Tube, Pipe & Fittings

Mechanically Formed Extruded Outlets:
Installation Steps

The procedure that follows is typical for the forming and brazing of ½” to 1¼” outlets using power operated equipment. Although there are specific steps to be followed, the tee-forming and brazing process takes little time and is quickly repeatable. Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions for all tube sizes.
Select and adjust the drill head and forming pins according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The drill bit and pins are quite sharp, so caution is in order.
Insert the drill head into the chuck and extend the forming pins.

Figure 93: Chucking the drill head assembly
Lubricate the drill head and forming pins.

Figure 94: Lubricating the drill head
Press in the conical cover and rotate counterclockwise to retract the forming pins.

Figure 95: Retracting the forming pins
On tube sizes over 2”, the area for forming the tee outlet must be annealed first. See manufacturer’s instructions when dealing with these sizes.
Pull out the support legs and place the tube support firmly onto the point where the tee is to be formed on the tube. Then, twist the machine counterclockwise at the handle of the tool to center the drill head on the tube. The legs will center and support the drill while absorbing all rotational torque.
Figure 96. Positioning the drill tip and ensure a snug fit of the support legs
Start the tool by squeezing the trigger and drill until the bit has fully penetrated into the tube. Then, release the trigger to stop the drill.
Extend the forming pins on the drill head by pressing the cover toward the tool and rotating it counterclockwise until the head locks in the tee-forming position. Do not extend the forming pins while the motor is running.

Figure 97: Extending the forming pins inside the run tube
Turn the speed selector control to the slowest position (typical). Engage the feed mechanism. You may have to rotate the motor by giving a nudge on the trigger.

Squeeze the trigger to start forming the outlet and continue until the drill head is completely out of the tube. Maintain a slight downward pressure on the drill to ensure a firm contact with the tube. The rotation of the forming pins causes a back flow and thickening of the metal around the lower circumference of the outlet.
Figure 98. Forming the outlet
It is important to release the drill trigger as soon as the drill head clears the rim of the outlet. NOTE: Removing the drill head from the tube before it emerges will result in an oval or imperfect outlet.
Ream or deburr the branch tube end.
Figure 99. Reaming the branch tube end
Choose the appropriate branch-size dye on the tube-end notcher to notch and dimple the sides of the branch tube end. Proper notching and dimpling must be performed to meet code requirements and to ensure the branch does not protrude into the tube.

Figure 100. Using the notching and dimpling tool

Figure 101. Properly prepared branch end tube
Remove any excess lubricant from inside the outlet and use Scotchbrite™ or sand cloth to clean the inside of the outlet rim.
Figure 102. Ensuring the inside rim surface is clean
Insert the branch tube into the outlet up to the first dimple and align the dimples with the run of the tube.
Figure 103. Aligning the dimples with the run of the tube
Braze the joint.
Figure 104. Finished joint