Swaging Tool Copper Tube Expander Manual Copper Pipe Swage [5 in 1] (High Carbon Steel, Red)...

First impression? This tool looks like a 'step-bit' - the kind for drilling progressively larger holes from a reference hole, the size of which matches the first step on the bit... Same concept but instead of drilling a hole, you're using this rotary tool to expand the inside diameter of the tube via friction. The good news is that this tool actually works very well as it is intended! I used this tool on aluminum tubing and on copper tubing, trying a few 'test runs' to get the feel of it - and to wear off the red metallic paint that coats the surface of this tool. I don't want any contaminants in my tubing (paint chips, debris etc) especially if I using this tool to expand a copper refrigerant line! When using this tool on copper tubing with the expectation of sweat-soldering, the re-forming of the inner diameter worked very well, allowing a nice fit that will draw solder well. I use 'No Korode' soldering paste and found that dipping this tool into the paste before use (on copper) helps lubricate the rotary expansion and minimize work-hardening of the copper. Of course if you're doing a refrigerant line, it involves brazing and you want as little contamination as possible inside the tube. With proper use, this tool can accomplish the task. For non-industrial use, this is a really great tool! I've already saved $2~$5 per joint of tubing. Copper is expensive you know? I'm not sure how long the base metal of this tool will last, since surface friction is involved in the expansion process. For personal use, I can see it lasting me at least 50 expansions of any particular diameter as it is marked - before wearing down to the point where coupling the tubes together is no longer possible due to loss of diameter. A very neat idea that works very well. Two thumbs up!

Does not make perfect joints but it works pretty convenient. As it mean less tools to carry

Try to not force the tool to expand your pipe. Let the drill or impact driver spin the tool in such a rate that will in

1/4 end is more of a flare, the other sizes be careful you don't end up with a flare on your swage. The tool could have clear white lines to stop at as you are really spinning this thing to get the heat needed to expand the copper. It is easy to go a touch too far, I have put marker on mine. It works for some sizes, the bigger end can't be used near a bend, or 90. Decent backup to a quality set of swage/flare bits. Mine does fit in DeWalt impact driver.

Most definitely a time saver in the hvac field