Is this A/C hose crimper OK?

[mthomas58]

Toying with idea of fabricating new barrier hose myself, then choked on the price of crimping tools. Found this one for $199.00 - more in the DIY price range. Will this work?



http://www.keep-it-kool.com/crimp/crimpmate.html

[Porsche_monkey]

My crimper is a rubber centered device which squeezes via hydraulics. It works right, every time. You get what you pay for.

For a hydraulic fitting I would try what you have shown. But I would not use it for A/C fittings. Hydraulic leaks show up quickly and can be resealed. A/C leaks aren't quite so simple.

Buy the material and find a shop with the right crimpling tools to get it done right the first time.

[ljowdy]

I think by the time you get done with the project, you'll find that it would have been cheaper to buy a pre manufactured set of hoses... I believe Griffiths sells a complete set somewhere between 400.00 to 500.00 bucks

[mthomas58]

Originally Posted by ljowdy

I think by the time you get done with the project, you'll find that it would have been cheaper to buy a pre manufactured set of hoses... I believe Griffiths sells a complete set somewhere between 400.00 to 500.00 bucks

I don't need a new set of hoses as two of my hoses were replaced last year at considerable cost. Thinking about adding an underbelly condenser to my system which will require fabricating two new hoses in place of the stock hose that goes from the rear to front condenser.

Here is another DIY priced crimper from Mastercool avail at acsource.com for $195.00



It would seem to me that these economy crimpers might do the trick for infrequent DIY usage.

[fred cook]

I bought my new barrier hoses and new crimps from my local NAPA store. The owner let me use his hydraulic crimper at no charge. You never know until you ask!

[Thomas Owen]

Mark,
I have that exact crimper and used it to replace all hoses on my '88. It worked perfectly.

I will loan it to you for your work, but you must have a big vise to use it properly. Send me a PM.

Regards,

[mthomas58]

Originally Posted by Thomas Owen

Mark,
I have that exact crimper and used it to replace all hoses on my '88. It worked perfectly.

I will loan it to you for your work, but you must have a big vise to use it properly. Send me a PM.

Regards,

PM sent.

Thanks!

[mthomas58]

PM #2 sent.

Thanks!