HVAC Tools: HILMOR In Action

[@richardfossani6421]

Nice job Steven. Those tools are great, I just got them this past spring. Not only does it make the job look more professional, but it saves allot of money on fittings and brazing rods which are expensive.

[@StephenRardon]

Richard Fossani you're absolutely correct, if you bend the pipe you eliminated at least 2 braze joints. most systems i install with a new lineset only require 6 connections to be brazed if the filter drier is externally mounted and only 4 if the drier is already in the condenser. i love these tools!!

[@scottledford405]

It's caring about your craft. That's who I want to learn from.

[@Straycurrent]

Sure was purdy when she was all done. I didn't expect it was possible to swage 3/4 up to 7/8. Nice demo and nice video.

[@StephenRardon]

You have to stop about halfway to 7/8" if you want it to fit inside a 7/8" fitting. Usually 7 or 8 pumps of the swagger.

[@forgedcore]

Nice demonstration Stephen

[@wasimedoo7994]

Nice job i love those tools you have wish i could get those tools keep up the good job

[@FreddyT62]

Nice tool, Beats having different fittings and cuts down on brazing. Nicely done. Man I don't think its was cool up their.... Tough but someone has to do it. I have been their.

[@eddiehvac]

Nic job on the hilmor at wrk. I love a nic clean job and hilmor definitely looks like it does the lob with one hand Handle..

[@jimrodriguez4368]

Those are some really nice tool sets you got there. Need to pick me up some!

[@hvac01453]

next time you have that kink, bend it back just a bit, and secure your flaring block on it and walk it around the kink several times with the flaring block and press the kink out. I've done it several times on live lines, ....or when you get that compressor or accumulator where the connection isn't quite round, ding'd up in shipping, the flaring block does wonders. The swage tool also does well on an open ended pipe, to reshape it round again.

[@dcrickerson9775]

Nice tool. Very professional great looking job and video. Nice music too.

[@SteveSam66]

Stephen, nice job. Hilmor makes nice tools

[@codymon100]

Awesome tool I need one.

[@harrydickson4575]

Nice job Stephen

[@Mainly4999]

I have yellow jacket of each. The swagger is lever. The hydraulic looks better to fit in more areas. I'll dream of it. Nice work.

[@jonhvac]

Look like u had fun up there:( At least you had hilmor tools to get through the pain. You made MacGyver blush on this one Stephen Rardon lol!

[@4xprops457]

Another great video thanks for sharing! You have taught me a lot.

[@mikemalone6103]

A mention on the Hlman tool, it looks better but as usual, the supply house just started carrying them. I already have the Ritchie set with the reverse bender attachment. The tubing refuses to come out after a bend without a lot of pushing and pulling, and seems quite a bit larger ( not a good thing ) my truck is jambed enough as it is.. Also, the Ritchie expanding swedger splits the pipe consistently. I just saw on another vid to only do it halfway and the rotate the tool for the rest of the expansion. Good tip! Doesn't appear needed for the Hilman???

[@StephenRardon]

The Ritchie set is known for the elbow bends expanding, the Hilmor has an Aluminum or some other metal for the "foot" and doesn't allow the piping to expand

[@kena6524]

Never mind. lol. Good job! I like Hilmor. I have the Yellow Jacket bender... but, the Hilmor flare kit.

[@KGV_Studios]

looks like you had fun

[@hounddoggzgaming6970]

Very good video. Now im going to buy one

[@mrpancake_vids]

Nice video Stephen. I first had the yellow jacket tube bender and sold it to one of my co-workers so I could buy the Hilmor bender, but didn't like it and returned it for the yellow jacket bender. On mine the bar kept popping off when I would sit it down on the ground. On the yellow jacket the bar screws on and doesn't come off when you sit it down. Other than that I really liked the hilmor and will be getting the swagging tool soon.

[@StephenRardon]

The pops off for me as well but I just flip it over when I set it down. I had the YJ too but with the plastic bending foot/shoe (whatever) it didn't do very well with some of the jobs I wanted to do with it. It kept spreading out (the foot) and the plastic would flex. In the end it's whatever works for you. Thanks for watching.

[@AllenAllen674]

On 5:54 you cracked the sewage - I’m thinking of getting the hilmor swaging tool - how do you like it? Kinda upset after sawing you cracking the swage. Thank you for your time.

