How To Install a Mini Split Line Set - R410a Flaring Guide & Torque Settings Using Nylog

NoVac Precharged Lineset DIY Mini Split Units: amzn.to/3tkQdt0
Yellow Jacket Eccentric Flaring Tool: amzn.to/3Q4cV27
Nylog Blue Lubricant/Sealant: amzn.to/3aseqH5
Knipex Needle Nose: amzn.to/3mk6WIX
My Favorite Tool: amzn.to/3NIFJuO
Tools We Recommend: www.amazon.com/shop/benjamins...
CPS Black Max Torque Wrench: amzn.to/393taMt
Rigid Close Quarters Pipe Cutter: amzn.to/3GTTaWN
Rothenberger Deburring Tool: amzn.to/3Ms6HGi
Here I take you through all of the details that you need to know to successfully run a lineset for a mini split air conditioner or heat pump system. We will go over the specific details of how to make a proper flare connection on copper pipe, apply Nylog sealant to the fittings, routing and bending the lines, and finally how to torque those connections with a torque wrench.
0:00 - Mini Split Line Set Intro
0:14 - The Most Important Part Of Your Line Set
0:35 - Tools For Flaring Mini Split Unit Line Set
0:54 - Cutting Thin Copper Tubing
2:20 - Deburring/Reaming Out The Copper Pipe
2:54 - Flaring The 3/8" Tube
4:24 - Cutting Thick Copper Tube
4:45 - Reaming Out The Burr
4:53 - Flaring The 5/8" Tube
6:05 - No-Vac/Pre-Charged Line Set Alternative
6:47 - Prep & Positioning The Mini Split Line Set
8:12 - Torque Settings & Nylog Blue
9:03 - Torque Line (CPS BLACKMAX BTLDTW Torque Wrench)
12:47 - Click Style Torque Wrench
13:43 - Bending & Mounting Line Set To Wall
14:46 - Trimming The AC Line Set
16:09 - How To Use A Deburring Tool
17:00 - Flaring Outdoor Split Unit's Fitting
17:24 - A Tragic Mistake
17:52 - Quick Flare Redo
19:24 - Nylog Blue As A Flaring Lubricant
20:06 - Attaching Line To Outdoor Mini Split Unit
21:06 - Prep & Flare Thin Line
21:32 - Attaching Thin Mini Split Tubing
22:35 - SUBSCRIBE!!!
Thanks for watching and subscribing! As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support!
Blessings,
Ben

[@borshardsd]

Thank you for the content. I am a paid tech for 8 years. I will forget to put the nut on the line pre flare a few more times before i retire. Funny but great to share, happens to most of us.

[@Shalmaneser1]

Thank you for not deleting your mistakes. This is education, not hollywood.

[@johnmay371]

Benjamin, I want to thank you. I have watched this video many times from when it was first posted. Many times since excellent video. thank you for what you do. I have now installed a mini split in my garage shop. What a difference. Thank you for making these detailed videos they are excellent!

[@robertwilliams6288]

Thanks Ben for taking the time to show us how to do this job the right way will be of great help. 👍

[@nicholasphillips5406]

This is so knowledgeable and well put together. Thank you so much for sharing what the pros do and also sharing how us diy folks can use alternative methods

[@tommosiac]

Excellent job in explaining and showing how to do a proper flare ending. The video closeups were fantanstic! Thank you for the time and effort you put into this well-made vid.

[@missdee212]

Ben you're amazing I learn so much and you are so neat with your work(both this & the electrical) I love it. Thank you for sharing

[@03mtncat]

Best tutorial out there on minispli installation by far! Thanks for great effort. I will be looking out for part 2.

[@Qazxswer68]

You really explain this well🤓 Would have been my favorite video to follow a few months ago.

[@guspisano9777]

Well done Ben. You have a nack for anticipating my projects. You did a video on installing a home generator just when I was installing mine and now you have given vital tips on installing minisplits just when I am starting that project. Thank you

[@barbwagner967]

We are getting ready to install a mini split. We’ve been enjoying all your videos on mini splits. You are very articulate and knowledgeable. Excellent videography as well. I know it takes time to make the chapters, but they are so helpful!

[@hondoe3442]

Your a damn good teacher! As an electrician who trails apprentices you do a fantastic job explaining

[@dankelley9361]

Nice job instructing how to create proper flares. Looking forward in seeing the evac process & how the refrigerant is released. 👌

[@timothysears6970]

Nice patient delivery, enjoyed the video so much!

