I need a tool to put a bead on some thin wall aluminium radiator tube, rather than buying one has anyone got any ideas how to make homemade one?

Cheers

Do a search. There is a B & Q tool, like a set of pliers that will put the bead on and only £13.

tried searching, but couldn't find anything

This one?
http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/viewthread.php?tid=98934

quote:

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Originally posted by PHULL
tried searching, but couldn't find anything

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I made mine from a hydraulic quick disconnect (snap-tite h series) like this:



I removed the locking collar to expose the ring of ball bearings, removed all the internals and then made a cone shaped wedge to push the balls out.

The final result


beaded pipe

[Edited on 19/1/09 by daviep]

quote:

---

Originally posted by daviep
I made mine from a hydraulic quick disconnect (snap-tite h series) like this:



I removed the locking collar to expose the ring of ball bearings, removed all the internals and then made a cone shaped wedge to push the balls out.

The final result


beaded pipe

[Edited on 19/1/09 by daviep]

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I used a pair of mole grips, a ball bearing, a nut and some insulation tape. Very locost, free infact.

Tape the nut on to one jaw of the mole grips and the ball bearing to the other. Put the "ball" jaw into the end of the ali pipe and squeeze, repeat around the circumference.

You probably have all the items required in your garage, but you might have to experiment with the nut/ball size.

Worked for me.

Look at my you tube video that will explain how you do it.
You get some oyster pliers from BLOCK & QUALE FOR ABOUT £11.99

Would link but you tube is blocked on this net connection

Search for user mangogrooveworkshoplink to video
link to tool

[Edited on 19-1-09 by mangogrooveworkshop]

[Edited on 19-1-09 by mangogrooveworkshop]