Brazing Dimpler^TM -- So Easy To Use

Once the Dimpler is set for a particular thickness of pipe or fitting, it consistently makes the same size and depth dimple. Just insert the fitting into the jaws of the Dimpler to the required depth and squeeze. Once the dimple has been made, the tube will stop at the dimple, making brazing easier and the joint more sound and reliable.

Instructions for using The Brazing Dimpler^TM

For a pdf version of these instructions, click here. This tool is for use for fittings that will be brazed.
It is not to be used for fittings that will be soldered!!!!

Using fingers or an Allen wrench, back the set screw out so that it is flush with the upper jaw surface.

With the tool closed, adjust the leg bolt until the tool ends are in line with each other (both parallel to the white line).

With the tool still closed, insert the fitting to be modified into the jaws and adjust the set screw so that it makes contact with the fitting surface.

Remove the fitting, then rotate the set screw clockwise one and one-half turns.

Rotate the nut until it makes contact with the Dimpler surface, then tighten with a wrench. Be sure to hold the set screw in place when tightening the nut.

Slide the fitting into the Tool and squeeze the handle. Release the handle and remove the fitting.

Check to be sure there is a protrusion on the inside of the fitting. The protrusion only needs to be 0.010 inches or so. That is enough of a bump that it is obvious when you look at it or feel it. It is not necessary to make the impression as deep as the ridge on the fitting since the clearance between the tube and the fitting is quite small. If the height of the protrusion is not adequate, adjust the set screw slightly (approximately 1/8 turn). Since the set screw is 1/4-20, each full turn will increase the height of the protrusion 0.050 inches. Be sure to hold the set screw in place when tightening the nut. Overly large dimples increase the likelihood that you will distort the fitting, making insertion of the tube difficult, and it takes more work, leading to exhaustion of the brazer. On the other hand, slight distortion of the fitting casued by larger dimples make it easier to keep the fitting in place during brazing, especially with elbows. Some users find that reducing the overlap to around one-third of the cup depth makes it easier to maintain alignment of the fitting and the tube. It is recommended that 3 dimples be made at about 120° spacing around the fitting. Also, keep in mind that you can dimple the tube outward instead of dimpling the fitting inward if that is more convenient. Once the dimple depth impression is set, adjust the insertion depth so that the dimple is at least 3 times the thickness of the thinner of the pipe or the fitting. For example, for 0.065 wall tube, the minimum distance should be 0.195 inches, or just a little over 3/16 inches (or 5 mm -- if you are into metric). If a Brazing Procedure Specification (BPS) is being followed, use the minimum depth of insertion specified on the BPS as the minimum set-back distance.

Set Back distance shall be at least 3 times the thickness of the thicker member.

Caution
DO NOT EVEN THINK OF USING THIS TOOL FOR FITTINGS THAT WILL BE SOLDERED.

Don’t be confused by what is called "silver solder." Solder melts at around 400°F and braze metal melts above 1200°F regardless of what it’s called. Braze metal is about 8 times stronger than solder – that’s why it’s OK to shorten up solder-joint fittings when brazing a joint.

See additional technical information on the benefits of using the Brazing Dimpler at http://store.brazingdimpler.com/technical-stuff.aspx