[@dosiodosev740]

Thanks for heads up on flaring our own ones

[@wgoode505]

The groove/gap space that's cut into each of the rollers on "all" tubing cutters is for you to cut off just the flare on the tubing. Without wasting and cutting off too much copper. For people who forget to put the flare nut on the line before flaring it. Just FYI

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

No way. I've always wondered what that was for!

[@garycowart986]

Gvy,ftg.

[@wgoode505]

@@BenjaminSahlstrom 🤣It's true

[@jakkomoore]

​@@BenjaminSahlstrom is there going to be the next video to finish the heat pump series?

[@brianb9410]

Excellent close ups, informative video. Is it possible to pull a line set through a 3” pvc pipe for under slab installation? Thank you.

[@mymorristribe]

Best channel ever for this type of work. Your quality editing makes all the difference! Keep the content coming!

[@nmatthew7469]

No doubt, this was thorough, excellent quality instructional video.

[@dory99boat]

Excellent instructions. I can hear and understand every word. Good teaching voice and method.

[@striker1211]

I wrote "NUT?" on my flare tool because I have also had to remake a few... dozen... flares.

[@tommymickey5388]

So helpful! Thanks for that! In the process of setting one up in a Dirksen playhouse

[@amytaylor1054]

Hello there , how are you doing today?God bless you!!❤

[@agoretoy]

Benjamin - excellent work explaining all in details. Your phraseology is flowless and to the logical points! I think you could be a good preacher, hahaha.. maybe a Mini Split preacher! - an ability to explain all without extraneous words is a rare combination of professionalism and mindfulness. And congrats on your name - as you may know our own and the original Benjamin Franklin - is the Founding Father of USA and & principal inventor of modern Air Conditioning! ;0) Thank you!

[@amytaylor1054]

Hello there , how are you doing today?God bless you!!❤

[@nmatthew7469]

Wow man, great work, very thorough.

[@texanwhaler6012]

Thanks Ben, excellent attention to detail!

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Much appreciated!

[@aldagui1307]

Best how to video ever. Thank you.

[@SE-cm3rh]

You really do nice work! Thanks for posting this mini split series!!! I'm currently shopping to replace my miserable window AC/ separate wall heater combo with a mini split so I can finally hear myself think in my woman cave room addition. I'm in central Virginia on a wooded swamp property....oh boy do we have those biting bugs!!! But the water attracts all manner of wildlife which we enjoy.

[@emyflowers3813]

I really enjoyed your video and we have been thinking of installing one of course and letting the HVAC Guys do the technical part. I also must say as a business owner/ designer I never get to post videos I would love some direction please on posting because seeing you get that play button has now inspired me. Beautiful family. Many blessings to you

[@D1rtyharold]

Excellent video. Thank you!

[@nachosnewchannel8852]

Excellent video .... question; what is the best split system out there and what is the difference between them as far as tiers.

[@patrickmuenchen1863]

great video. I hope I can find the vacuuming video. I am getting ready to install three of the same cooper hunter units.

[@FixthisCD]

Thanks for the info on the proper flaring tool. Yes we have those no-see-ums but not until September. Essential oils like lemon, eucalyptus, mint and camphor are known for repelling no-see-ums

[@Qazxswer68]

I love using eucalyptus for no-see-ums.

[@stringlarson1247]

Not approved by Dwight Schrute.

[@Eddy63]

Good info as usual ... Thx for posting ...

[@1leiffearn]

Great video. Thanks!!

[@Earthcitizen4609]

Like your how your very knowledgeable and honest about your mistake like we all do mistakes

[@hariris9944]

Thanks for the great video, i would like to know why you didn'y put the outside unit closer so you don't have to use as much copper tube ?

[@carlosportillo8863]

Great video, I noticed there was a secondary torque setting after the initial setting..

[@user-xt4ps5zb2g]

Hi Ben, Love your video’s! Super helpful so thank you! Quick question. I notice you don’t do a nitrogen pressure test, just the vac down etc…I see info that lands on both sides of the fence. Are the necessary? Is it certain situations they should be done? I’ll be installing a system shortly and an was hoping for some insight. Thanks man for all you do!!!

[@davidderoode7691]

Very detailed thanks

[@kevintappe797]

In new construction, how about running the lineset inside the wall from the head unit down to a lower exit location? What do you think?

[@downforwhatever67]

Ben, I can’t find the next video. Did you do the vacuum pump video?

