Cap'n Hook Brazing tips. Anyone use this.

heathead

Can't find my torch handle so looking to upgrade to this torch tip and handle. Looking at the Uniweld Cap'n hook brazing tip. Any thoughts? Likes/dislikes?

Main uses brazing ac lines. I know it looks like things are moving toward press fittings or use the no press fittings like the shark bites but for refrigerant. But I Can't seem to be a early adopter. I know I wouldn't have to flow nitrogen and no fire risk.

Thanks
John

ratio

I've used one once or twice, on separating problematic joints where I didn't have access to get a regular torch head around it fast enough to get it apart safely. It takes some getting used to—I don't think I'd ever use one as my daily driver. But it did get me out of a pickle those few times.

As for the refrigerant sharkbites, we'll see in a few decades how well they last. I have my doubts… WRT the press fittings, I'm trying to steer the company away from them. Too many leaks, even with following the instructions to a tee. The latest one was a VRF system, 190 lbs charge. Now, the leak was caused by someone (cough cough sprinkler fitter) 'adjusting' the pipe to miss a sprinkler main. Not technically the fault of the press system, but a braze wouldn't have started leaking. Thank goodness it wasn't somewhere in the 8 story shaft!

mattmia2

heathead said:

I know I wouldn't have to flow nitrogen and no fire risk.

My vote would be for flare if you don't want to braze. I'm not sure i see press as having much of a time or cost advantage here.

EBEBRATT-Ed

I only used the press fittings for refrigerant a couple of times then I retired. My old shop uses them. My former co workers tell me it's the smaller sizes that tend to leak...3/8" od etc