Onsite metal fabrication - four-piece duct transition (Mechanical / sheet metal training

Common tools used are linked in the description below;
Test questions for staff members coming soon
Tools used;
Wiss Scissors
amzn.to/3HKBKP5
Sharpie
amzn.to/3lebL9K
Malco 12F 12 in. Folding Tool
amzn.to/3JG0U1V
Malco 24F 24 in. Folding Tool
amzn.to/3JG0U1V
Stanley Fat Max tape measure
amzn.to/42p7Qb5
Red snips
amzn.to/3V99mZI
Malco M14N 14-inch Straight Cut Aluminum Snip
amzn.to/42dFAbi
Malco 3" Hand Seamer
amzn.to/42dFAbi
Malco 6" Hand Seamer
amzn.to/3YKMH88
IDEWALT 12V MAX Cordless Screwdriver, 1/4-Inch Hex Chuck, 1-Inch Bit Tips, Electric (DCF610S2) *NOTE this is a low power drill for sheet metal only (works great to get in tight places but has low tourqe). Get a 24 volt impact is this will be our primary drill.
amzn.to/3LpOCMo
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@DavidLove-z2v]

I’m 55 years old and I switched gears from landscaping to now HVAC just jumped into this industry literally last week. I told the individual that hired me I want to learn everything I can about the industry. I don’t care about the pay. I feel blessed to start in installation to learn that first . So as an apprentice I have been putting rigid duct systems like this all week. I have never done this in my life . Have no clue to what I was doing. I found out that an S Drive has nothing to do with computers. Ha! Now watching this is totally helping me making sense as to what I am doing and see the whole picture . I can’t wait to learn more from you. See you really can teach an old dog new tricks. I’ll see you at the top!

[@SubCoolAir]

Very inspiring!

[@smalllotfamily7361]

Thanks for the help, love your videos! My foreman always told me don’t be the guy who finds a reason why we can’t get the job done, instead be the guy who always finds a way to get it done correctly and hopefully, safely, and you’ll always have a job.

[@SnakeHandler-g7u]

I don't even work in HVAC but I'm fascinated by these videos.

[@ArmandNYC]

One of the best how-to videos out there. Perfect balance between subject matter and technique. Very professional. Good job!

[@gilmarcosta9430]

"We the people" appreciate these videos!

[@MegaRumpleforeskin]

Thanks for taking the time to shoot this video. We all know you're busy filming the new Jack Reacher series.

[@newtkar4067]

REALLY?😮

[@picklerix6162]

LOL!

[@Tony-dk1bp]

This guy is a MASTER.

[@societyspy]

Bro, I struggle so much in the field. THIS guy has answered EVERY question I have. Lol

[@johng8049]

i just want to know when his next UFC fight is LOL

[@helliax]

I sadly don't have tree trunks for arms so it looks like I'll be using a different method to bend that metal. This was a greatly informative video, thank you

[@aglmechanicaltips]

I was using this method when I was about 17 and I did not have tree trunks as arms at that time, lol. Give it a shot!

[@sheetmetalwork]

Making a fitting on site is a valuable skill. Good job!

[@marconantel7735]

A master complementing another master right here!

[@jdub7771]

Whoa I didn't know that Reacher was a tin knocker?! lol All jokes aside, really good video!

[@curtisbutler3151]

Have been in the trades 40+ years ,great instruction for apprentices. The forward thinking gets them every time. Very detailed, great video and job

[@robertpalmatier2699]

I learned more about transitions and cross breaks here than i ever knew before. Ty

[@kiefboss1729]

As a sheetmetal trade instructor, I can tell you with 98% certainty that your bulldog snips are called so because their historical predecessors are called bull "nose" snips, due to their short and stout look relative to the long handles. The semiround shape of each blade looks like flared cow nostrils.

[@aglmechanicaltips]

Hell yeah, thanks man!

[@anthonymilanese8372]

Idk I kinda heard a bulldog breathing heavy as soon as he started cutting the metal

[@dormindont1]

Спасибо за историческую справку!👍😂

[@leftymariano1020]

Bulldog snips are the short jaw snips that can cut through heavy gage slips the large ones are hand shears

[@kroes1161]

@@leftymariano1020I came to the replies looking for this

[@braydenmaine]

Yea this guy was in the field. Very realistic jobsite conditions. Fuckin love it

[@KISSMYACE3203]

I don't do any HVAC, but when you mentioned keeping your drops in one area for easy cleaning, good God I wish you could teach my coworkers that. They're walking pigsties.

