How to Build A Beautiful Sheet Metal Ductwork Transition. | DIY HVAC GUY

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⚠️ Disclaimer:
This video is for educational purposes. Any and all HVAC repair work is done at your own risk. The DIY HVAC Guy channel is not responsible for any possible damages or injuries caused by the use or misuse of the provided information.

[@paulcernava7091]

17 years of doing this job and I have never seen a window spline tool cross brake. That's just f.n genius. I'm going to use that thank you

[@Onetakelifestyle3323]

You have never seen that? You must not be a shop guy lol

[@paulcernava7091]

@@Onetakelifestyle3323 I hope you feel better but a shop guy doesn't work on the floor they use a power break a box break and well I don't have time to list all the different computer operations and high level math but you know that already right or are you still working on the floor

[@Onetakelifestyle3323]

@@paulcernava7091 I’m smart enough to be prepared., I would always bring a collapsible table at a minimum. I make fittings on site all the time…

[@throngcleaver]

I just recently learned about a hand brake, that uses two tandem wheels, like inline skates. It's made by Hilmor.

[@ihikefar]

I really appreciate you slow walking us through the transition build process. More sheet metal videos please!

[@olliea7805]

As a diy guy this is some great info for me, in the middle of swapping to a natural gas furnace from fuel oil. Only tip I can give you as a siding/window guy is don't close your snips all the way when cutting. The metal won't pucker so you will get cleaner finish and easier tucks. ty

Interesting! I'll keep this in mind for my upcoming project! Thanks for sharing!

[@phreevoycz5635]

The commenter speaketh the truth

[@JosephWett-vw7zp]

Nice video. I’ve made plenty of plenums on the job just this way. If you don’t have the window tool for your cross break, you can use a flat head screwdriver and straight edge and score a cross break. But you should put a scrap piece of cardboard from the furnace packaging under your metal so there is some “give” under it. Hard to get a good screwdriver cross break on the concrete floor.

[@1834RestorationHouse]

As a licensed aircraft sheet metal guy, I want to suggest making your 1/4 inch flange bigger. There isn't much edge distance there and 3/8 or even 1/2 inch would be better for resisting cracks where the screws are.

[@dormindont1]

Полезный совет, спасибо!

[@ODucks55]

As an aircraft mechanic in the Air Force and a current hvac contractor, a 1/4” is plenty. It’s not an aircraft. It’s a furnace in a basement.

[@1834RestorationHouse]

@@ODucks55 Old habits die hard. ;-)

[@ODucks55]

@@1834RestorationHouse 😎

[@mikesabrowsky2433]

Some people just can’t resist to correct someone even when their correcting means absolutely jack shit

[@mickstermouseter7059]

Great video! I bet even an old guy like me can do this after watching your detailed instructions. This would save a lot in labor costs. Thank you!

[@abaidaramex2818]

4 years i am doing hvac tech i wish i can make i buy all the time fabrication but the way u explain i think i can doo but self

[@db8823]

You make it look so easy. What's because you're an expert. Very informative. Thanks

[@diyhvacguy]

I appreciate that! Thanks for watching!

[@vinceabbott1271]

You did a great job building the duct work without a break and you did it all on the ground

[@keithosterkamp6207]

Great demonstration. Keep the helpful tips coming. I definitely learn something new each time watching your videos. I like how you use what’s at hand and repurpose them as tools. S-channel as a straight edge rather than having to pack in a level or something else for making lines and indentations. I’ve never see a folder like that but I see lots of utility in having one for creating other projects out of galvanized sheets.

[@rikardnorlen752]

Really like the simple handy tools you got as the bender!

[@brianmccafferty1470]

I like to see a master craft man at work!

[@paulharvey7193]

Thanks!

[@robertoroots8177]

Ty! I followed you methods. I used a pizza cutter to make the cross break.

[@mervin2832]

Thank you for showing me how to built the furnace ducting. I recently replace my home furnace, and the HVAC technician did such bad job on fixing the ducting it made me sick by looking at the finish product. So when summer comes around I like to re-do it myself...Thank you ....vancouver bc canada.

[@wadebrink8149]

Good video. Excellent step by step. Using the screen tool for cross breaks is a nice trick. 👌

[@KyleRicciardi]

I'd appreciate any channel like this practicing and advocating for the use of personal protective equipment. Sheet metal will filet your hand. Even the most experienced have accidents. Usually completely avoidable with good protection.

