tubing expander??

[bimmer1980]

Has anyone used the tubing expanders from Harbor freight?

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?category=&q=tubing+expander

I need to expand a piece of emt conduit for a little fabrication project....

 

[Randy_che]

They generally get bad reviews. The best I've seen is that they can round out slightly crushed pipe, but tend to strip or break when trying to expand. I'd probably skip these based on the HF website reviews and the HFreviews.com reviews.

 

[Stick Figure]

I tried one and broke it right away. If you have a HF close you can always pick it up and try it though. I would guess it won't last, but they are probably one of the easiest places to make a return.

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

I just got one to do some three inch exhaust work for my brothers RX7, don't use an impact and it works great. I used a 24 inch breaker bar with no problem. They can handle torque, just not an impacting "hammering" force.

 

[PCO6]

I have one that is about 30 years old and it works well. I have no idea what brand it is. I bought a smaller size one a few years ago from Princess Auto and one of the rubber bands broke the first time I used it. PA replaced it right away. The new one works fine.

 

[toolchaser]

I have a LISLE and it handles an impact no sweat

 

[rsanter]

if you have a single job they may get it done. I stripped the **** out of 2 of them trying to expand some exhaust tubing a little
got the job done and got my money back.
if you need to do a bunch of stuff you need a different brand

bob

 

[bimmer1980]

Well, based on the mixed reviews and the fact that harbor freight is close by, I had to give it a try.....

I lubed it up good, got the tube secured well and started turning it with my breaker bar. Well, after a few turns, it started to turn easy..... yup, it stripped the threads....

I only had about $6 into it (on sale and 20% off coupon)...

I will try and return it....