[@Gualluecious]

should the nylog also go on the outer part of the flare where the nut is rubbing against as you tighten?

[@HillOrStream]

Have watched several of these but this is the best on flaring details. One vid suggested putting a trace of Nylog on the threads too, another said not to do that as it might make the torgue wrong. Opinions?

[@donschiller4227]

Helpful information. My garage is a 2 car and I have a 3 season porch. I have started looking into a 36000 BTU 2 zone system. Even though I am good mechanically, age is catching up and I'll probably pay for the install. How's the drive from Tracy to Brooklyn Park?

[@lololine]

This is a great video!!!

[@stringlarson1247]

Great vid. now subbed. Can not be emphasized enough: buy quality tools. If you use a deburring tool, point the opening down to avoid any copper bits from going into the tube. I love the Rigid mini cutter. I have severe arthritis in my hands, so I keep a larger one in the bag for doing 3/4, but yeah, this thing is great. HA. Glad to see I'm not the only one who forgets to do the first step first (re. flare nut). I'm writing a book on Mindlessness Practice.

[@Nihilumbra]

Красавчик Бэн 👍😉. Сделай пожалуйста сюжет по электрике. Я знаю их много у тебя, но нужно ещё 😎

[@louisboliou7432]

Well done video--as usual. While working in the nuclear industry as an instrumentation tech, no flared fittings were acceptable, due to less strength than good compression fittings. We primarily used Swagelok compression fittings, or sometimes Parker, on high pressure inconel, lines. Flared fittings are outlawed in nuke industry power block. Why don't Swagelok fittings get used with HVAC? I would use them in a heartbeat over flared. BTW, I was certified on tube bending, and virtually all fitting types. The worse aspect of Swagelok was over torquing by pipefitters on smaller fittings.

[@amytaylor1054]

Hello there , how are you doing today?God bless you!!❤

[@darlenejackson3229]

Thank You!

[@mauroaparicio1855]

great video

[@rivergate950]

great video!

[@greg778123]

A trick I learned on here is put a drip of Compressor oil or nylog on the flare when you flare it haven’t tried it yet

[@swanman11187]

Do you have the video of the evac process? Also, i live near Milwaukee, wi, do you think i would need the hyper heat for my shop or would the regular cooper hunter work? Thanks so much for these

[@Digidoc316]

I am installing a 4-zone mini split on interior walls and running the lines down through the wall cavities and through the crawl space. I could get one, maybe two, of the air handlers installed but I have to leave walls open to have the lines accessible for pressure testing. To avoid leaving walls open all winter, can I leave the activation valve closed and evacuate just the branch and then open the activation port giving access to the active manifold? If I can do it that way, I wouldn't lose any refrigerant and I can close up the two walls that are open now.

[@GarySmith]

Showing house wrap in the video's final image - what was the cladding going to be on the house? The line set is attached directly to the sheathing, and the outside condenser is set before the cladding?

[@billrimmer5596]

Great info!!

[@amytaylor1054]

Hello there , how are you doing today?God bless you!!❤

[@OthmanAlikhan]

Thanks for the video =)

[@marinablueGS]

Flaring the tube before sliding the nut on.....been there, done that. Good thing I didn't have over 300k subscribers watching me at the time, lol.

[@grandview1141]

Hi ì⁹😅

[@danelectro68]

Great video 👍👍

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Thanks!

[@HobbyOrganist]

Oh yeah, I've done the same kind of thing as forgetting to put the nut on before flairing, but usually it was something like connecting wiring and not running the cable thru the box or nut first and having it all nice and tight and then OH DAMN, how did I DO that!!!!!!

[@philipdamask2279]

Is there some rule about line sets needing to maintain a downhill slope between the air handler and the compressor or can the last foot or so slope up to connect to the tubes coming out of the compressor?

[@DMAnnotti]

what is added torque setting value in the right column of instructions?

[@MattFerguson26]

How many supports are needed for long straight runs? Is there a code would reference for supporting line sets?

[@EW-sr5bl]

i am researching how to install my first mini-split. I am concerned about the flare connections. I heard you say to use the connectors that came with the condenser. I am wondering if you cut off and re-flared the evaporator side and reused the connector nuts that came with the line set or went with the flare/nut that came with the line set.

[@kevinpearce3281]

Hey. On a multi zone split. Do I vacuum each zone separately

[@nicholasphillips5406]

Do you have a recommended vacuum pump for installing ones that aren’t novac?

