Re: [A/S] copper gas lines

["Mr. Joy H. Hansen" <joytbrew@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

What I call brazing with high silver alloy is OK for copper fitting that
would be subject to vibration; however, the joints are difficult for a
novice and require an acetylene torch to achieve the heat necessary for the
braze.  Also, it's very easy to overheat the metal and soften it.  While it
can't leak, it can twist and kink, leading to other problems.

Solder/sweat joints are just not acceptable for gas or oil lines.

The flare connections retain their strength and actually harden during the
swage process.  My experience is that the flare must be long enough to just
fit the inside of the nut.  Some nuts will allow the tube to move and if the
flare is too short, the flare will loosen or break off.

I've also found that a tubing cutter makes forming a good flare a bit
difficult as I've had to remove most all of the burr and then file the
shoulders square before making the flare.  Otherwise, the flare might have a
crease that will leak or crack along the edge.

I don't have experience with the double flare where the metal is folded back
over itself.  I've only see this type of flare on steel gas or oil lines,
like in an automobile.

Guess the advantage I like best is that a flare can be separated and
rejoined many times and the integrity of the seal remains.  It's also quite
easy to make a new flare close to a damaged flare, unless there's an
associated bend in the tube.  Just got to
always use two wrenches!

Don't know if this will  help, but my experiences don't cost anything so you
can take them for what they cost.

                      '69 Safari, Joy