Tube Spreaders | McMaster-Carr

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Tube OD

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For Double Flare Angle

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Export Control Classification Number (ECCN)

EAR99

DFARS Specialty Metals

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Compliant with Exemptions

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Maximum Expanded Tube ID

3/32"

1/8"

3/16"

For Tube OD for Double Flare

For Tube OD for Reaming

For Tube OD for Expanding

Square Drive Size

Body Material

Tip Length

Drive Style

Wall Thickness

Drive Size

48 Products

Soft Tubing Expanding Pliers


Closed	Open

Stretch the end of plastic and rubber tubing to make room for fittings with the same or slightly larger diameter. Insert the tips into tubing and squeeze the handles to open the jaws. Made of stainless steel, these pliers resist corrosion, and they can be sterilized to prevent contaminating tubing lines.

	Max. Expanded Tube ID	Overall Lg.	Tip Lg.	Material		Each
For Plastic, Rubber



	1/16"	3/32"	5"	3/8"	Stainless Steel	0000000	000000


	3/32"	1/8"	5"	0.275"	Stainless Steel	0000000	00000
	1/8"	3/16"	5"	0.236"	Stainless Steel	0000000	00000

Tube Expanders for Impact Wrenches

Use the power of an impact wrench to stretch the ends of metal tubing, allowing another tube with the same diameter to fit inside. This makes it easier to weld the two tubes together and prevents leaks. These expanders come with seven different heads, which are sized to fit tubes from 2" to 4 _1/4" OD. Slide one of the heads inside the tubing and turn the hex nut on the end with a 1 _1/8" socket to expand it. Compatible with both _1/2" and _3/4" impact wrenches.

	For Max. Wall Thk.	For Square Drive Size	Includes		Each
For Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Stainless Steel, Steel



	2", 2 3/8", 2 3/4", 3 1/8", 3 1/2", 3 7/8", 4 1/4"	3/16"	1/2", 3/4"	Five Aluminum Expander Heads (For 2 3/4", 3 1/8", 3 1/2", 3 7/8" and 4 1/4" Tube ODs); One Black-Oxide Steel Expander Head (For 2 3/8" Tube OD); One Black-Oxide Steel Tool with 1 1/8" External Hex Drive and Expander Head (For 2" Tube OD)	0000000	0000000

Hammer-Driven Tube End Expanders

Restore tube ends with a few light blows of a hammer. Place the expanders inside the tube to round out crushed ends or outside to straighten flared ends.

	For Max. Wall Thk.	Lg.	Material		Each
For Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Steel



	1 1/2" to 3 5/8"	0.078"	8"	Steel	0000000	000000

Hammer-Driven Tube Expanders


For 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8" Tube OD	For 3/4" OD Tubes	For 7/8" OD Tubes	Tube Holder

Using a hammer, tap these expanders into the end of a tube to allow a second piece of the same diameter to fit inside. Known as swaging, this enables you to join tubing with a single solder joint, reducing the opportunities for leaks. Twist the hex end with a wrench to remove expanders from tubing.

Vise Tube Holders—When expanding tubes smaller than _5/8" OD, use a tube holder (sold separately) for additional stability.

	Tube Expanders						Vise Tube Holders
	For Tube OD	For Max. Wall Thk.	Lg.	Material		Each		Each
For Aluminum, Brass, Copper



		3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8"	0.035"	5 1/4"	Steel	0000000	000000	0000000	000000


		3/4"	0.035"	4 3/8"	Steel	0000000	00000	———	0
		7/8"	0.045"	4 1/2"	Steel	0000000	00000	———	0

Tube Expanders

Enlarge the end of a tube to allow a second piece of the same diameter to fit inside.

	For Max. Wall Thk.	Lg.	Body Material	Head Material		Each
For Aluminum, Copper



	1/2", 5/8", 7/8", 1 1/8"	0.063"	24"	Aluminum	Steel	0000000	0000000

Replacement Tube Expander Heads

Material	Choose a Tube OD		Each
Steel	1/2" , 5/8" , 7/8" , 1 1/8"	00000000	0000000

Tube Flarers and Expanders for 45° Flares

Create flares in soft metal tubing so it’s compatible with flared tube fittings. A 45° flare is preferred for low-pressure applications. This tool consists of a flaring head and a tube holder.

	For Tube OD for Expanding	Lg.		Each
For Aluminum, Brass, Copper



	1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4"	3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4"	6 3/4"	000000	0000000

Tube Expanders for Condensers, Heat Exchangers, and Boilers

Designed for building and maintaining equipment with tubes that pass through perforated metal sheets, these expanders have rollers and tapered noses to ensure uniform tube tightness. They have a _3/8" square drive recommended for use with torque-controlled power tools.

	For Tube Size
	OD	Gauge	For Min. Tube ID	Max. Tube Expansion Dia.	For Max. Tube Sheet Thk.	Lg.	Body Material	Head Material		Each
For Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Steel



		1/2"	18	0.392"	0.447"	1 1/2"	7 3/8"	Steel	Steel	0000000	0000000


		5/8"	16	0.485"	0.55"	1 1/2"	8 1/2"	Steel	Steel	0000000	000000
		5/8"	18	0.517"	0.582"	1 1/2"	8 1/2"	Steel	Steel	0000000	000000
		3/4"	15	0.596"	0.661"	1 1/2"	8 1/2"	Steel	Steel	0000000	000000
		3/4"	17-18	0.619"	0.699"	1 1/2"	9"	Steel	Steel	0000000	000000
		7/8"	14	0.685"	0.774"	2 1/4"	9 3/8"	Steel	Steel	0000000	000000
		1"	14	0.81"	0.909"	2 1/4"	9 3/4"	Steel	Steel	0000000	000000

Hammer-Driven Tube Flarers for 45° Flares

Tube Holder

Tap this tool with a hammer to quickly form 45° flared ends in copper tubing. These flarers work faster than standard hand-held tube flarers but are less precise. A 45° flare forms a tight seal with a flared tube fitting and nut for low-pressure applications.