[@StephenRardon]

I didn’t exactly prepare the fitting like I should have to keep from cracking the fitting open. On good copper I’ve not had a problem. I like the Hilmor hydraulic Swage tool.

[@bbm8873417]

Nice work ,I'm trying to cut back on tools, but I really want the Hilmor swager

[@duinthadope420]

spring bender

[@eastlandgin]

What? No insulation for the suction line? You could have slipped that on before brazing. Would have saved you time from having to split the insulation and taping it.

[@AkGuyTop]

But if you're charging by the hour...

[@richardmueller4192]

Awesome Guitar!! Tools are great too!

[@StephenRardon]

Thanks for watching Richard

[@fridgydownunder6734]

Love the music background👍👍

[@SombraLocs]

Did your tubing bender come with the reverse attachment?

[@StephenRardon]

+Familia Sanchez HVAC no, I had to buy it separate

[@مصطفىحميد-ف8ن]

Thanks steven 🌹🌹good man

[@kilroy238]

I'm just a student so I don't know but wouldn't that much heat kill your new filter drier? Or is my instructor being over cautious in always advising using heat paste?

[@StephenRardon]

+kilroy238 i wouldn't say that heat paste is a waste at all. especially when you're learning to braze it can be a huge help in absorbing excess heat. i've never seen a drier fail due to heat from brazing it in but it does damage the pain on the outside of the can which can help rust to develop faster and leaks could occur.

[@kilroy238]

Cool thanks for the reply.

[@gablacasseb]

+kilroy238 heat has never been an issue for me too, but now I use Sylver soldier Stay-brite on heat sensitive part such as dryer and TXV valve, keep the heat low with propane, helped me a lot of time !

[@eastlandgin]

I think the main concern is that if was installed outside exposed to the elements, the heat from the torch would burn off the paint on the filter drier thereby exposing the steel can to rust and eventually leaks.

[@mikemalone6103]

Should have mentioned the nitro purging as a matter of procedure for the beginners sake. Also show how to clear copper chips from reaming tubing by putting thumb over tube to build up pressure and releasing to toss out he chips. I have seen many of these vids from others and wonder why you would be dragging around a b tank and O2 to braze. HvacR people only use an MC tank and turbo torch, it's about a quarter the weight, and only one hose, and never blows through the tubing like ox acetylene can. The nitro 40 is a pain to carry as it is! Liked the bending, you made it look a lot easier than it actually is. I can tell you use this quite often. One mention though, when doing the swedges, make sure the joint faces you so that you don't have to use a mirror to inspect the joint, it's also easier to fill the joint. Also to mention to others, the drier location is just before entering the cabinet as you did, most do it outside although not proper, it would be as you have done kudos!

[@StephenRardon]

Thank you Sir, I started using the mix tanks rather than b-tank and can't get used to the large and loud flame that the b-tank is known for.

[@mikemalone6103]

I must admit turbo is loud. When I'm using it for larger work with say a B tank, I grab the head phones.

[@mikemalone6103]

Athough, the turbo flame is far shorter and less likely to catch something on fire, especially in an attic

[@mikemalone6103]

B tank?? Are you kidding? That tank is too heavy also. I use an MC tank, it's slightly larger than the small hand held propane homeowners have like the Bernsomatic

[@comforthomeexpert8923]

Great job

[@StephenRardon]

Thanks so Much for watching Comfort Home Expert

[@rgluna70]

Good job

[@gonzgarr1592]

Nice job man

[@channelcatchaser9426]

flowing nitrogen of coarse. nice work bro

[@gmctrk63]

very nice tube bending

[@michaelryan2387]

thats clean.

[@young-j8y]

very nice.

[@wmhvac-r2826]

good tool demo

[@johnthomas5786]

what software do you use to edit your video? Thanks

[@johndoe-wt4ui]

Are you brazing with nitro?

[@StephenRardon]

Always

[@1984juant]

What about the insulation on the pipe stephen?

[@StephenRardon]

I put it on, of course, just didn't see it as necessary in the video considering the the intended subject of the video.

[@dantherepairman3821]

One question? What kind of metering device does that coil have?

