Bead Form Tool [Merged 8-7] beading beaded tube tubing

[STARION]

hey, well, I am beading my IC pipes (using JB weld) and am wondering if it matters hugely how thick the beads are. I don't want them to be so big that I have to wrestle to put on the silicone couplings. I'm thinking that more than anything, just having a bead will help, and making it taller will not net a huge gain. However, I also want them to hold boost, just wondering if anybody has any insights

 

[95GST]

you already answered your own question! Not super thick that you cannot put it on. However silicone is much more flexible so just use your common sense here. As long as the clamp have the bead as a "stopper" from blowing off you'll be fine.

If you are using rubber hose couplings those are much more unforgiving, too big and it is impossible to get it on or off.

 

[98spydert]

I know Bead Form makes a bead press tool for $399 but are there any others(less expensive) you guys know of?

 

[flinguist]

I found these.http://www.mittlerbros.com/Beadroller_acc.htm http://www.lowbucktools.com/beadroller.html

 

[98spydert]

Much cheaper but I still can't believe those tools cost soo much!

 

[mavisky]

with a dremel and a welder you can make one out of a set of lock-jaw pliers or a small vice if you have one

 

[flinguist]

T-bolt clamps and hairspray work pretty well for keeping I/C pipes from blowing off. You can also use epoxy to make a bead on the pipes. Road Race Eng. has some things to try on their website http://www.roadraceengineering.com/eclipsetech/icpipebead.htm

 

[98spydert]

Yeah I've read all that but you can't beat the perfect consistant bead that a press lays down

 

[92awddsm]

Keep in mind that most bead rollers you buy come with 3" rollers. You can get smaller rollers for them but at the tune of $60 or so a set. Ive got one with 2.5" rolles but it wont work on anything smaller than 2.75" piping. I would just recomend having a bead welded around the perimeter of the pipe.

 

[Defiant]

Take it to a metal shop and have them bead it.

 

[wret]

What type of metal are you working with? With steel exhaust tubing you can do a very acceptable job with an adjustable crescent wrench. Fit the jaws over the lip of the pipe about 1/4" down and bend outward a few degrees. Work your way around until you have an even flare. Then work it back in at about 1/8".

 

[greyforestgst]

What type of metal are you working with? With steel exhaust tubing you can do a very acceptable job with an adjustable crescent wrench. Fit the jaws over the lip of the pipe about 1/4" down and bend outward a few degrees. Work your way around until you have an even flare. Then work it back in at about 1/8".

i thought i invented that method, but someone else has done it too

 

[turbolarry]

Flaring and for me has worked great. I did it with a ball peen hammer and a small anvil point. Just open up the edge a little to give the clamp resistance.

 

[sc2_ct]

I was wondering if anyone knew of any tool or DIY tool that would allow you to roll good beads on 2-2.5" ID aluminum pipes? I know I can just slap a weld bead on there or use epoxy/RTV to seal the silicone couplers on hardpipes, but if I can find a way to make a real bead I'd be a lot happier. I saw the modified vise-grip idea on RRE's site but was hoping there was something cleaner.

 

[HighPsi92GST]

Sorry read it wrong, thought it said bending

i did mine by welding a lip on the end and worked fine for me. sorry about my other post, deleted it to hide my mistake

 

[flinguist]

You don't need beaded pipes. I don't have my I/C pipes beaded. I run 20 psi and don't have any problems. Just use hairspray, and T-bolt clamps.

 

[sc2_ct]

Sorry read it wrong, thought it said bending

i did mine by welding a lip on the end and worked fine for me. sorry about my other post, deleted it to hide my mistake

, no problem, I deleted my previous message as well to help you hide your mistake . I may go ahead and try welding a bead on the pipes, but they are 16 gauge aluminum and I don't know if I can pull that off with my equipment/experience. I think I may try flinguist's method of hairspray and t-bolt clamps, but I might substitute spray adhesive just for long-term peace of mind

 

[Defiant]

Take them to a sheet metal shop and have them beaded.

 

[flinguist]

Don't waste your money, just get some t-bolt clamps. They will hold.

 

[HighPsi92GST]

Before i welded beads on my own pipe, i just used sealer and t clamps and never had any trouble at all. The only reason i put a bead on them is because i got a new welder and wanted to try out welding beads on the pipes

, no problem, I deleted my previous message as well to help you hide your mistake

 

[Zexell]

Shit, my pipes blew off at the tracks @ 20 psi. I had to wait 2 hours for my car to cool down before i got to work. Bead your pipes. Its a quick trip and a few bux for some good safety in return.

 

[flinguist]

Shit, my pipes blew off at the tracks @ 20 psi. I had to wait 2 hours for my car to cool down before i got to work. Bead your pipes. Its a quick trip and a few bux for some good safety in return.

What were you using for couplers/clamps?

 

[Zexell]

What were you using for couplers/clamps?

silicone couplers and regular clamps.

 

[flinguist]

I've held 22-23 pounds with those t-bolt clamps, with no problems.

 

[4pistons]

Wrap a length of aluminum welding rod tightly around the pipe and tack it in a couple of spots. Cut off the excess. Very simple, very effective.

Rick - '91 GSX