Vise Tube Holders—For additional stability, clamp tubing in a bench vise tube holder.

	Tube Flarers						Vise Tube Holders
	For Tube OD	For Copper Tube Size	Lg.	Material		Each		Each
For Copper



		1/2"	3/8	2 3/4"	Steel	0000000	000000	0000000	000000


		5/8"	1/2	2 3/4"	Steel	0000000	00000	0000000	00000
		3/4"	5/8	3 1/4"	Steel	0000000	00000	———	0
		7/8"	3/4	3 1/2"	Steel	0000000	00000	———	0
		1 1/8"	1	4"	Steel	0000000	00000	———	0
		1 3/8"	1 1/4	4 1/4"	Steel	0000000	00000	———	0
		1 5/8"	1 1/2	4 1/2"	Steel	0000000	00000	———	0
		2 1/8"	2	4 3/4"	Steel	0000000	000000	———	0

Hand-Held Tube Flarers for Single and Double 45° Flares

Create single or double flares in soft metal tubing so it’s compatible with flared tube fittings. Double flares roll the end of tubing in on itself then flare both layers for applications such as brake lines. A 45° flare is preferred for low-pressure applications. This tool consists of a flaring head and a tube holder.

	For Tube OD for Double Flare	Lg.		Each
For Aluminum, Brass, Copper



	3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2"	3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2"	7 1/2"	0000000	000000

Vise-Mount Tube Flarers and Reamers for 37° Flares

Ream and flare both soft and hard metal tubing so it’s compatible with flared tube fittings. 37° flares are used in high-pressure applications. This tool consists of a flaring head and a tube holder. Type M hard copper should be annealed before flaring.

	For Tube OD for Reaming	Lg.		Each
For Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Stainless Steel, Steel



	3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8"	1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8"	6 1/8"	0000000	0000000

Vise-Mount Tube Flarers for 37° and 45° Flares

Mount these flarers in a vise and create single and double 37° and 45° flares. Use 37° flares in high-pressure applications and 45° flares in low-pressure applications. Double flares roll the end of tubing in on itself then flare both layers for applications such as brake lines. Type M hard copper should be annealed before flaring.

	For Tube OD for Double Flare	Lg.	Material		Each
For Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Stainless Steel, Steel



	3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 4.75 mm	4.75 mm, 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8"	11"	Steel	00000000	0000000

Hand-Held Tube Flarers for 37° Flares


	Style A	Style B

Create flares in soft metal tubing so it’s compatible with flared tube fittings. 37° flares are used in high-pressure applications. These tools consist of a flaring head and a tube holder.

	For Tube OD	Lg.		Each
For Aluminum, Brass, Copper



	A	3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8"	6"	0000000	0000000


	B	1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4"	8"	0000000	000000

Tube Beaders

Form a rounded bead on the end of metal tubing to hold soft rubber hose in place. Slip hose over the beaded end and secure with a clamp.

	Lg.	Material		Each
For Aluminum, Copper, and Stainless Steel



	1/4", 5/16"	9"	Steel	000000	0000000


	For Aluminum, Copper, Stainless Steel, and Steel



			3/8", 1/2", 5/8"	9"	Steel	000000	000000

Vise-Mount Tube Flarers for 37° Flares


	Style A	Style B

Create flares in metal tubing so it’s compatible with flared tube fittings. 37° flares are used in high-pressure applications. These tools consist of a flaring head and a tube holder. Type M hard copper and stainless steel should be annealed before flaring.

	For Tube OD	Lg.		Each
For Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Soft Steel, Stainless Steel



	A	3/4", 7/8", 1", 1 1/4"	11 1/2"	000000	0000000


	B	1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2"	9 1/8"	0000000	000000


	For Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Stainless Steel, Steel



			A	3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8"	6 1/8"	000000	000000

Hand-Held Tube Flarers for 45° Flares


Style A	Style B	Style C

Style D	Style E

Form 45° flares in aluminum, brass, or copper tubing so it’s compatible with flared tube fittings often used in low-pressure plumbing, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. All of these tools have a flaring head and a tube holder that firmly grips your tube.

Style B—For consistent flares, style B have a depth gauge to properly position your tube.

Style C—A one-hand clamping mechanism on style C makes working on overhead jobs easier.

Style E—To increase installation speed and minimize hand fatigue, style E have an adapter that connects to cordless screwdrivers to turn these manual tools into power tools. An automatic depth stop positions your tube for precise, repeatable flares. A one-hand clamping mechanism makes working on overhead jobs easier.

	For Tube OD	For Copper Tube Size	Lg.	For Square Drive Size	Includes		Each
For Aluminum, Brass, Copper



	A	1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4"	1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8	6 3/4"	—	—	000000	0000000


	A	3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 5/8"	1/4, 3/8, 1/2	7"	—	—	0000000	00000
	B	1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4"	1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8	8"	—	—	0000000	000000
	C	3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8"	1/4, 3/8, 1/2	10"	—	—	000000	000000


	For Aluminum, Copper



			A	3/4", 7/8", 1", 1 1/8"	5/8, 3/4, 1	7"	—	—	0000000	000000


			For Copper



					D	3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm	1/4, 3/8, 1/2	4 5/8"	—	—	0000000	00000


					E	1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4"	1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8	9 1/4"	3/8"	1/8"-1 1/8" Tube Cutter, 3/8" Male Square Drive × 5/16" Hex Shank Adapter for Power Tools	0000000	000000