How do you use a socket former?

9th March 2020

	How do you use a socket former?


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			For the process of expanding a copper pipe with a socket former, you will also require a hammer and deburring tool. To seal the resulting capillary joint between copper pipes, you will require: solder, a propane torch, flux, plumber’s abrasive and a heat proof mat.

			To expand the copper pipe
			Step 1- Remove burrs To ensure the pipes slide together easily, they must be smoothed and unobstructed by removing any burrs (raised/loose edges or pieces) with a deburring tool.


			Step 2 – Position socket former Place the socket former inside the end of the pipe, ensuring it is straight, until it catches on the lower level of the appropriate expander section.

			Step 3 – Grip Hold the pipe securely in your hand.

			Step 4 – Hammer Use a hammer to tap the socket former into the pipe. Hammer until the top of the appropriate expander section is fully embedded.

			Step 5 – Remove socket former Remove the socket former from the now expanded pipe. The loose former should allow the tool to withdraw easily and with minimal resistance.

			To prepare the pipes for fitting and soldering
			Step 1 – Deburr Before the pipes can be slotted together and soldered, you must deburr them.

			Step 2 – Clean pipe The pipes must now be cleaned using an appropriate plumbing abrasive.

			Step 3 – Add flux Next, flux is applied to both pipes. Flux is a paste which aids with soldering as well as cleaning and sealing the solder and copper bond. Please note: Some fluxes are corrosive and therefore need to be wiped away afterwards.

			Step 4 – Slot pipes together The clean, fluxed pipes (one of which is expanded) are now slotted together.

			To solder the joint
			Step 1 – Heat pipe Heat the pipe (not the solder) with the torch on a low setting.

			Step 2 – Add solder Touch the solder to the now hot pipe. Melt enough of the solder to seal the joint all the way around.

			Step 3 – Cooling Leave to cool.