Hydraulic tube expanders are a safe and effective way to expand the diameter of tubing. They reduce the risk of injury, damage to the machine, operator and environment. They can also be used for many other applications where you need to expand or change the diameter of your hydraulic lines.
What is a Hydraulic Tube Expander?
A hydraulic tube expander is a tool used to expand or reduce the inner diameter of refrigeration tubing or pipe. It is also called a swage die and can be used for many types of tubing including refrigeration, HVAC, air conditioning and water/wastewater systems.
Hydraulic tube expanders are available in manual, semi-automatic and fully automatic depending on the size of the tubes being expanded/reduced.
Why Should you Buy a Hydraulic Tube Expander?
Hydraulic tube expanders are more efficient than mechanical expanders. They use a fluid instead of air, so they don’t need to be as powerful and are more compact in size. Plus, hydraulic tube expanders are safer than mechanical ones because you don’t have to worry about being cut by the blades or being injured by a sharp object inside your machine when it’s running at full speed.
Hydraulic tube expander is also more reliable than mechanical ones because there’s less chance for oil leaks or wear on parts caused by friction between metal surfaces rubbing against each other over long periods of time.
Here are five best hydraulic tube expanders you can buy in 2023.
1. Vevor CT-300-A Hydraulic Tube Expander 7 Lever HVAC Swaging Tool Kit 3/8 to 1-1/8inch Review
The Vevor CT-300-A Hydraulic Tube Expander 7 Lever HVAC Swaging Tool Kit 3/8 to 1-1/8inch is a professional tool for all HVAC technicians. It performs excellently in making metal tubes that meet the standard requirements.
The Vevor CT-300-A Hydraulic Tube Expander 7 Lever HVAC Swaging Tool Kit 3/8 to 1-1/8inch has various options like it can expand from 6 inches to 8 inches (in length), expand from 4 inches to 6 inches in width and add holes up to 3 inches for easy screwing.
It also comes with a swager handle, which helps you in doing the job easily without any effort reducing the tension on your hand or wrist due to its ergonomic design. This tool is made with the best quality material and also comes with a lifetime warranty on its parts against manufacturing defects as well as normal wear & tear during usage.
Features and Benefits
● 4CR Steel: for added durability and longevity
● 7 head size: offering you a wide range of sizes to work with
● Expanding Joint: you can weld on one side, which means no more copper coupling needed.
● Manual hydraulic mechanism: making it easy to expand tubing from 10mm to 28mm.
● Versatility: can be used for aluminium tube, soft copper tube, titanium tube, and soft steel.
Performance
This tool is very easy to use. It comes with instructions and an instructional video, both of which are very helpful if you’re new to swaging.
The Vevor CT-300-A Hydraulic Tube Expander 7 Lever HVAC Swaging Tool Kit 3/8 – 1-1/8 inch is sturdy and durable, so it won’t break down on you during work. This makes it a great buy for anyone who wants a reliable tube expander that they can count on day after day, year after year.
This swaging kit includes everything you need: seven different dies that range from 3/8″ – 1-1/8″ in diameter; an extra set of O rings; the tool itself; plus some lubricant oil and grease just in case something goes wrong down the road. It also comes with an instruction manual that shows exactly how everything works together so there’s no guesswork involved when setting up these tools.
Pros
● High quality build
● Easy to use. This tube expander tool is easy to use and does not require any special skills or training.
● Affordable price
Another great benefit is you get a 30-day free return option from Vevor in case you decide that this isn’t the right kit for you.
2. Red Oak Tools 3/8″-2″ Hydraulic Tube Expander Swaging Expander Kit
This is a great hydraulic tube expander to buy if you are looking for the best. It has an expanded range from 3/8″ to 2″, which means it can expand copper, brass, and aluminium tubing. This will allow you to make sure that your tubing does not get stuck in place when using it for your application. This product also comes with a swaging kit so that you can expand 1/2″ OD tubing as well as 3/4″ OD tubing without having any issues or complications when using this product on your project.
