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Thread: LPG flare union connection help.

  1. #1
    Boolit Master
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    LPG flare union connection help.

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ID:	111005I'm putting in a new water heater in my travel trailer. It's been a long time since I've used a flare tool, and I cant seem to get a leak free connection. The first time, I didn't chamfer the inside of the tubing and the flare looked terrible. After several attempts, I got a better looking flare, but it still leaks.
    The flaring tool I am using is a cheaper one from Home Depot, and there is some copper build up on the tool from previous attempts. Could the copper that has been deposited on there be the problem?
    I went so far as to lube the tool, hoping to cut down on galling the inside of the flare.
    Last edited by tommag; 07-18-2014 at 09:25 AM. Reason: add picture
    When the Cambrian measures were forming, They promised perpetual peace.
    They swore, if we gave them our weapons, that the wars of the tribes would cease.
    But when we disarmed They sold us and delivered us bound to our foe,
    And the Gods of the Copybook Headings said: "Stick to the Devil you know."

  2. #2
    In Remembrance
    oneokie's Avatar
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    You want the square end of the tubing flush with the surface of the clamping blocks. Do not apply excessive force to the handle of the screw. One can make the tubing too thin for a good seal by using too much torque on the screw.
    Those who fail to study history are doomed to repeat it.

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  3. #3
    Boolit Master
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    Thanks, Oneokie. I used a copper solvent to clean the copper from the flaring tool, and discovered the surface of the expander was rough. Don't know if it was a mistake or not, but used some 1600 grit to polish it a bit.
    When the Cambrian measures were forming, They promised perpetual peace.
    They swore, if we gave them our weapons, that the wars of the tribes would cease.
    But when we disarmed They sold us and delivered us bound to our foe,
    And the Gods of the Copybook Headings said: "Stick to the Devil you know."

  4. #4
    Boolit Master
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    Yay, no leak! Thanks again.
    When the Cambrian measures were forming, They promised perpetual peace.
    They swore, if we gave them our weapons, that the wars of the tribes would cease.
    But when we disarmed They sold us and delivered us bound to our foe,
    And the Gods of the Copybook Headings said: "Stick to the Devil you know."

  5. #5
    Boolit Master

    Johnch's Avatar
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    One simple trick I use
    Is to lube the flare ing tool
    I use a teflone based pipe dope

    Lubing may not always be needed
    But it just takes a few seconds and I almost never had a leak on those flares

    John
    Yea, thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
    And I carry a LOADED Hell Cat

  6. #6
    Boolit Grand Master
    Mk42gunner's Avatar
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    I kind of hate to admit this, since I used to do plumbing and appliance repair on a professional basis; but the only times I can remember making a perfect flare the first try, was when I forgot to put the flare nut on the tubing. I never remember having one leak though.

    Really makes you appreciate being under the house where the customer isn't watching like a hawk.

    Robert

  7. #7
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    Failing to put the flare nut on the tubing before making the flare will guarantee a perfect flare with the same probability as getting a flat tire when you don't have a spare !

  8. #8
    Boolit Grand Master

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    Ive fought the cheap flare tools many times and watched man who delivers propane to the house do a flare. His tool was alot diffrent from mine. ard to describe it , I made 3 flares with it on scrape and all came out perfect first time. Didnt seem to take near the force to use either.

  9. #9
    Boolit Buddy

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    Quote Originally Posted by Mk42gunner View Post
    I kind of hate to admit this, since I used to do plumbing and appliance repair on a professional basis; but the only times I can remember making a perfect flare the first try, was when I forgot to put the flare nut on the tubing. I never remember having one leak though.

    Really makes you appreciate being under the house where the customer isn't watching like a hawk.

    Robert


    Or putting the flare nut on backwards.........................
    "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy".
    Ben Franklin

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Zymurgy50 View Post
    Or putting the flare nut on backwards.........................
    I might just invent a new cuss word or two in that situation.

  11. #11
    Boolit Buddy bear67's Avatar
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    The best flaring tools have facets (flats) on the tool. Get you a set of Imperial flaring tools and cutting tools and you will be in no leak heaven. My father was in LPG business for 50 years and they sold Imperial when wholesale and he used them for service after he bought into a retail dealership. Back in the early 70's, we were getting some foreign copper tubing that split half the time.
    "A gentleman will seldom, if ever, need a pistol. However, if he does,he needs it very badly!" Sir Winston Churchill

  12. #12
    Moderator Emeritus


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    As a reminder neither flare nor compression fittings should ever get pipe dope. If the threads are stiff put some oil or liquid soap on them. A dab of glycerin works well but few have it laying around.
    [The Montana Gianni] Front sight and squeeze

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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check