pizza
Well-known member
i'm looking for a new compression ferrule remover. for those that don't know, you use it to remove ferrules (and nuts) from compression fittings seized onto copper pipe (typically 1/2") if you're replacing a supply valve or whatever. i thought i'd share the nicer ones i've found and ask you guys what you use.
Husky: Faucet Handle and Sleeve Puller
$13
i actually have this tool. it gets the job done, but it's a *************. i've pulled many ferrules with it, and i wish i got a nicer tool from the start.
it's hard to keep the arms from slipping off of the back of the compression nut. gripping it can be very fatiguing, especially in tight spaces or if you have to do several of them in a row. also, it's finicky to get the tool adjusted correctly. there are two parts that thread onto the rod, and they need to be appropriately spaced or else you either run out of room to turn or you can't grab the nut. it takes some trial and error, and it can be annoying to get it going.
ok, on to promising-looking upgrades:
Advanced Aquaduck: Duck Puller
$40-$60
looks to be of relatively high quality and is radially compact.
it's unusable without another tool to drive it, but you do have 3 options: screwdriver through a hole, wrench, or drill. i think they should have put a 1/4" hex shank on the end instead of round shank so you can grab it with a driver and not just a drill, but maybe they didn't want people using impact drivers on it, lol.
Saf-T-Kut: Brass Compression Ring Cutter
$50
this one is a bit different because it cuts the ferrule instead of pulling it off. i guess the ferrule is brittle enough that you can just snap it without actually damaging the copper pipe below.
it looks very longitudinally compact. the driving action is 90° to the pipe axis and is offset. it's hard to imagine every scenario, but this one might the best overall in terms of clearance issues.
that said, i've for sure been in situations though where this wouldn't work. sometimes the pipe stubout is very short, and the nut is practically against the wall. this tool requires the ferrule to be fully exposed. they kind of address that in the video above, but sometimes you don't have an escutcheon to remove to get extra space back. also, cutting the escutcheon off is a ****** solution.
Toolceptions: Ferrule Blaster
$75
looks pretty fast and easy to use. it's hard to beat not having to turn anything. i might get it even though it's expensive.
Husky: Faucet Handle and Sleeve Puller
$13
i actually have this tool. it gets the job done, but it's a *************. i've pulled many ferrules with it, and i wish i got a nicer tool from the start.
it's hard to keep the arms from slipping off of the back of the compression nut. gripping it can be very fatiguing, especially in tight spaces or if you have to do several of them in a row. also, it's finicky to get the tool adjusted correctly. there are two parts that thread onto the rod, and they need to be appropriately spaced or else you either run out of room to turn or you can't grab the nut. it takes some trial and error, and it can be annoying to get it going.
ok, on to promising-looking upgrades:
Advanced Aquaduck: Duck Puller
$40-$60
looks to be of relatively high quality and is radially compact.
it's unusable without another tool to drive it, but you do have 3 options: screwdriver through a hole, wrench, or drill. i think they should have put a 1/4" hex shank on the end instead of round shank so you can grab it with a driver and not just a drill, but maybe they didn't want people using impact drivers on it, lol.
Saf-T-Kut: Brass Compression Ring Cutter
$50
this one is a bit different because it cuts the ferrule instead of pulling it off. i guess the ferrule is brittle enough that you can just snap it without actually damaging the copper pipe below.
it looks very longitudinally compact. the driving action is 90° to the pipe axis and is offset. it's hard to imagine every scenario, but this one might the best overall in terms of clearance issues.
that said, i've for sure been in situations though where this wouldn't work. sometimes the pipe stubout is very short, and the nut is practically against the wall. this tool requires the ferrule to be fully exposed. they kind of address that in the video above, but sometimes you don't have an escutcheon to remove to get extra space back. also, cutting the escutcheon off is a ****** solution.
Toolceptions: Ferrule Blaster
$75
looks pretty fast and easy to use. it's hard to beat not having to turn anything. i might get it even though it's expensive.
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