[@StephenRardon]

Pretty sure it was a piston

[@raganoheatingacinc.4643]

Is there a trick to the swager, mine seem to crack the copper a lot especially 3/8"

[@StephenRardon]

If you ream out the cut it will help keep it from Splitting.

[@Everett-zq4sc]

I've found that when you use your copper cutters to cut the pipe, don't try to cut the pipe too fast, just lightly cut through it. This way the expander head will go into the pipe without having to ream it or use the small edge on the tip of the expander head. I was having the same issue with it cracking the 3/8" line, I think sometimes reaming it thins the edge of the pipe too much. I've only managed to make about 2 good swages in 1/4" copper though, even with turning the copper pipe, still haven't figured that one out yet.

[@smitherszx7]

Awesome vid

[@victorblackwood3727]

When you install a filter dryer, is it supposed to be in a horizontal or vertical position? Doesn't it retain some oil and in a vertical position possibly bleed oil into the line? Can it cause problems that close to the TXV or piston?

[@StephenRardon]

My best response would be that most manufacturers that install The drier inside the unit actually place it vertically in the condenser and the ones that don't put it in the condenser tell you to put It near the evaporator.

[@DD-dk4gf]

Stephen Rardon I'm a student of HVAC and watch to get a better understanding. That being said, was nitrogen used while brazing? If so, was nitrogen entered from the the outdoor coil and do you always use nitrogen when brazing around the air handler? Like viewers and customers alike, nice work!

[@StephenRardon]

Daniel Sirmon I use Nitrogen to purge the air From the lines on every job. It was Introduced From The outdoor Service Valves. I go through more trouble Than most just to make Sure That I don't create issues by introducing junk into the refrigerant system. when your outdoor section is on the second floor roof and your evap coil is on the first floor it would be very easy to skip nitrogen, but I take the time because I believe it's extremely important!

[@turiran2012]

Ok i need those lol🤔👍🏼

[@ray29999]

newbie here... saw your video while looking at Hilmor vids... question- is there a proper time to swage pipe vs use fittings and visa versa? Why wouldn't anyone just swage the pipe all the time instead of buying fittings? Just curious...

[@StephenRardon]

Since I got The swager I haven't bought any fittings. I think swaging is better all around. With a coupling for instance, you have 2 joints to braze versus only one when swaging.

[@ray29999]

Stephen Rardon Thanks- thats what I was thinking... less joints... less runs to the parts store for fittings when I run out. lol. I just ordered my hilmor swager...

[@TheFidoFamily]

May I ask if you insulated the suction line?

[@StephenRardon]

Yes, of course. The beauty of the bend wouldn't be so nice if I covered it before showing it on video.

[@TheFidoFamily]

I find that the end photo looks best, bent and all put together. Are u a zip tie or duct tape guy?

[@StephenRardon]

Prefer tape

[@God8010]

My supply house is asking like 350. I know I want it just wondering if there's a better price.

[@StephenRardon]

That's about average for either kit. Only way you're going to find it much cheaper is if someone doesn't want it anymore

[@God8010]

+Stephen Rardon (HVAC with Stephen Rardon) That'll be rare, someone not wanting theirs. It's clearly worth every penny. I just need to spend it and I hate having to spend anything. XD

[@StephenRardon]

Godeight I hear you!

[@markbeiser]

That gas pipe drip leg is installed wrong! ;)

[@StephenRardon]

A lot of things wrong with that install, the drip leg being FAR from the worst! 😱

[@drummerdem50]

Superb

[@9-5channel]

Sweet vid

[@nicholasceea4109]

Nice!

[@kyflyr1]

Was that brazing? Use nitrogen?

[@StephenRardon]

Every single time kyflyr1

[@1984juant]

Yea thats true. Exelent job!...hey man what state are you?

[@StephenRardon]

NC

[@winkhvac62]

Nice

[@johnluebbers3919]

No nitrogenous? Nice copper bending.

[@jamesesyoutubization]

seen this while scrolling through different products think i'm sold on hilmor just something i noticed on vid you didnt solder with nitrogen through system :o you should invest in a nitrogen flow meter

[@StephenRardon]

I've got One, the Western Enterprises VN500. I Didn't show the nitrogen because the condenser was on the 3rd floor roof and I was in a 1st floor attic, closet. Nitrogen is one of my biggest pet peeves that a lot of techs do t use. I go through a lot of trouble to always Use A nitrogen purge when brazing.

