Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum

I searched topic titles for "Barrier" and got these results which didn't address my question - https://www.autoacforum.com/search.php? ... mit=Search

Any reason not to use Reduced Barrier (RB) hose?

How can I tell if the crimper tool I have will work with RB hose?

Thanks

Nothing wrong with reduced barrier hose.
If your crimper tool kit only has 4 dies (6,8,10, and 12) then it will not handle reduced barrier.
The best kit to get covers both regular hose and reduced barrier and is hydraulically operated by a built in hand pump. Crimping anything over a #8 hose manually is a bear. Plus this type of kit is portable and can be used in side the car and under to hood where space is limited. The 4-only kit needs to have the base of the tool clamped in a vice else you will never get it to work. Be sure the hose goes on far enough to cover over the small "tell-tale" hole in the proximal end of the fitting...this tells you the hose is on all the way. Some lube with mineral oil (the type from the R12 days) will help to get the hose on. PAG oil is hygroscopic and will cause corrosion on the fitting