[@TakisMantas]

Another great video Andrew. Thanks for sharing. One suggestion on making the cross bracing. I have made a tool by taking a screen door cord setting tool and replaced its wheel with copper pipe cutting wheel. I put a ruler on the sheet metal and run the wheel tool. It creates a nice crease on the sheet metal and saves your hands by not having to hit the sheet metal. Works wonders when you don’t have a brake.

[@edjay395]

A flat screwdriver and S cleat on soft surface works great also

[@throngcleaver]

Hilmor makes a hand brake with two wheels, but they are expensive. I'm going to use your idea. Thanks!

[@BruhtherKyle]

Awesome lesson and you gave a bunch of cool tips that I never knew. Could you do a video on making offsets, 45s, or 90s out of square duct in the field? You definitely earned a subscriber!

[@aglmechanicaltips]

Sheet metal layout video is in the works but I have been really busy running the HVAC side of things. Hope to film again soon!

[@TheLandlordPicker]

A whistle in the center of piece of s-lock with a screw. Dang..never thought of that. Absolutely great video. Really appreciate the information.

[@brinkman4925]

Really good video. You definitely have some of the best videos online for this.

[@jdr1469]

This is a fascinating video with real world application. Very well done and thank you.

[@Jfriesheatingandcooling]

Everything thing about this guy is great. Bet he was a state champ wrestler at one point in his life.

[@dandaman2226]

What a trick, folding the s- lock when cutting multiple pieces!

[@brandonprice2897]

And just FYI for anyone who is still learning, I was taught that you can actually use a screen splining tool to create your cross breaks also.

[@callofdoobie3092]

And everyone has a flat head screwdriver, the wide one in your bag, you know the right one 😉 and a hammer!

[@robertpalmatier2699]

I do sales. I was service before. And install helper for a year before that. I always wished i would of gave myself a couple years as an installer before going to service. Installers are next level when it comes to this industry. My hat is off to them.

[@davidstewart3403]

Andrew keep it up!

[@aglmechanicaltips]

Will do, another one coming out soon.

[@MAGAMAN]

I'm not a big fan of tattoos, but I have to admit that I like the tattoo on your forearm. Great video as usual!

[@willrobinson9575]

You sound more like a Biden supporter.

[@isiahdasilva]

3rd year apprentice here up north, greatly descriptive, and informative! thanks alot! subscribed and will be watching more! i wish my old foreman could communicate like this!!

[@saltybuckeye]

great information learn more in this video than I have from the "boss" and his kid I've worked with for the last 3 years

[@mickeytylerofficial]

Combo of s cleat and tongs. Boom good 1" bend with no kinks 😎

[@jimp1252]

One of the best sheet metal videos. Excellant job of explaining how and why.

[@oldcarpenter2372]

Thanks for sharing! For making the cross breaks in the field I've seen mechanics use a window screen spline tool, with a metal wheel. With a lot of downward pressure, following the s-lock from corner to corner with the wheel will make a creased bend. This needs to be done on a soft surface like a layer of cardboard beneath the metal. Another guy used a pizza cutter wheel the same way.

[@2012EvoXGSR]

Yep and hilmor makes one. Called the pocket brake

[@danchicoine40]

Thanks Andrew love your video you go more in depth on different ways to achieve the same results thanks for your knowledge and foe the pro tip

[@beeman1885]

Great video. Takes me back to my dad’s sheet metal shop that I practically grew up in. Transitions were always shop-made with Pittsburghs, but he did all large commercial work - no one-day jobs. And we called them Bulldogs back in the 70s as well. That must date back to at least the 50s when my dad learned the trade.

[@edwingabin7232]

Really appreciate you mentioning the vertical measurements!

[@mel904]

Awesome demonstration. I always enjoy your videos.

[@anatoly.ivanov]

Woha! Thanks so much for the intro to the Malco M14N ! Absolutely gigantic compared to what we have in Europe. Ordering right away.

[@mattbilodeau2433]

Love the channel great content. Thank you for sharing your knowledge much respect from central cali 👊

[@TradeWorks_Construction]

Thanks for the demonstration, I’m having to do customs transitions for my new ductwork. The previous people had used 14” insulated flexible ducting with the most insane multi-reduction steps to more flex duct. Rodents made a real shit show of the entire thing … they used it for both the return & main trunk. I really liked your advice for adding cross brakes with angle iron or 4x4 to increase rigidity. I think this is a great video for anyone trying to DIY or even newer guys in the field who haven’t had to do this yet.

[@evanchace8843]

Phenomenal absolutely phenomenal sir!

