Straightening Air Compressor Cooling Fins

[InjectorService]

I'm working on doing a quick restoration on my Quincy compressors, and I'm looking for a good way to straighten some of the compressor fins.

Does anyone have a good way of doing this? I tried a typical rad fin straightener, but the spacing is too large, and the straightening tool is not strong enough to bend the thick compressor fins.

 

[fsae0607]

Duck bill pliers?

That's what I would use.

 

[InjectorService]

Thats actually a good idea, I hadn't really thought of that, I guess I was sort of fixated on using a "comb" type tool.

 

[Madjik Man]

I don't know how spaced out, or robust, the fins are on that compressor but I've used one of those fin straightened tools/combs on my truck's radiator, AC condenser, and home AC condenser unit with ease and success.

 

[ItsNemo]

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B002BHRXJ6/?tag=atomicindus04-20

Something like this?

 

[rlitman]

Duck bill pliers?

This has popped up here before. Duck bill pliers may have too thick jaws for most fins, and their serrated jaws may be harmful to fins too. Relay pliers (I believe Knipex telephone pliers are similar) have smooth jaws that are even thinner than duck bills, designed to service small springs in relays without damaging anything.

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A number of companies make them, or there are pliers made just for fin repair:

MARUTO HASEGAWA KOSAKUJO INC. - Products Series List

Flat Nose Pliers for Radiator Repair

www.keiba-tool.com

 

[Citation]

Are you taking about the fins on the cylinder or fins on an aftercooler?

 

[pooterguy]

I use this one on air compressors and window air conditioners:
https://yellowjacket.com/product/ergonomic-finfix-combs/

 

[oldmachinenut]

When I rebuilt my Quincy 325 some of the intercooler fins were bent. I got them close with a small screwdriver then took 2 pieces of sheet metal, one on each side of the bent fin and squeezed it with pliers. It was a little tedious but it worked amazing well and a new intercooler was over $500.00 so it was much cheaper.

 

[InjectorService]

I think this is the ticket. I'm going to try something like this. As for the above, the fin straighteners just won't work. There is less than 8 fins per inch, and that is the largest size fin straightener I can find. They also just aren't strong engouh, the fins are very thick on the Quincy aftercooler.

 

[FredWanaker]

count the fins per inch and have one machined. A fin comb is the best way to straighten fins without causing further damage.

this one is "Six sided head for 6, 8,10,12,14 and 15 fins per inch applications"

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013HHTSA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[chris142]

Thats actually a good idea, I hadn't really thought of that, I guess I was sort of fixated on using a "comb" type tool.

Comb tools don't work well. Better off with flat plyers or a screwdriver

 

[crewchief888]

Maybe try a hand seamer/ sheet metal tool