TWI International is a Taiwan-based company that produces lots of forged products, some of which end up at places like Lowe’s. The TWI flaring tool set is a solid, durable product that will easily flare copper piping. The reason flaring is significant is because it creates the very best seal for gas lines going to hot water heaters, for example, or for water lines going to a refrigerator. An inexpensive flaring tool will help you get a job done quickly, where you would otherwise have to opt for either inferior products or calling in a plumber.
TWI Flaring Tool Set
The tool’s folding bar is made with heat-treated alloy steel, and it has a drop forged carbon steel yoke and wing nuts. The tool can be used to flare 3/16″, 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″, and 5/8″ OD copper tubing. We used it for a 1/2″ gas line, and it was the perfect solution. You simply clamp the tip of the copper between the appropriate-sized hole so that the edge of the tubing is flush with the top of the tool.
Next, you close the two sides together and screw down the wing nut to secure the tubing. Next, you slide and position the flaring tool’s forged steel plunger overtop and crank down the press until you have successfully flared the end of the copper. Each hole has beveled edges that automatically stop the press once the flaring is complete. This essentially mechanically prevents overtightening of the tool.
At just over $10 at our local home improvement warehouse, we decided to try it out, and it really paid off in its performance. Your small gas and water line plumbing jobs will never be the same, and you’ll be able to secure copper gas and water lines like never before. I recommend this TWI flaring tool set for both journeymen and do-it-yourselfers, and at this price, you can’t afford not to toss it in your plumbing tool bag.