[@Slipperypickle420]

Been a commercial guy for years but never learned duct trans, you taught me a lot so in return I hope I can teach you that carrying a carpet roller for those cross braces can save ya some time.

[@olaf450]

Thanks for putting these videos together. Very well done and helpful!

[@squateliteforce]

Thank you! Very helpful and informative!!

[@jackjordan7691]

That was so well done! Thank you for a great quality job, with simple tools! Wow. Thank you again.

[@sashly99]

Fantastic work! Your a great teacher

[@412HVAC]

This is a great tutorial. It would be great to see something like this for a return transition as well. Everyone has their own method; it would be great to see how you approach it. Thanks for the videos!!

[@BangBang-fj5tv]

I got 10 years experience I still love watching other people's way

[@TerrenceLP]

Keep crushing the metal 💪 your hands will get there and your forearms will be super buff 🎉

[@JaimeMartinez-hd2dk]

Great job, Thank you for your help

[@סמדרמלכי-ד3נ]

thank you man ! Great video! so many techniques in one video

[@PerchSniper]

Excellent work

[@dormindont1]

Очень полезное видео, спасибо за урок. You have gold hands!👍

[@johndavidson5564]

was pretty excited to see a new video up good explanation. I'm definitely stealing that s-lock cutting trick. Was hoping you knew why we call them bulldogs lol.

[@nemesisbreakz]

The fact that you use no ppe makes it more impressive

[@jeangreen432]

I once saw a guy use a ladder for the markings...pretty cool.

[@leonardo26able]

What a freaking great video/tutorial, everything! I'm glad you tube suggested this video. I'm subscribing for sure.

[@keithlassiter]

Excellent video. Take out from a 67 year old man who once had strong everything and did it all without tools. Problem is, strong men wear every joint out at some point and then even hand tools are difficult to use. Save your joints. The stronger the muscle the easier it is to destroy the joints! Even an Abrams tank wears out and winds up in the scrap yard.

[@JohnniePokemonNj]

That’s how I learned to do my transitions I have a 3ft break on my truck that I never use I have a 18 inch and 24 inch bending bar and 6 inch straight and 45 hand seamers and I have the pocket break to put breaks in the metal if the metal is long enough to have a chance of popping when the unit comes on I can have that connected to the unit is about 30 mins. I cut all my slip (s lock) with the Milwaukee m12 bandsaw fast and it does not dull out my cutters

[@Raphael_NYC]

Incredibly useful, well done, very patient instructor. Thank you. raphael nyc

[@bertcollard6619]

Good video

[@edo8013]

Thank you

[@MsckMatt]

As a service tech I dont get a lot of install experience at my main job. I work for many landlords on the side which end up leading to furnace installs. This video by far has been the best to simplify my sheet metal work and make the job go by way smoother. By far the hardest part of a swap out is the sheet metal transition. One thing a guy I work with showed me, when you go to make a 1in fold, take the S-lock to the edge like you did but the take the hand tongs and grab the S-lock to bend it. The S-lock keeps it mostly even and the hand tongs help with the physical hand strength to make the fold.

[@hediervarelamedina987]

the video is respectable but hardly anyone talks about the caliber of the sheet used. They show tools and much is said about how to make the transitions but little is said about the caliber of the sheet they use, 24 or 26 caliber is used and another detail is that if or if you have to use a protection system, glasses, gloves at least. For the rest, as I already said, the video is respectable.

[@Jimbo-t2h]

Very well explained. Thank you!

[@williammarik6159]

Andrew. Glad you are posting again. These old school methods have been staples in our 4-5 hour changeouts. S-clips are critical for a straight edge along with my Stanley tape measure. Also we would use a door in the basement to break our metal transitions. In and out installs where you and your partner would clear $300 each. Awsome Bro !

[@sheldonparis7492]

Hell of a teacher, thank you sir!

[@RobertHall-w9f]

Great how to do it video! Thanks

[@jasona70]

Great work guys, thanks for the informative video.

[@derek10w]

20:32 Tin knocker! Just kidding. Thanks for the vid. Field fabrication is what i struggle with most

[@richlikeg3722]

Ingenuity at its finest.

[@mr.troubleshootingtech3930]

Wow that is amazing; thank you so much, 💯

[@will-smith-nh]

Fantastic video. Thank you.

[@East_Owl]

A cut in for a square to round video would be great!

[@bikerbobcat]

Good refresher.

[@rooseveltjones1037]

great job ,i really enjoyed the time you took out too show step by step .

[@jaybird7132]

This is very good instruction. Thank you

[@sunnygorden27]

Thanks man. Awesome video. Well explained.

