Intercooler pipe beading tool.

[Keithmac]

Hello all I have approx 10 aluminium pipes that make up my intercooler system ranging from 1.5" up to 4" diameter.

I need to make a bead on the ends (similar to hard coolant pipes) to stop the hoses popping off (not very often but has happened a couple of times).

I've seen some Chinese bead rolling tools you fit in a vice and also people modifying mole grips to press a bead on.

Has anyone tried the cheap bead rollers?, any other ideas welcome too!.

 

[hotponyshoes]

I've made one before, clamp in vice type.
Hit with a hammer while turning manually.
Worked fine on all the pipes on a 7 style.

No need to harden the die side for Alloy and a bit of drill shank will do for the punch side.

But if I had to do all of them in one go I think I'd take a chance on the 30quid thing above

 

[Keithmac]

I've ordered the roller which hopefully will do the majority of the pipework.

I have one Y shaped piece though that probably can't be done with the roller so I may have to go another route with that one..

End of the day if this roller is pants I can write it off at less than £30 (hopefully not mind).

 

[8ob]

I've ordered the roller which hopefully will do the majority of the pipework.

I have one Y shaped piece though that probably can't be done with the roller so I may have to go another route with that one..

End of the day if this roller is pants I can write it off at less than £30 (hopefully not mind).

I think you are going to get on ok with that little gadget, I reckon the price may not be doing it justice. Alternatives are way more expensive, good find Keith

Bob

 

[pint]

don't forget to update us on how well it works.

might be another tool this forum has caused me to buy

 

[jmp49]

I have one of them, they are great for beading water and IC pipes, just clamp in the vice and go. I'm limited to the min diameter of tube on my larger bead roller because of the shaft sizes, so the little one covers off that side.

 

[Morrisman]

I made one a year or so ago, it worked reasonably well.