HF Maddox tail pipe expander

[nbpt100]

I need a tail pipe expander. I wont be using it a lot but I need to do Stainless and I would like to use my impact. Anyone with experience with this set and simmilar can to recommend or not recommend this or a similar set? I see no named brand on eBay that looks almost identical. For about $50.

https://www.harborfreight.com/exhaust-pipe-expander-kit-57586.html

 

[WhataTool]

It's the same set as an Astro 78835 except for less grease and HF uses a stupid thread size that doesn't work with a hydraulic knock out set, so I'm not sure why anyone would buy the HF for 40% more.

 

[Buckgnarly]

I have stripped the bolt on the Astro kit, kids in school actually, but my Lisle has been solid. Astro replaced the part no problem as usual!

For the price I'd go with Lisle or Astro, especially with stainless use.

 

[nbpt100]

It's the same set as an Astro 78830 except for less grease and HF uses a stupid thread size that doesn't work with a hydrualic kock out set, so I'm not sure why anyone would buy the HF for 40% more.

OK, but when I typed in that number I got a Rotor Puller.

 

[nbpt100]

OK I found it for $100 on Amazon. It looks almost the same. 28mm drive tool. The HF reviews say Maddox takes a 26mm drive tool. Other on line tool outfits it is more $ and with the shipping and tax is competitive with HF.

https://www.amazon.com/Astro-Pneumatic-78835-estirador-escape/dp/B01JBICBJ4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Astro Pneumatic Heavy-Duty Exhaust Pipe Stretcher Kit (78835)

Easily expand exhaust pipes with Astro Pneumatic's heavy-duty stretcher kit. Durable and efficient. Buy now at JB Tools!

www.jbtools.com

 

[WhataTool]

OK I found it for $100 on Amazon. It looks almost the same. 28mm drive tool. The HF reviews say Maddox takes a 26mm drive tool. Other on line tool outfits it is more $ and with the shipping and tax is competitive with HF.

https://www.amazon.com/Astro-Pneumatic-78835-estirador-escape/dp/B01JBICBJ4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Astro Pneumatic Heavy-Duty Exhaust Pipe Stretcher Kit (78835)

Easily expand exhaust pipes with Astro Pneumatic's heavy-duty stretcher kit. Durable and efficient. Buy now at JB Tools!

www.jbtools.com

Correct, sorry. 78835
They aren't exactly the same, the AP set threads into hydraulic tools.
I'm not sure who's paying for shipping on Amazon, or how tax applies to one and not the other, but whatever you prefer i suppose.
Stainless is a hard ask of any kit, it's going to be a tough go

 

[Ditchdigger]

2.25" Stainless muffler expanded to 2.5" with the HF Maddox expander kit

I needed an Expander kit and the HF is a block away. I am very pleased with how well it works.

The thread appears to be M18X2.0 if that info helps anyone

 

[nbpt100]

Amazon and most vendors charge sales tax for out of state sales. I prefer to not use Amazon but I will have to see. I guess HF has to pay for all of those Stores they have opened in the past few years.

 

[WhataTool]

The AP kits appears to be 3/4" fine thread 16tpi

 

[nbpt100]

I ordered the AP. Thanks to all for the Advice.

 

[nbpt100]

Here is an update. I received the AP tool. It looks very well made with a tapered roller bearing and heavy dies. The case look like a solid hard plastic case with decent hasps. It came with two tubes of grease and extra O-rings. It does say it's intended use is for mild steel. However it later says it will do Stainless Steel but it will reduce the life of the tool. It only says to grease the threads but I would assume you would want to grease the dies at any point they slide over each other including on the ID of the pipe. I did see a video where someone tried to expand a stainless steel pipe and his 300 Ft.-Lb rated impact was not powerful enough to finish the job. I assume if he started at the outside and took a smaller section at a time it may have worked. It could take a very long time. It sure looks like You do not want to expand stainless by hand.

 

[WhataTool]

Stainless is a PITA with any brands'. It's going to be tough, you'll need a high torque, never thought to grease the dies. We grease the bearing, thread and the female threaded expander. None of the expanding dies, guess it cant hurt though. You're going to have to just send it and find out if it's too thick.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Grease the threads before the dies.

 

[nbpt100]

I plan to lubricate both. I am not sure what kind of grease they provide for the threads. When that is gone I will use bearing grease or what is in my grease gun at the time. For the die surfacesi may use a silicone grease so the orings are better preserved. Silicone is good on rubber.

 

[Buckgnarly]

I plan to lubricate both. I am not sure what kind of grease they provide for the threads. When that is gone I will use bearing grease or what is in my grease gun at the time. For the die surfacesi may use a silicone grease so the orings are better preserved. Silicone is good on rubber.

Any high moly grease for the threads works well.