[@timbarker4189]

Did i miss video of you pulling vacuum and charging system? Was looking forward to that. Thank you

[@amytaylor1054]

Hello there , how are you doing today?God bless you!!❤

[@dmac2890]

I have a pioneer 18k unit with a 40’ linset that I added additional r410a when installed. I want to move the unit to a different location because of a remodel. Will the unit only hold the amount for a 25’ linset when I pump it down or do I need to buy a tank to store the additional coolant?

[@uwebuehrle6381]

No nitogen pressurizing before pulling a Vacuum ?

[@Julian-xc4ig]

Hard working lad

[@lavenderfarm]

When running line sets for extended runs, such as 40 ft, through an attic...what would be the requirements for securing the lines. Must you secure them to the trusses or rafters and if so how far and by what means.

[@kevin9c1]

Having done automotive brake lines (too many times) as well as A/C, there is nothing here that I couldn't easily accomplish. However, the reason I went with Mr Cool is because of the warranty. And because I bought from Ingrams, the warranty actually works. Is your CH unit still under warranty for a DIY install? Most aren't.

[@floorpizza8074]

Did Part 2 ever get released? Can't seem to find it.

[@hanamantghodake5755]

Thankas

[@cs-xd9gy]

An adjustable wrench?

[@user-ex5fw7zw2y]

Very nice ❤❤❤

[@waynecostanza2280]

Only thing I would add is when you re torque it should be done to a greater torque as specified in the manual.

[@amytaylor1054]

Hello there , how are you doing today?God bless you!!❤

[@amytaylor1054]

Hello there , how are you doing today?God bless you!❤

[@stuemany]

Really like your videos, one thing I’m not sure of, if the crows foot rotation around the center of torque wrench is equal, why would it matter if it’s 90 degree to the handle or not?

[@bnasty267]

The key to understanding torque is the concept of the 'moment arm'. The length of the moment arm -- in this case, the distance between where the force is applied (your hand) and the object that rotates (the nut) -- determines how much torque is applied with a given amount of force. Think about a long breaker bar on a wrench: you still apply the same amount of force on the end as a short wrench, but the long bar multiplies your torque. Torque wrenches are calibrated to a specific moment arm length. Good ones usually have a line where they expect the force to be applied, assuming the pivot is exactly at the square drive. By putting an extension (like a foot at 180 degrees) on there, your moment arm is longer than calibrated, and you apply more torque. Now, in reality, a small 1" or so addition foot doesn't really matter that much on a wrench of say a foot long. That would only be like a +8% increase, which is well in the expected error bar. If you grab the wrench wrong (e.g. near the end) you would be off by just as much. Really, for these kinds of things, it's ridiculous to be talking about decimal place foot pounds. A hairless ape grabbing a wrench handle wherever is convenient is going to always be +-15%, not even counting the inaccuracy of the wrench. All the wrench is really doing for you here is making sure you don't significantly over or under tighten. Humans are pretty bad about estimating torque by feel -- see Ben's other video about torque on electrical connections for example.

[@stringlarson1247]

@@bnasty267 Heh. I was standing around the other day watching the HVAC guy installing a big multi zone mini split, and we were talking about nitrogen leak testing, etc. when he was hooking up the lines. The nearest torque wrench was at my house several blocks away. AND if I'm not certified as an installer, my warranty will be void on many of these Brands. Good explanation of torque and moment arm. I've never used a crow's foot adaptor with a torque wrench, so never really thought about it. Interesting thought as to what the math would be when using the adaptor at 90 deg. The torque/reading is still not going to be accurate. One could pull/push the handle of the wrench and exert zero force on the nut. Completely irrelevant to this video, obviously, but interesting to think about.

[@DaveMavrik-ki7xb]

Hello, i have bought a second hand 2.5hp AC, have been using it for 5 years now, i used to call people to refill the refrigerant couple of times, now I realized that they have been using freon mix with air, now my AC is not cooling because there is no freon, just air. Can you tell me how to removed all the old freon mixed with air from the AC units, and start to vaccum again and refill the freon again? Thank you.

[@briancarlisi2224]

Pressurize with nitrogen first to check fittings for leaks, then perform the evac to around 300 microns prior to releasing charge.

