Plastic Barb Sleeves - What is the tool

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Chefwong

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What is the correct tool to use when you want to be as intrusive on possible when working on plastic hose/plastic sleeve over a metal barb fitting. I'm just using a slip joint plier (more meat on the metal - less force) in theory. This is a very small bard fitting. Maybe 6mm or so ....
Just curious what the pro's use.

Granted some will get away with just their trusty channellock.
Is there a special - preferred too when working with such fittings....

BTW, fellow tradesman. Have ya'll used the Knipex line yet.
I replaced alot of pliers with the Knipex Cobra - both in smooth for finished plumbing pieces and the ones with Jaws..
 

Gary Swart

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Pros will likely use a torch, but this can be tricky for a novice. Too much heat will melt the plastic. A hair dryer or heat gun will work, but this too can be touchy. Hot water is the safest and is just as effective. Heat the plastic pipe then it will slide over the barbs without requiring much force.
 

hj

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I am not sure if they are the actual manufacturer, because I have one of those "long reach" pliers but it has a different name on it. Most of them appear to be "slip joint" pliers which have been "obsolete" for decades.
 

Chefwong

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Tell me about those slip joints. This was the 1st time I used it from my toolbox.....can't recall the last time I used it.

Actually it was the latter. Removing the sleeve off the barb. A hair dryer did come to mind.
Heat would have been a no no. Inside a cabinet for one. And the pipe itself is fairly thin/small in diameter..
 
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