[@JamesBakerOhio]

Excellent video and tips. I love the screen tool to make the cross brakes. Screen tool and carpet pad = thinking man's brake.😊

[@buggyboy1140]

Well Done! Great video for the duct dummies! That sure will help me do my project at home!

[@derrtydungeon]

The window screen tool is genius 👍🏿👍🏿🤩

[@Keith_Mikell]

Invaluable skill. Many contractors sub this out. Mine was.

[@Robert-et3pi]

Beautiful lesson, thank you.

[@richarddeleon9284]

You explain it quite nicely and makes it easy to understand. Thanks.

[@chatrkat]

Thank you for the nice step by step instructions. I’m going to be replacing my gas furnace this summer, I’m well qualified to do everything except the sheet metal, but I’m now very tempted to try to build the plenum myself. If I don’t end up with a neat professional product, plan B is having my neighbor’s HVAC company produce it. I’d like to do the whole job myself if I can.

[@diyhvacguy]

Awesome! If you need some help during your install, make sure and check out our membership over on Patreon.com/diyhvacguy where you will get one on one help with your install, sizing equipment, and also help with warranty information. Cheers!

[@chatrkat]

@@diyhvacguy great plan, thank you.

[@jensvincent4702]

Glad folks are starting to show alternatives to using a lockformer. Been trying to buy one for awhile, just can’t find one for less than $3000 lol.

[@dianeladico1769]

Thank you for this. I want to build a solar oven and I'd like something more durable than plastic or cardboard. I wanted to use sheet metal but couldn't figure out how to make the bends. This will be perfect. It's off-topic, I know, but a good idea can go a long way.

[@tredogzs]

The Tool was your BRAIN!

[@diyhvacguy]

🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@Silky_boi]

I wish I had this video when I started. My helper used to call it the pizza cutter 😅 I eventually upgraded to the Hilmor pocket brake and it was a big upgrade!

[@diyhvacguy]

Yea I just saw that some on qualityhvacr’s channel! I’m totally picking up one of those

[@ranger178]

I like offset Klenk snips they make nice smooth cuts, and your hand is up above the metal.

[@rossflores4394]

Nice work I love this window screen tool trick.👍🏾

[@Otis884]

Nice to see how all this is done , thanks .

[@billmadle1235]

Nice workmanship

[@bert1913]

You are an excellent teacher. Thank you for sharing!

[@josebmarquez9515]

great job and thank you for sharing how to build the a box for the inside evaporated coil 🙏🙏

[@callmebackfriday2]

Thanks for showing this step by step, it is not that easy but it is not that bad as long as I can get all the necessary tools and material (Do you think I can get from big box stores) but at least I know how this is done and won't be fool by being charge $$$$ arms and legs on it. Thanks for the video. 👍

[@Michael49211]

Great video, thank you! I would enjoy more closeups, but great instruction!

[@mandingoteck]

Great video! You are the man. I love the details that you show in your videos.

[@diyhvacguy]

Glad you like them!

[@andresmvc112]

Whenever I make or order a transition I also order some canvas connections. Look into it it makes your life real easy to put in a big ol transition like that

[@diyhvacguy]

Noted. Do you pick them up at your local supply house? And I assume you put them on the top?

[@keiths173]

The best I can finally finish my furnace

[@skidooextreme2233]

I will be installing a new furnace in a 1910 cottage soon, thank you!

[@diyhvacguy]

If you need some help with your install check out our Patreon membership at Patreon.com/diyhvacguy where for $25 you can get one on one support with help during installation, diagnosing, help with purchasing equipment and warranty info. Cheers, Dave

[@daveyt4802]

Good stuff! Hopefully you can find the same size furnace for replacement!

[@reydiaz8505]

I finally have some use for that window screen tool again 😂

[@1thinkhealthy]

Thanks for these videos. Keep them coming. My hands would be cut up doing that without gloves. :)

[@diyhvacguy]

You bet!

[@benjaminreinhardt259]

Where can I buy that 'S' lock strip? Thanks for the video, very detailed and simple to follow.

[@jelizarraraz1679]

I thank you for yours videos man great job..

[@bulldogmrktr23]

Awesome video friend

[@mahabubulalamshusom6327]

Masterclass Video❤

[@keovongvilaykeo4799]

Always great thanks you showing new things 😊

[@diyhvacguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@gregwhite9723]

Good job buddie. Keep up the good work.