[@jamesesyoutubization]

Stephen Rardon ah i was allways taught to put all my joints together then set up purge didnt know u could do it that way

[@StephenRardon]

It is More Efficient to set it all up first as you can just role through all the joints at once but this situation would've been pretty difficult to braze once assembled due to access space.

[@ICONBADGTA]

Stephen Rardon If you notice right before he sticks the 3/8 line in to braze at the evap coil that there is a plume coming out of the pipe. This is the nitrogen pushing the previous braze heat through the pipe. It looked to be flowing to me. Also on good American made copper, Fritz showed that there wasn't too much difference when you had quality copper and that nitrogen can be skipped on (emergency) or (hard to do) brazing when he was teaching Lori how to braze. They cut their brazed joints in half and you would be surprised to see there wasn't much difference. Now foreign copper line sets... Errrrrrrr, I wouldn't skip nitrogen nor would I recommend using at all to be honest! Nice job! I got the bender set, I need to get that swage tool. I have their old style one that does flares also, got to get me one of these babies!

[@BassWhoopinFishingTeam]

If it don't fit, force it. If it gets fucked up, fuck it... Probably wasn't gonna fit anyway.

[@YGL206]

Badass

[@lasvegassal9322]

Damn!😳

[@iiGETSUMii]

I just can't believe no nitrogen!! that system is doomed. but the tools sure did a good job at what they are made for.

[@StephenRardon]

+iiGETSUMii there was nitrogen flowing....the tank was on the roof with the condenser. by now i wish i had shown it to keep the comments down. i don't braze anything i can help without nitro

[@iiGETSUMii]

+Stephen Rardon (HVAC with Stephen Rardon) sorry for being a douche. good job in that attic.

[@StephenRardon]

No biggie, doing this KZbin thing long enough that it doesn't bother me much anymore to see a Little comment here and there. And that video has had its Fair share of comments about that exactly.

[@Hever73]

That freaking back ground music is causing me a headache!

[@timothyfleenor6570]

I enjoyed it personally but at the end, I dunno what that was lmao

[@kena6524]

NITROGEN BRAZE!!! Where do you think all that carbon created by oxygen in the pipe ends up? Yes... in your system which can cause all sorts of issues.

[@StephenRardon]

Condenser was on the 3rd floor roof top, I had nitrogen running the whole video. No need to show all that when the focus was not there.

[@mwdub02]

Price is way too ridiculous

[@StephenRardon]

I’ve have found the price to be very good considering the quality of the tool

[@whiteboyfromernul]

dude please stick with 100 watt vipers

[@winkhvac62]

no more fitting

[@atfniort]

Bonjour, Faire un travail comme ça, j'aurais honte: aucune mesure tout est fait au pif,, pas de colliers anti-vibration, tube pas décapé, c'est vraiment du travail de sagouin !

[@gablacasseb]

+atfniort a part peut-être que j'aurais sablé, pas prendre de mesure.... ok si les lignes sont droites j'ai pas de problèmes avec ca si c'est de niveau, but anti-vibration? really ? a la fournaise ? et on appel ça un 'vibra' et moi aussi j'aurais ébavurrer mon tuyau. Et en passant si t'es venu critiqué sa methôde de travail, c'est que tu a pas compris le pourquoi du vidéo toi

[@PaulITM6]

+Gabriel Lacasse Déjà je ne vois pas où il y aurait des vibrations, ensuite on ne voit pas si il décape les tubes mais je pense que oui, et on peut supposer qu'il y a déjà du décapant sur ses baguettes de brasure. Pour les mesures, apparemment cela ne lui a pas posé de problème et je trouve son travaille propre.

[@gablacasseb]

Paul Blog justement j'essai de le defendre, je trouve son travail très bien

[@PaulITM6]

Je répondais au premier commentaire négatif.

[@mikehynes2551]

By far the worst brazing and pipe job ive seen in a long while. I guess industry standards and practices don't jive with this guy.

[@StephenRardon]

Hahaha! You haven’t seen much have you?! LOL

[@philliplopez8745]

Having " been there and done that " is it any surprise that todays kid want nothing to do with it .