FlushTec sap line connecting tool

[Homestead Maple]

Has anyone seen or tried the new tubing tool from FlushTec for making tubing connections? If I make up entrance fittings ahead of time before going into the woods, I have heated a small container of water and stick the tubing end into the boiling water, then easily push the tubing onto the entrance fitting. Same idea as this tool but I've never tried this in the woods.

[spud]

I saw it the Maple News the other day. I am sure it works fine but I don't see it being a big seller. A tubing tool works just fine for me. Anyone know how much this thing will cost?

Spud

[maplecrest]

For years i heated the ends of tubing with water. The problem with heat is it breaks down the ends and with in a short time the drops will swivel on the tees. Tubing tools is the way to go.and my drop maker paid for itself in one season. carry one handed tool in my back pocket. works fast and light.

[super sappy]

I scratched my head when I saw this in the Maple news. For years I have been told not to heat the tubing. Seminar after seminar, time and time again or you will get a vacuum leak due to the heat changing the plastic. I did my first tubing with a small torch and like 2 years later could just pull the tubing off the fittings where it was overheated. Maybe a heat that is controlled is the answer -time will tell but I am not tossing my tubing tools just yet.-ss

[DrTimPerkins]

Has anyone seen or tried the new tubing tool from FlushTec for making tubing connections?

More info at http://www.flushtec.com/products.html Looks like $229 for complete system and $19.30 for each pint of immersion liquid.

We haven't tried this device, but at least some maple tubing manufacturers recommend AGAINST using any type of lubricants on tubing/fittings. I believe this device uses heat and a food-grade glycol or glycerine "immersion" solution. Might want to check with your tubing supplier to see what they say first.

[Sage Family Maple]

I would recommend a tubing tool over this. Tubing tools are cheaper, work great, and will last you a lifetime. You never want to heat or lubricate any tubing. It could compromise the tubing integrity and fittings are sure to come apart.