[@phototec]

Great video.. You always do such a good job. What gauge sheet metal did you use? I am changing out my 25-year-old air handler and teh new Lennox unit is shorter than the old one so I will have to make a new plenum as you did in this video, my question is the old plenum was wrapped with foil-backed fiberglass insulation on teh outside, how would I be able to wrap the back side of the new plenum? Any ideas? Thanks

[@wxfield]

Braking, Cutting goes a lot easier once you own a small, portable sheet metal brake. A friend of mine left a metal sliver behind once and it got into a toddler's foot. Boy did he catch hell for that.

[@diyhvacguy]

I bet! Geez

[@wxfield]

@@Kevin-mp5of Yeah. My friend been doing this work for 30+ years. He took all the precautions and there was some question as to if the metal was even from his duct work or not given there were other subs on that job site. Irrespective of how to keep the work site clean..shit happens...and it's not always something you have control over. Outside is always the best place to be when cutting metal however...even still, someone can track in a shard that you didn't see..then it's hell-to-pay all over again.

[@wxfield]

@@Kevin-mp5of God bless you Kevin..brought a smile to my face. My Dad used to say that to me when I was down "Boy, you can't win for love or money can you?".

[@utubebp1]

Very glad to find your instructive videos. Thank you. My home has a Rheem downflow furnace and there is no filter rack above the blower housing compartment.. I would like to make one in the plemum box. Make a U channel out of 4" strip of sheet metal. Do I need to leave space between the blower housing or can it be immediately above the blower? Rheem manual says filter is inserted above the blower via the blower compartment door. I saw a video showing an opening (1.25") is made to insert the 1" filter. Thank you in advance for your comments on what I plan to do.

[@diyhvacguy]

You can go directly to the furnace, you can also pick up a filter rack to make that super easy. If you need more help, check out our $25 membership at Patreon.com/diyhvacguy where you’ll get one on one support with anything hvac. Cheers

[@terrytuepah171]

Ok a few little things to make this install even better. Use water proof duct sealer not tape( over time the tape dries out and just falls off) much better and easier to do also. The tabs around the top furnace opening are to be bent up on a 90* giving you a lip to screw the plenum too that’s why there perferated to make it easier to bend up. I have been doing HVAC work for 35 years and your install is better that 95% of the work I see done out in the field. Most installers can’t do tin work worth a dam.

[@terrytuepah171]

Another thing I wondered about was no dirt pocket on the gas line? It’s code to have an appliance dirt pocket on gas lines in Ontario

[@sn3495]

👉💯👈

[@sn3495]

The guy is young too... just think what he will become in 20 years... very impressive... especially in comparison to grab and run people in this business...

[@apple5pdx]

I agree with Terry-the paint on ductseal is easier, lasts longer and is WAY cheaper.

[@diyhvacguy]

Thank you guys so much! You have no idea how much that means to me. Thanks for the tips! I normally use Pookie but mine froze in my truck because it go so cold 🥶 this gas line had a huge dirt trap, not sure how visible it was but no debris was going to make it past that and the flex line. Thanks again for the tips! Cheers all

[@MechanicalManiaco]

I did sheet metal for years. One thing that could be improved upon is screwing the metal to the side of the air handler. Making sure nothing is damaged on the inside of course. That way it will be easier for the installers on future changeouts.

[@Joel35644]

why to the side?

[@MechanicalManiaco]

@@Joel35644 Easier for future change outs

[@Matts_Crafty]

Great video! I wish I had $1 for every time I dropped a screw into a blower or inducer assembly 😂

[@cesarmartinez3582]

Great video I love ❤️ , to learn something new,

[@RC-Heli835]

Awesome job man!

[@nicklavore9841]

Love what your doing on this Chanel man keep to info coming! I can’t see myself getting thru this process without slicing myself. Has that ever been an issue for you?

[@diyhvacguy]

I’ve nicked myself a hand full of times, but it’s not super common for me. I should wear gloves more often though. Thanks for the kind words btw 🙏🏻

[@tycurtin7565]

When do you tape on the inside of the plenum versus using pookee?

[@Newhandk.2]

not always need a evaporator coil?

[@ikidd3123]

Ductwork without gloves on, that's brave.

[@steventrott8714]

I would have half a dozen cuts from this job!

[@davetysdal5442]

Awesome! Got a AC IQ furnace that is about 8" shorter than my old system. Looking for solutions.

[@X19-x5f]

This video makes me want to tear out my existing ducting and rebuild it myself. Of course, I won't because the boss (wife) would frown upon this.