One downside of the Red Oak hydraulic tube expander is that it only works for copper tubes, which can be limiting compared to the Vevor hydraulic tube expander which can be used for copper, titanium, and aluminum.
Pros:
● Easy-to-use design
● Large range of sizes available (3/8″-2″)
Cons:
● Expands only one type of tubing (copper)
3. Greenlee 8510W-1/2 Hydraulic Tube Expander Kit Review
The Greenlee 8510W-1/2 Hydraulic Tube Expander Kit is a tube expander that comes with everything you need to get started. It features a 1/2 inch capacity and can be used to expand copper, aluminium or stainless steel tubes. This kit includes an adjustable pressure gauge so you can monitor your work as it progresses.
The Greenlee 8510W-1/2 Hydraulic Tube Expander Kit also comes with three different size mandrels: 1/8 inch, 5/16 inch, 3/8 inch. These tools allow you to expand different sized tubes easily without having to switch out tools repeatedly
Pros
● The Greenlee 8510W-1/2 Hydraulic Tube Expander Kit makes it easy to expand copper, aluminium and stainless steel tubing.
● The tool is lightweight and compact, so it’s easy to use on site or in the shop.
● It has a quick-release button that allows you to change bits quickly without tools.
Cons:
● The maximum recommended working pressure is only 1,000 PSI (69 bar).
4. Voltmeter AMP 3 Pcs 6mm to 19mm 3/8 to 3/4 inches Inner-Outer Reaming Deburring Tool and Tubing Chamfer Tool Set
The Voltmeter AMP 3 Pcs 6mm to 19mm 3/8 to 3/4 inches Inner-Outer Reaming Deburring Tool and Tubing Chamfer Tool Set is a great option for getting your copper tubing ready for the job. It includes a voltmeter, reamer and chamfer tool that make it easy to use on your own or as part of a larger project.
The set comes with a voltmeter that measures voltage in DC volts, so you can see how much current is flowing through any one wire or cable within an electrical circuit. This information can help you troubleshoot problems with your power supply or other electronics equipment.
The reamer allows you to either cut open existing holes or create new ones in metal parts using an angle grinder.
Pros:
● Great value
● Durable materials
Cons:
● No instructions included which could be helpful for some people
5. Imperial 909 Swaging / Expanding Tool for 3/4″ Soft Copper Refrigeration Tubing
The Imperial 909 Swaging / Expanding Tool for 3/4″ Soft Copper Refrigeration Tubing is the best hydraulic tube expanders for the money. It’s made of aircraft grade aluminium and it has an ergonomic design that makes it easy to use. The tool can be used on all types of tubing, including copper, steel and brass. The swaging die has a capacity of up to 1/2″ OD and is designed to fit over most standard dies in your shop or at home depot.
After reviewing the hydraulic tube expanders above, we arrived at a conclusion that the Vevor CT 300 hydraulic tube expander is perfect for technicians who want an affordable and durable hose opener that won’t break the bank. It’s versatility is another reason why it’s our favorite on the list.
Different types of Hydraulic Tube Expander
There are three types of hydraulic tube expander: manual, automatic and multiple head.
Manual hydraulic tube expander
The manual hydraulic tube expander is a tool that you use to expand the diameter of an existing pipe. It’s ideal for jobs where you have existing pipes, but need to increase their sizes slightly.
Automatic hydraulic tube expander
Automatic hydraulic tube expander is a machine that helps to expand the tube. It has a hydraulic pump and cylinder, a ratchet mechanism and gearbox. The automatic hydraulic tube expander can expand the pipe or tube of any diameter from 1mm to 50mm using high pressure hydraulic cylinders or pistons.
Multiple head hydraulic tube expander
If you need to expand the diameter of a pipe, like a drain or water line, multiple head hydraulic tube expander can be used. The machine has multiple heads that are used to simultaneously open and close the ends of your workpiece. This makes it easier for you to get an even, smooth expansion out of your pipe.
