A/C Hose Crimper - Automobile

[IGO2XS]

Hey guys, anyone out there crimp your own a/c lines. I will be installing two Vintage Air systems in a few cars I own. I am curious if any of you guys could recommend a crimper I could purchase. I would image I would want #6, 8, and 10 dies.

Here is one I saw on eBay. It is made by Master Cool. They say it is hydraulic and it runs around $600. They have the manual vise mount units around $200. I am really not sure what I am getting myself into and looking for advice.

 

[Toolhorder]

I worked at an A/C shop for awhile that made custom lines and they used a setup like that. Most of the time they would be making hydraulic lines for tractors and such instead of A/C lines. You'll have to get furrels and hose too.

 

[Big-Foot]

I thought about buying one of these a few years back and a buddy of mine recommended that I call the local Peterbuilt / Kenworth truck service center and ask the service manager what hose shop they use. Tell him you're working on hotrods as all these guys seem to love them.
That was great advice for me as I got hoses made that were exactly what I needed for a fraction more than the materials alone would have cost me.

Good luck!

 

[IGO2XS]

I thought about buying one of these a few years back and a buddy of mine recommended that I call the local Peterbuilt / Kenworth truck service center and ask the service manager what hose shop they use. Tell him you're working on hotrods as all these guys seem to love them.
That was great advice for me as I got hoses made that were exactly what I needed for a fraction more than the materials alone would have cost me.

Good luck!

I know a few guys who do A/C work and I could get my hoses crimped with no trouble. I guess I just wanted an excuse to buy a new tool.

 

[CWP1616L]

As mentioned, a place that makes hydraulic lines can also make A/C lines. I once had a place make a custom power steering hose because the store bought hoses kept leaking.

 

[AndyA]

I have the manual version. I think it cost about $140. Unless you're doing a dozen hoses a day, get the manual and save the money for other tools. I've used this to fix everything from garden water hose to air line. Works well. I need to find/make dies for lots more hose sizes.

 

[m0ondoggy]

I'm all for buying new tools and stuff, but I just had a new line made at an automotive A/C supply shop a couple months ago. I had to pick up a new compressor for my 68 Camaro and they crimped the hose ends on for free. At $600 you're talking about $150 per hose crimp for two systems; I couldn't justify that personally.

 

[wise]

You'd be better served cutting the hose to length and bring your fittings, and taking it to a shop and paying them 10-20 bucks for there time. Any big shop (not necessarily automotive) will have a hydraulic press for crimping lines, and it will do a better more even crimp.

 

[HTGTS350]

Ive got the mastercool set, used it professionally for a few years and had great results but if you use it often you might have to replace the hydraulic cylinder every couple of years(mine did about 500 crimps on the first cylinder). Don't go for the bench type manual one they are a real PITA.

 

[Samson]

Worked at a A/C shop not too long ago making hoses. We had the manual tool linked above but I never used it. Mainly went straight to the hydraulic machine. Our place was pretty decently priced I thought. Whole hose assemblies started at $65.

 

[chris142]

I make ac hoses every day. We have a setup similar to that except it uses a 1in socket And an impact gun.Its small enough that i can crimp lines on the car
often which saves lots of time

Reciently a regular customer bought a cheaper version and he bent it using his impact like he has seen me do... then he read the directions and they say no impact use lol.

 

[Strouty]

My father just ordered that kit from tooltopia, it was $529 with free shipping. No experience with it yet.

 

[IGO2XS]

I just found out my neighbor has the Mastercool 71500.......its the hydraulic version. I borrowed it today and I am going to try it out. If I like it I am buying one.