[@zekenzy6486]

Great Video. it looks beautiful and nice. Thank you for sharing

[@PsiFire1]

I LOVE being able to use a tool for multiple purposes so the use of the screening tool is awesome. Any suggestions for fixing "oil canning" in my duct work? It's hard/impossible to get to the inside because of the AC evaporator frame. :(

[@tigerz4487]

beautiful work , but no insulation needed inside ?

[@diyhvacguy]

Nope, I’ve actually only seen one system here in Utah that was insulated.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge! This kind of stuff is essential for anyone, especially home owners. More importantly, for those of use who simply can't afford a tech to do these things for use and us being able bodied and willing (or those of us simply curious types); the way you walked through the process instills an abundance of confidence and eagerness 💪

[@christophernalbone6299]

Can you tell me what gauge sheet metal you use? Thanks ,very good videos.

[@diyhvacguy]

I believe 26ga

[@dr2man]

Just watched this video, and learned a lot you do a good job explaining things. Would you happen to have a similar video showing a high-efficiency install with the A coil for the AC?

[@diyhvacguy]

Yes plenty under my air conditioning installation playlist 👍🏼 cheers

[@hosocat1410]

Do you ever use electric shears or nibblers or drill attachment cutters? I'd like to see a video of pluses and minuses of different types and which ones you prefer. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and tips!

[@diyhvacguy]

Yes I use the malco turbo sheers all the time 👍🏼 dewalt makes a pretty rad one as well

[@trueforum378]

Maaan! I love your techncal skills! you are on a way different level. Great work. thank you for making such great videos

[@stanleyzabicki1291]

You should put a canvas connection at the top before making the transition. Eliminates transfer of furnace noise to duct.

[@JohnSmith-qj7hd]

Only allowed on returns by code here

[@kevinberry7076]

Where do get the insulation that is used on the inside for attic installs?

[@JosephWett-vw7zp]

Making transitions is easy. I take measurements and have the layout guy at the shop make it. 🤣

[@generalinfo9999]

Excellent bro

[@michaeljames5881]

Any shot you can show one with the coil installed?

[@diyhvacguy]

Yesir! I have a couple install videos where the transition is included but I will do one dedicated to showing that with the coil installed.

[@michaeljames5881]

@@diyhvacguy appreciate it man. I’m a 1st year apprentice doing residential installs. I basically have everything down but the 4 piece metal transition. This video was helpful.

[@rockscratchers2972]

Great video!

[@jvsmeds]

Flexible gas connectors are illegal in my state for use on furnaces.

[@hollidaydoc45]

Excellent video. Very informative.

[@diyhvacguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@zorkonthegreat5879]

Great video.

[@mikewest5748]

Looks good but why not tape all the way around or use caulk at the corners top and bottom to seal the air gaps anyway good job great video

[@giantkillin8278]

excellent as always.! thanks for sharing.

[@diyhvacguy]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ddlago]

When you go from a 21 -17.5 furnace how much airflow do you lose especially on the ac as the evaporator is smaller- is there a formula for it ?

[@alnava7524]

I was proud of him and than he busted out the tape

[@musicsavesxlives]

Where do get supplies big box stores or other places

[@atj226]

Have you made any videos for building a transition for a downdraft furnace? I'm having difficulty putting in a filter pocket.

[@Rocky1983511]

Thank you 😊

[@ramchillarege1658]

Very nice video. Thank you..

[@rafaelrosario7180]

Nice job 😎✊🏻

[@simplelaoguy]

Thanks a millions

[@user-fy6rr6sz2n]

Well done

[@shopart1488]

Nice clean neat job, thanks!!

[@gmpinto2]

Practical solution!

[@1hiphopnow]

Is that dryer vent on the furnace?

[@diyhvacguy]

No it’s much thicker, designed for furnaces.

[@1hiphopnow]

@@diyhvacguy ok thanks. I been looking for a furnace flex vent.

[@ReliableHVACR]

I knew it from the title 😂 I've seen a pizza cutter work as well

[@diyhvacguy]

🤣 I just saw Qualityhvacr’s video and he used a hilmor roller tool! Pretty slick

[@ReliableHVACR]

@@diyhvacguy oh yeah I saw that at least year's ahr, they had a speed competition or something with it

[@butlerstouchHVAC]

great vid

[@rajivsaini5713]

Beautiful

[@Matthew-jt3hs]

Will this method work on fiberglass duct board?

[@leonardkellum6984]

Where do you suggest I get the metal and edge strips online and how to find it locally? thanks

[@ejmerritt1543]

I'm assuming this is up north cause your not adding a coil?