Might be a question for the heating & AC forum.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/hvac/

For what it's worth, here's a related thread from "the cloud" (i.e. internet):

http://forum.doityourself.com/archive/index.php/t-300098.html

homebound,

Thanks for taking the time to respond. I did check the thread.

In the construction trades, as well as most other industries, we find some tool manufacturers that make the general tools that are common to all trad. These are the tools that we find most often in the hardware of home supply stores, and the ones that are most familiar to the average homeowner.

On the other hand, in every industry there are certain manufacturers who specialize in tools for that industry, often setting the standards by which other tools are compared, yet they may remain totally unknown to the homeowner, handyman or DIY'er. By example, when a roofer or framer is in the market for a new hammer it goes without saying that Stanley makes great hammers, but for the pro the tool of choice is Eastwing and while Craftsman makes a fine line of screwdrivers and pliers, if you look in an electricians pouch it almost goes without saying that you will find "Klein Tools" stamped on nearly every item, including the pouch and belt.

Ask a plumber who makes the best tools and it is a foregone conclusion that they will invariably respond, the Ridge Tool Company of Elyria, Ohio, makers of "Rigid Tools", however we must keep in mind that plumbers primarily work with pipe in all sizes and varieties but as a rule, we seldom use soft roll copper and it could almost be considered a sideline material. On the other hand, in the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration industry soft roll copper tubing is generally the material of choice therefore when dealing with soft roll copper it goes without saying that the top of the line tools are manufactured by companies that specialize in HVAC tools, many of whom are totally unknown to the general public. In my humble opinion the best tools for working tubing are made by "Imperial-Eastman" but don't look for these tools in your local home supply. In recent years I have seen some Imperial-Eastman tubing cutters or benders in Home Depot and Lowes, but as a rule you have to go to an HVAC specialty store or purchase online.

I have an Imperial-Eastman flare and swagging kit that has two vise bars, and can handle all sizes of tubing ranging from 1/4" through 3/4". It has a set of inter changable tips that fit on the Tee bar so that you can make either a flare of a swage and with the addition of the double flare punches it will make single flare, double flare and swage fittings on all available sizes of roll copper. For those who are not familiar with a swage fitting, the tool will expand the end of the copper so that another piece of copper can be directly slipped in and soldered or brazed in place without the need of any additional fittings. Swage joints are the standard for AC & Refrigeration work. I have no idea what this set is selling for today, but back in 1983 when I purchased it, the selling price was $92, however here it is more than 35yrs later and the tools still look and function as well as the day I bought them. In fact, when I retired in June I gave the set to a very promising young apprentice with the understanding that when he retires he is to pass it on to another apprentice.

but when it comes down to the specialty tools for each discipline there are a couple manufacturers that stand out as setting the standard for that trade.

lazypup,

Thanks, that was the sort of information I was looking for. The time you spend supporting this forum is greatly appreciated.