Two-handed specs

[mudr]

I'm thinking about building a two-handed tool for my upcoming tubing install. I assume if I have one tool to start with, go with a two-handed rather than one-handed, right?

I think I'm going to go for a clone of the cheaper Leader one, as some guys have called it, the one with the "nose" that sticks out. Can anyone who has one or has built one give me some guidance? How far "in" from the nose do I want the jaws of the vise grips? 4 inches? 6 inches? And how long do I want the handles? 18 inch? 24?

Thanks for any guidance you can give me. Hopefully my sub-par welding skills can get the job done.

[Super Sapper]

http://mapletrader.com/community/showthread.php?7456-Another-Tubing-Tool/page2&highlight=making+tubing+tool

I would suggest using pipe instead of flat for the handles, it is easier on the hands.

[mudr]

I have looked at a few tool-making threads, I don't recall coming across that one with the detailed dimensions and angles. That is handy. Maybe I will give it a try when I get some time in December. I was initially leery of the scissor-action style, since I'm not sure how well I will be able to weld those butt-joints at the angles, but I might give it a shot. I assume I can make this for like $30. Not too shabby.

[blurr95]

I made my tubing tool from the dimensions in the link from post #2, turned out real nice. I used some stainless flat bar for the handles, and put a piece of stainless tube over the bottom for the handles, very comfortable and easy to use.

Jason

[maple flats]

You shouldn't worry about your sub standard welding skills, most of the commercially produced ones look like they were made by welders in a beginner's class. As long as they don't break in use they are good enough. While I use the Hot End System when putting up new lines, all of my field repairs in season are done with a 1 hand tool, easier to carry and work just fine. If you go with a 1 handed tool, either buy or make one of the "green Mountain Grabbers" sold by http://www.flushtec.com/products.html
He makes them for 5/16 and 3/16, you could make some that do both in one set.

[mudr]

Finally got free time to build the tubing tool. The link that was posted in post #2 was perfect, there was nothing for me to figure out design-wise. So glad that was here.

I don't know if it was a design issue, or my ability to mark and cut precise angles, but I would have liked the handles to be more "open", but I don't think I will be bashing knuckles with it. Also, I only had 4.5 inch bolts for the slide, I need to get longer ones so it opens more.

If a polack with limited metal working skills could build this in one morning for $30, I have no idea why they charge $250 for these things. Sheesh.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161220/8a9d91da2afcc3f9586d0dd4e90e7775.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161220/53e399355d6a3e2207093294c506ded3.jpg

[maple flats]

The only suggestions I might give is to paint it a brighter color, if that gets set in the snow, it could look like a stick in the snow. Another idea, drill a hole by the end of each handle and add a rope to sling it around your neck or just over your shoulder. I use 550 cord (parachute) or 1/8-3/16 nylon rope.
Your welds look better than many 2 handed tools sold by the equipment dealers.

[mudr]

Yeah, well I didn't give you a close up of the welds on the nuts for the slide. I'd pump the brakes on the welding complements... :D

[GotSap?]

Have you tried your new tool out yet? I recently made one for 3/16 tubing using 3/8 bolt connectors. The tool worked fine when I tested it in my shop, but when I started running laterals on a fairly cold day, the 30P slid right through the jaws. Lots of time spent with a file, but I think it is good to go now. I also made a couple of one handed tools for making drops. Much easier for that job then the 2 handed tool. If you can make the 2 handed tool, you can definitely make the one handed tool. I just looked at some pictures of the "professional" ones and copied them.

[blurr95]

If you weld some tubing over the handles it makes them a lot easier to use. Not so much wear on the hands.

Jason

[WESTMAPLES]

hey mudr , your two- handed tool looks great the only things i would suggest adding to your tool is a wingnut on each of the adjustment bolt on each wise grip so you can set them and not have to adjust them over and over as it gets bumped around , and if your going to cut in lots of drops, mount a tubing cutter to the side of one of visegrips between them.... so that way you can clampon ,cut, insert drop, and sqeeze it together without much else other than the 2HT, that way one tool covers the whole process , because as we all know it stinks to fumble with stuff standin in the snow and cold. also 2 handed tools are great for pre assembling drop lines , either put one side in a bench vise or i like having my wife run the 2 HT and i align the fittings and tubing ...... this way you don`t end up with carpal tunnel before the first 50 fiittings with a on handed tool