[@donfrussell]

HI- need to order a 25' length vs the 13' supplied. Can some one explain the specs to me so I can order it on ebay? I understand nut size- OD and inner diameter- but don't see mine on the drop down menu.wil add pic of current 13". 8x8(38"x3/8") other is 8x12 (3/8" x 12")

[@MAGAMAN]

Recently moved to a more rural part of Texas and the No-see-ums and Mosquitoes are horrible.

[@joeyg.2953]

Did you ever post the video of vacuuming the lineset and releasing the refrigerant?

[@UKLandlord]

I’m looking for that too!

[@brandonr.2807]

Same! Hoping it comes out soon. Planning to install 2 of these soon.

[@TheBoydClan]

Yeah I had been looking as well. I am installing one in a couple weeks and was hoping to see how he did his.

[@SparkeyDogfish]

You can see debris in some of the pictures. Of your flairs.

[@CliffMyers-wy3il]

Could you please tell me when to open bottom valves on multi zone mini split as nobody seems to explain this well. Most know to keep top master valves closed until very last but several videos tell us to open bottom valves before vacumming begins and some tell us to do it after. Who is right? If you do it before do you lose much refrigerant? I have a cooper and hunter 3 zone. Please help.

[@jakkomoore]

Nitrogen pressure test 350psi for 30 minutes each line set/zone, then vacuum each line set/zone for 30 minutes. Then open each zone's valve slowly, then the main valve. Have the total additional feet of line set added to all zones, you will then need to add r410a slowly. The 28000 BTU CH is only precharged for a total line set feet of 74.

[@12345shushi]

Question: Do we need to add a p trap to the drain line of mini splits, or does it make any difference at all?

[@stringlarson1247]

P-traps are designed to keep sewer gases from entering your building. (or just being stinky for outdoor drains).

[@cruisemates]

I have a question - I see you trim off about 4 feet of lineset at the outside connect point. How does that affect the amount of coolant already pre-loaded into the compressor? What is a safe amount of line set to cut off before you worry about the coolant load causing overfill for the length of lineset? For example, it looks like you had maybe 20 feet of lineset and cut off 4 feet, That is about a 20% reduction of running footage. I have heard that 80% give or take is OK for the coolant weight in relation to the length of the lineset. Would you say that is accurate?

[@stringlarson1247]

Great question. I'd like to know that as well. From what I've been reading, most pre-charged units are set for up to 25' and have linesets that are 16' and 25' for the same unit. Install manuals that I've read just mention the need to add refridgerant for >25' but nothing about

[@chester8420]

It doesn't matter that much. There is some flexibility with regards to refrigerants. If you get way over 25ft you might consider adding some, and theres a formula in the minisplit installation guide for that.

[@watchman1982]

Wouldn’t a double flare be better for this application?

[@CelticMountainDigs]

I learned something....

[@valeriesmith4642]

Can one man install line sets on Fujitsu mini splits?

[@AltimaNEO]

Would you say its worth DIYing a mini split over getting a pro install? My worry would just be needing to service the equipment and nobody wanting to touch a DIY system.

[@OffGridandOutdoors]

I can't find the vacuum and leak test video

[@MrJeffery9076]

can you convert ft lbs to inch pounds

[@ajfalakchannel8717]

Dear I need a this job with you

[@theloneviking9145]

Ben!! what are you doing? did you play hooky today from school? You look like you’re about 13-14 years old…. but you have a damn fine presentation sense. you must be the Howser of HVAC.

[@chloekuchta6359]

I got quoted $1,500 for a guy just to come and release the coolant and screw it in for me and make sure everything works properly. Is this a fair amount for a unit that is only costing me $1,300? I'm wondering if me and my husband should just do it ourselves instead of trying to pay that for the signature. Wanting to know what the worst thing is that could happen if we do install it in properly

[@lasersbee]

4:20... I can see that the Flange of the pipe is too small in diameter for that connector nut. I use 1/8" out to have the Flange the same size as the 3/8" Nut.

[@bluegizmo1983]

22:00 what happened to the second half of the video about vacuuming the lines? .... looks like you never uploaded it.

[@jcaleca60]

I use a double flare

[@abdalqadr1]

❤❤❤

[@wes2460]

Every time I try to do that it pushes the copper tube out of the grip. I Tried everything and finally found what I needed and word of warning don't use Harbor-freight brand well for Flaring tools. It don't work even though cheap. Bite the bullet and buy a good one if your going to be using them often.

[@FibonacciK]

There should be no cracks In the flare. These are a source of stress concentrations and the crack will spread. if there are cracks, they need to be removed usually with automotive sandpaper.