Flex Tubing: Cutting & Installation
Flexible tubing can twist or unravel when cut, causing its diameter to change and making installation difficult. This occurs because flexible tubing must maintain flexibility in order to function properly, and, therefore, cannot be tightly wound in the manufacturing process. However, flexible tubing can be managed for trouble-free installation by following these guidelines.
Cutting
Installation Flexible tubing’s function is to prevent excessive stress on exhaust system components by absorbing vibration and thermal expansion that would otherwise cause system components to shake loose and break.
Step 1- Prepare Place a tack weld between convolutions on each side of the intended cut to keep ends from twisting or unraveling.
To provide adequate flexibility, flex tubing should be installed in a half extended
state. To reach half extension, place the middle of the tubing over the edge of a work bench, push down on both halves and bend as much as possible.
If a welder is not available, insert a mandrel or back-up pipe into the tubing and place a punch mark directly on convolutions on each side of the intended cut. Heavy-duty tape over a de-greased pair also works. Cut through tape and leave in place, clamp over tape. Step 2 - Cut Place the tubing securely in a vice. Cut with a metal cutting band saw or a hacksaw with 32 teeth per inch.
Then place the entire piece of tubing on the work bench and push the end down until straightened. The tubing is now at half extension.
Note: Do not use flexible tubing to form an exhaust pipe bend. Use elbows instead.
Step 3 - Trim Each side of the cut will now have a spiral “tail” that must be removed to the point at which it is
attached. Bend each tail until it breaks, or bend and use a cutting shears to remove. Step 4 - Deburr Deburr both cut surfaces with a hand-operated drum sander or file.
8 t Medium- and Heavy-Duty Exhaust Products t 74
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