Hey all....

Before I go out and buy another useless tool and waste more of my money I figured I'd ask if anyone has used any of these products... these are two different style exhaust pipe "expanders/stretchers"... (see attached)

I'm looking to make some slip-fit joints before welding my exhaust up... I know I can just make butt-welds, but my skills aren't that good yet, so I'm not gonna kid myself that I can do it that easily... i figure welding the slip fits shut are much easier, and should seal off pretty well...

Anyway... if anyone has used one of these or something similar, please let me know if they work, or what might work better, thanks.

J.

AND NO... I like beating my head against a wall, so going to a muffler shop is out of the question... your probably the type that suggest I ask for directions when I'm lost too!!! LOL!!

 

Ive used a different kind. It had a threaded shank in the middle instead of your type that you hit with a hammer. My good impact gun on 110psi had trouble expanding 2.5 inch mild steel. After a few min a stripped the threaded shaft.

Good thing it was a rented tool and didnt matter if I broke it.

 

Yeah... I'm wondering if the more expensive impact gun one is worth it... I can't see the hammer deal being very accurate, or easy to use on a pipe with a bend, which eventually I'll have to do.

I searched for over an hour, and only found 1 f-ing review... ridiculous... I guess muffler/exhaust guys don't go use computers or go online! OR... I'm just looking to do something I should pay some one else to do as usual!!!

J.

 

ya I was wondering how the hammer ones would work within a pipe.

If you have AutoZones local you can rent the threaded kind there. Then when you return it you get ALL of your money back, even if you break it.

Its called the loan a tool program.

 

Why not practice a few butt-welds first and skip the expander all together. What type of welding were you gonna do gas, MIG, TIG?

 

The other option is to ask your local muffler shop to expand the pipe for you.
A six pack usually works as currency.
Just be sure to take the pipe it has to fit over as well, because it gets real ugly if they have to shrink it back down...........don't ask me how I know.

Kai Ju