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How to swage pipe using a manual swaging tool?

How to swage pipe using

a manual swaging tool

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Though manual swaging tool strengths, sizes and blade numbers vary, each type operates on the same basic principle, and should be used in the same way. The following guide to swaging pipe using a manual swaging tool can be applied to whichever model you choose.
For a guide to choosing the right swaging tool for the job, see: Which manual swaging tool should you choose?
Before you begin, ensure that the pipe sections you will be fitting together are of the same outside diameter. Swaging pipe to reduce the diameter only works where it enables a section of pipe to be inserted inside a pipe of the same diameter, resulting in full surface-to-surface contact and a very tight fit.

How to use a manual swaging tool

Step 1 – Prepare swaging tool

First, unhook the handle lock from around the bottom handle of your swaging tool, enabling the handles to be opened freely. Now, if the tool you are using does not feature a tensioning spring, open the jaws.

Step 2 – Position swaging tool on edge of pipe

Holding the pipe section you will be swaging in your non-dominant hand, and your swaging tool in your dominant hand, position the jaws of your swaging tool over the edge of the pipe end to the desired swage depth – if you will be swaging to the full length offered by your tool, slide the jaws forward over the edge of the pipe end until you can’t go any further.

Bonus tip

If you will be swaging to a shorter length than that offered by your swaging tool’s blades, try marking the desired swage length on your tool’s upper blade in pencil, or a non-permanent marker, measuring from the tip of the blade inward.

You can then position the jaws so that the pipe end lines up with your marking, ensuring a consistent swage length throughout.

Step 3 – Close jaws

When you have reached the desired swage length, close the jaws of your swaging tool by squeezing the handles together until the blades are in full contact with pipe edge.

Step 4 – Compress pipe edge between jaws

Squeeze your swaging tool’s handles together firmly. If you are using a standard or ergonomic swaging tool, be prepared to squeeze hard!

Step 5 – Open jaws

Release the handles of your swaging tool to open the jaws, releasing the edge of the pipe. You should see a pattern of ridges and recesses where the blades have compressed the pipe wall into shape.

Step 6 – Reposition jaws on edge of pipe

Now, align the jaws of your swaging tool so that the first (or only) blade on the upper jaw rests in the outermost of the swaged recesses formed in Step 4, on either the left or right side of the swage, depending on whether you will be swaging clockwise or anticlockwise.

Step 7 – Repeat steps 3-6

Repeat steps 3-6 until the entire diameter of the pipe end has been swaged. This will reduce the diameter by 1mm (3/64in).

Step 8 – Insert swaged pipe into non-swaged pipe

Rest the non-swaged pipe that you will be inserting your swaged pipe into upright on the floor, with the end supported by a piece of wood so as not to damage it.

Insert your swaged pipe end inside the non-swaged pipe end so that the swaged section is no longer visible, and push down until it is inserted as far inside the non-swaged pipe as possible.
To test the tightness of the fit, attempt to twist and pull on the swaged pipe. You should not be able to move it.

Sealing a swaged join

After fitting your swaged and non-swaged pipe sections together, you will need to seal the joint to tighten it further and prevent air from escaping when the pipes are in use.
It is recommended that you avoid using screws to fix sections of pipe together. Because a screw needs to puncture the pipe wall to work, using screws creates tiny gaps in which condensation and other moisture can collect, resulting in rusty pipes which will need to be replaced.
Instead of screws, try using an adhesive jointing tape such as duct tape to seal the join between your pipe sections. Using duct tape does not damage or puncture pipe wall structure at all.
Simply wrap the tape neatly around the line of the join between your pipe sections. To prevent wrinkles and keep the job looking neat, apply tension to the roll by pulling it out and away from the pipes themselves while rotating it around the join.