Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum

This is one of a few questions (putting into separate threads) on my custom HVAC project.

Is there a "hand" tool (as opposed to an industrial end-form machine) that can put an o-ring bead on aluminum tubing? I would like to retain OE engineering of having hard lines except for the lines to/from the compressor having rubber.

After too many hours of research, all I've found is the Mastercool #72485 3/8" push-connect which might work for a #6 but doesn't deal with the #8 or #10 lines.

I don't know of any tools for the purpose of which you speak. But an alternative is to obtain whatever size aluminum tubing you need, purchase an already formed o-ring fitting in the same size and material, swage each end of the tubing and fitting (so that one fits inside the other), and aluminum-braze the two together. Swaging tools can be had for reasonable prices.

JohnHere wrote: ↑Fri Jul 26, 2024 2:35 pm I don't know of any tools for the purpose of which you speak. But an alternative is to obtain whatever size aluminum tubing you need, purchase an already formed o-ring fitting in the same size and matereial, swage each end of the tubing and fitting (so that one fits inside the other), and aluminum-braze the two together. Swaging tools can be had for reasonable prices.

The cheapest way to do it, or braze connections.

aluminum-flux-core-wire

You can try Manual O-Ring Bead Rollers, which are designed to create a groove in aluminum tubing where an O-ring can be placed. They usually consist of a set of rollers or dies that form a bead as the tubing passes over it or when the tool is rolled over the tubing.

emerrryjones wrote: ↑Mon Jul 29, 2024 9:44 pm You can try Manual O-Ring Bead Rollers

I have a smaller bead roller to be able to put a bead on larger aluminum tubing for my aluminum intercooler and radiator pipes. The die won’t fit a #8 and would probably barely fit a #10.

If this isn’t what you are referring to, can you reply with a manufacturer and part number (did some searching already and best I can tell is what you are talking about is what I already have)?

Face palm. No sooner do I reply and I somehow stumbled upon a potential tool…

(Link removed.)

bond007 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 30, 2024 12:12 pm Face palm. No sooner do I reply and I somehow stumbled upon a potential tool…

(Link removed.)

please describe in some way for us to find it. I've also ben looking for something like this.

andrew vanis wrote: ↑Tue Jul 30, 2024 5:16 pm

bond007 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 30, 2024 12:12 pm Face palm. No sooner do I reply and I somehow stumbled upon a potential tool…

(Link removed.)

please describe in some way for us to find it. I've also ben looking for something like this.

You will need to be triggered by someone else, as I did not remove the link! I get triggered by certain people as well.

I don't think a single image of a tool would have been removed; certain links, yes. People can Google shop on their own time and platform! I think we have told you this many times. Repeatedly asking will not change the outcome of the response. If you feel this restriction voids the information you glean from the site, I think as vast as the internet is, someone has to have a site that fits in better with your feelings of how it should be run.

PS: There is no need to run me down in a post. You have already done that in the past. And since I'm recovering from spine surgery. My delete finger is less tolerable.

I did see the link. I'm not sure it will seal well with that short of a nipple. I still think your best option is welding a section of fitting on the aluminum tubing. This is how it's been done for as long as I can remember.

OP, as already mentioned, you are welcome to post a picture or two that might help clarify your discussion. Links to outside businesses and online auctions are not permitted.