[michael cook]

I need a tool to put the ridge in a tube to use as a coolant line like on radiator inlets!!!!! anyone know where to get one or how to make one ???

[powerrodsmike]

If it's 3/4" or under, use a double flaring tool and just do a slight bulge on the end instead of the whole double flare.

If it is larger tubing, I've taken a tubing cutter and welded a washer to a junk cutting roller, then roll that around the tube a few times..it doesn't put the bulge, but it does put a groove in the tube to add some traction to the hose. I usually roll the groove far enough down the tube to let the hose clamp go over it, and squeeze the hose down into the groove when it's tightened.

Hope this helps, Mikey

[powerrodsmike]

Here is the tube cutter thing. This is a piece of 1 1/2 muffler tubing.

You can get all fancy and solder a piece of wire on the tube, but that is a PITA..

later, mikey

[burnt olds]

Originally Posted by powerrodsmike

If it's 3/4" or under, use a double flaring tool and just do a slight bulge on the end instead of the whole double flare.

If it is larger tubing, I've taken a tubing cutter and welded a washer to a junk cutting roller, then roll that around the tube a few times..it doesn't put the bulge, but it does put a groove in the tube to add some traction to the hose. I usually roll the groove far enough down the tube to let the hose clamp go over it, and squeeze the hose down into the groove when it's tightened.

Hope this helps, Mikey

that works
try two flaring tool clamps , put one at end , space the second one about a 1/4 inch .
hang between vice and smack the end one with a hammer .
this will bulge the middle out .

[BOBCRMAN@aol.com]

The correct tool is available from any commercial refridgeration supply. I have a full set. THEY ARE SPENDY!
Marketed by Robinaire Co.

[jaguarxk120]

Kit Car Builder (check their web site) had a write up about putting a bead on the end of coolant lines. Basicly you use a exhaust expander tool to openup a 3/8 piece of the tubing or line. Just enough so it will slip over the original. Then braze or weld the 3/8 piece onto the original. Now you have a tube with the bead so the hose won't slip off after clamping.

[cboy]

Some of the above suggestions might be better but here's how I've done it in a couple of situations. Might give you some ideas to try.

The first is a copper pipe connector (1 1/2"). I just saw off about a 3/16" wide piece of copper pipe and put a slit it it.



Then slip this ring over another piece of copper pipe and solder it in place.



I've also done it with steel pipe or tubing by welding a bead around the end of the pipe/tube like this.



Not real elegant...but if you want to do it on the cheap, it does hold the hose.