Mainline tool

[Homestead Maple]

I built this mainline tool out of an older Volkswagen beetle jack, the kind that is a friction type. The grip will rotate on the shaft without slipping and help with line up to the mainline and fitting when you go to start things together. I started using it last season and I never had to heat the mainline to get things together. If I wanted to make sure the hose clamp would set up tight, I'd heat the mainline a little after putting in the fitting.There's plenty of force here to push things together. It is lighter than the ones commercially sold. Just might be a little difficult finding the jack but I got mine on Ebay.http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q3/rockmaplesyrup/DSCN2539.jpghttp://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q3/rockmaplesyrup/DSCN2538.jpg

[sbmaple]

Wish had seen this picture a couple of weeks ago.We just built one out of a conventional ratching bumper jack.We used 1"nuts cut in half were it looks you used pipe couplers welded to the vise grips.Yours looks light weight ,ours heavy and akward but still better than buying one.

[Homestead Maple]

This one works in both directions, so you can take things apart if necessary. It's quick compared to the screw type. I did use pipe couplers and built this one just for 3/4" line. I could have added 1" if necessary. It's very light like you say.