[@nickpanhead7209]

Nice work, great teacher.

[@rajivsaini5713]

Thanks 🙏

[@BabyKMoney]

Fantastic video

[@johndavidson5564]

had to bend 24 gage to make end caps just a trick, use the s-lock bending method AND hand brakes makes a clean edge and easier on the hands.

[@willowmoon4866]

Thank you buddy!!!

[@IamHimathy420]

Brilliant 👏🏽

[@Boilerguy204]

Great video

[@barrymcclaughry9229]

Great video thanks

[@alexc9777]

great video thank you.

[@Paulie878]

Very good video

[@JeremyRoche]

Really good video thank you

[@sellerasset]

Thanks it beautiful

[@johnschmitt7971]

To cross breaks in the field I use 2 S cleats about 1/2 inch apart then use a metal screen installing roller to run between the 2 points

[@androslive]

Great Videos! Would love to see how to do this with ductboard. Most of the properties where I live are 1.5" board.

[@JohnniePokemonNj]

I hate ductboard so hard to connect the metal to it. One way I do it is I make metal lips 2 inches high and I slide slip on the end of the metal lips and take a piece of drive on the inside of the duct board and screw it together so it squeezes together and let’s me have a way to connect my metal transitions to

[@JohnSmith-us2ru]

I fold 2 one inch side lips on 2 pieces and leave two pieces flat and slip up the lips and slide the flats into the slips. And i measure off the walls or a leveled straight edge. If someone saw me holding up an overcut piece of metal up to a duct and making dot marks, i would have to unalive them on the spot so they couldnt tell anyone.

[@stacyseguine8904]

I usually put a 4” S on the duct. That way I can make the whole fitting, install it, slide the furnace/fan coil in underneath it then lower the fitting. Also, it’s easy to avoid the “whistle” he’s talking about with longer screws. You get a feel for it after a while to suck in the back side. Not a bad video, clean work. Just not anywhere near the fastest way to do a nice job.

[@dedefrench1095]

They make a hand brake ..goes in ur palm and has two rollers..I fabricate and have learned technician since I started the field installing commercial then went into residential..so a electric professional plumbing tool for brazing and the hand brake is a must along with bender And swedging tool..good job teaching.

[@aglmechanicaltips]

I've never seen one but will order one and test it out. Thanks

[@kylemiller4999]

youre such a fucking chad showed up on site yesterday as a new apprentice no idea i was working ducting, never even seen a handler before. boss says do this ducting no training just send it.i was pretty useless but everything is seald gotta go do the return today its a strange 180 situation wish me luck. thanks for the info!

[@mikerefrigeration5736]

Just an idea- it would be neat to see a video of you showing how to duct modern day equipment. For example slim duct mini splits

[@Practicing_HVACR]

Excellent videos! As a commercial service tech, been really appreciating some tips for ductwork! Especially useful for side jobs. How would you insulate and seal this if it was in a closet? Best way I can think would be to cut a piece of insulation that’ll wrap around and place that in first. Then place your sheet metal pieces in and seal with mastic internally as you go. It might be kind of tough to get the fiberglass to look as nice that way but I think it would be doable. I’ve modified some internally lined plenums in situations like this. Also, you obviously couldn’t mastic the back insulation if it was in a closet, right? How risky is condensation if the fiberglass isn’t sealed up?

[@aglmechanicaltips]

You can cut patterns as and tape them to the sheet metal as you install it (piece by piece) but then you would have to seal the metal seams from the inside which is not ideal. I have had to do this in the past though because I had no choice but I try to avoid it. Taping and sealing here is an issue. I can normally wrap insulation all the way around the fitting even in a tight closet. This is best because there are no tape seams that are actually holding the insulation an the rear of the fitting. The wider your angles on your transition the harder it would be to make this look good so you end up fully taping one side of the transition and then tightening the insulation up on the other side. Also, if you can't get duct tape or mastic at the back of the transition at least the insulation itself is not compromised because it was one piece and stapled and taped from the front. Normally I will use my hand with mastic to reach back and get these areas though. This is really hard to explain via text so sorry if it doesn't make sense...

[@davidh3458]

Easier way to make crossbreak is lay your metal down on a piece of cardboard. Grab yourself a s cleat and lay it diagonally on metal, apply pressure on each side of s cleat and trace along w pressure w your folding bar and you got yourself a crossbreak

[@cerndo]

Jack Reacher is a tin banger...who knew?

[@jodyhardemanjody6827]

The best

[@mrcrowe1848]

6:17 those are regular pattern snips bulldogs are much thicker and shorter on the blade for better cutting leverage