How does hydraulic tube expander work?
The basic process begins with oil being pumped from the reservoir into the cylinder where it expands against its inner wall by way of internal pressure exerted by water flowing through pipes attached to both sides of each pipe segment within that particular part.
When this occurs, it creates suction forces at those points where they meet: on either side of each segment. These forces pull inward toward one another creating additional friction between them which increases pressure within whatever structure might be connected directly underneath them so long as there isn’t any air present.
This process is repeated over and over again until the tube is fully expanded. Once this occurs, the operator can then turn off the pump to allow for removal of the tool from its position within any given pipe segment.
What you should look for when buying a hydraulic tube expander?
Select a hydraulic tube expander machine whose functions are tailored to the condition of your tubes.
Check that the machine has all the functions you need and will suit your application. Check that it’s suitable for use in an industrial setting, such as in a mine or factory environment where there may be high-pressure machinery around.
Look for a hydraulic tube expander with a warranty.
A hydraulic tube expander with a warranty is a good sign of quality. It shows that the manufacturer is confident in their product, and they have faith in it long-term. If they’re offering this kind of protection, it means that your money will be well-spent on something durable and reliable.
The Vevor CT 300 hydraulic tube expander is a perfect example as it comes with a lifetime warranty, meaning you don’t have to worry about repair costs for a long time.
Consider a hydraulic tube expander machine with interchangeable heads.
When looking for a hydraulic tube expander machine, you should also consider one that has interchangeable heads such as Vevor Hydraulic Tube Expander which has 7 heads. This will enable you to get different heads for different jobs, saving money and allowing you to have more versatile equipment.
Select an expander with the right speed and efficient hydraulics.
Once you have narrowed down your choices, it’s time to determine the right speed and hydraulics for your job. The machines should be able to handle the size of tubes you are working with. For example, if you are using a 1/2″ tube and want the expander to work at 3000 RPMs (rotations per minute), then look for an expander with a maximum RPM rating of 3000 or higher. You also want your hydraulic system to be efficient so that it doesn’t waste energy while in operation.
Are hydraulic tube expanders worth it?
Hydraulic tube expanders are worth it because they’re more efficient than mechanical expanders. A hydraulic tube expander uses less energy, has a higher speed and longer life span than its mechanical counterpart.
FAQs about Hydraulic Tube Expanders
1. What is the maximum tube length you can expand at one time?
The maximum tube length you can expand at one time is 6 metres. The maximum tube diameter is 25mm, and the maximum wall thickness is 1.5mm.
2. What is the difference between a single unit and two-stage expander?
The difference between these two types of hydraulic tube expanders lies in their abilities to handle different types of materials. The first type has been designed specifically for use with high-strength steel pipes while the second type offers more versatility when working with low-strength steel pipes or aluminium tubes.
3. How do I know what size hydraulic tube expander to buy?
There are a few factors that you’ll want to consider when deciding on the right size expander for your application. The first is the diameter of the tube. The larger it is, the more force can be applied without breaking or deforming.
The second factor is length; how far does your application extend? If you’re installing underground plumbing below ground level and need access points for repairs or maintenance work at those locations, then extra-long hoses may be necessary so that workers don’t get trapped inside walls.
The third factor is material; what type of pipe are you using? Is it PVC, copper or steel? Each material has its own set of properties that make it more suitable for certain applications and less so for others.
If you’re new to this and you’re looking for an all in one hydraulic tube expander then you should consider the Vevor CT 300 due to its versatility.
Conclusion
Hydraulic tube expanders are an essential tool for expanding or reducing the diameter of tubing, and they provide a safer and more efficient option than mechanical expanders.
Each of these tools above has its unique features and benefits, but they all share a common goal of providing a reliable and efficient way to expand tubing. Whether you are a DIYer or a professional, investing in a high-quality hydraulic tube expander kit can save you time and money in the long run, and help you achieve accurate and precise results.
