

I always figured if the old copper is so brittle, it isn't worth the risk of re-using.
I didn't want to take the chance that the line would crack, leaving me responsible for a flooded house...

I've never tried to anneal old copper that was so brittle it cracked when trying to flare it, it may work according to the other posters, but seems risky for a ten dollar piece of tubing on a gas line?

Rob

[PapaGene]

Thanks so much for all the replies. Rob you are right this copper was from a water line that had been in use for several years. By annealing it, I did get a flare but of questionable strength, tried a double flare but not much better. Not something I was willing to trust. Was at auto parts store today for some parts, mentioned the 3/8 copper tubing, he had a small amount that he cut me off a piece to do my job.

Bob, thanks for the offer to send me some, but knew that I could come up with some new stuff. I probably even had some new stuff somewhere in my junk but was to cold to rummage around looking for it. That north wind and 30degrees was unconfortable, had other things to take care of today. Will see how the new stuff works tomorrow and let you know.

Thanks Again,
Gene