HVAC Ductwork Tools
For the installation, repair, and maintenance of ductwork, HVAC professionals rely on specialized tools to ensure their work is done efficiently and accurately. Ductwork is a key component of HVAC systems, and working with ducts requires specific tools designed for cutting, crimping, bending, and shaping sheet metal. These tools range from basic hand tools to complex machinery. We will discuss the essential ductwork tools for fabrication and installation as well as their functions.
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6 in 1 Reversible Driver
6 in 1 Reversible Driver
This versatile tool features a reversible driver with multiple tips, including Phillips, slotted, and hex bits. It’s a handy tool to have on hand for a variety of HVAC installation and maintenance tasks.
18 Radius Divider
18 Radius Divider
An 18 divider is used to measure and mark sheet metal accurately, ensuring the cuts and bends are made precise.
Air Duct Calculator
Air Duct Calculator
Also known as a ductulator, it helps you properly size your ducts, find the round or rectangular duct equivalent, estimate air loss, and determine velocity. This handy calculator allows you to size your new air duct and better understand what to expect from existing duct work.
Chisels
Chisels
A Brick Chisel is used to cut and trim bricks. A Cold Chisel is used to remove excess material, cut rivets, and split nuts or bolts that refuse to come loose.
Duct Stretcher
Duct Stretcher
When installing ductwork, it’s often necessary to stretch the duct to make it fit properly. This tool features an offset handle and serrated jaws to grip the duct and stretch it as needed. Available in straight and offset.
Files
Files
Files are used to remove any rough edges from sheet metal or other materials. They come in many shapes and sizes.
Folding Tool
Folding Tool
A folding tool is used to create folds in sheet metal. It is designed to create uniform folds that are essential for creating seams and flanges in ductwork. These folding tools are available in different sizes and are designed to work on different sheet metal thicknesses.
Folding Tool
Folding Tool
A folding tool is used to create folds in sheet metal. It is designed to create uniform folds that are essential for creating seams and flanges in ductwork. These folding tools are available in different sizes and are designed to work on different sheet metal thicknesses.
Hand Notcher
Hand Notcher
A hand notcher is a tool used to create a V-shaped notch in sheet metal, creating tabs and flanges, and joining pieces together. This tool is available in different sizes, and they can be used on various sheet metal thicknesses.
Hand Seamer
Hand Seamer
This tool is used to bend sheet metal. It creates seams in sheet metal that are needed for ductwork. Hand seamers are available in different sizes and are designed to work on different sheet metal thicknesses.
Hole Cutter
Hole Cutter
When installing ductwork, it’s often necessary to cut holes in the ducts for vents, registers, or other components. This hole cutter makes it easy to cut clean, precise holes in sheet metal.
Magnetic Tape Measure
Magnetic Tape Measure
A reliable tape measure is a must-have tool for any HVAC installer or technician. The magnetic tip on this tape measure makes it even more useful, as it can stick to metal surfaces for easy accurate measurements.
Pipe Crimper
Pipe Crimper
A pipe crimper is used to crimp the ends of sheet metal pipes. The 5 blade crimper is a common type of crimper that provides a secure and tight seal when crimping pipes. This tool is essential for joining duct sections together and reducing air leaks. It can come in a 3 blade or a 5 blade crimper.
Scratch Awl
Scratch Awl
A scratch awl is a tool used to mark and scribe sheet metal. The scratch awl is designed to create precise markings on sheet metal, ensuring that cuts and bends are made accurately.
Setting Hammer
Setting Hammer
A setting hammer is used to lock ductwork together. This tool is particularly useful when creating folded seams and snap lock joints.
Shears
Shears
These aluminum handled snips used to cut sheet metal that standard tin snips cannot cut through. Typically, shears have a 3” blade and are 12” long.
Snap Lock Punch
Snap Lock Punch
A snap lock punch is used to create a snap lock joint in sheet metal. This joint is used to join two pieces of sheet metal together, creating a secure and airtight seal. They are available in different sizes to accommodate various duct sizes.
Tensioning Tie Tool
Tensioning Tie Tool
When installing ductwork, zip ties are often used to secure the ducts in place. This tie tool makes it easy to tighten and cut the zip ties without damaging the duct.
Tin Snips – left cut
Tin Snips – Left Cut
Also known as counterclockwise-cut snips, these red handled/marked left-cut aviation snips are designed to make left curved cuts in sheet metal. It creates a clean cut on the right side of the blades with the the waste on the left side. This tool can also cut straight.
Tin Snips – right cut
Tin Snips – Right Cut
Also known as clockwise-cut snips, these green handled/marked right-cut aviation snips are designed to make right curved cuts in sheet metal. It creates a clean cut on the left side of the blades with the the waste on the right side. This tool can also cut straight.
Tin Snips – Straight cut
Tin Snips – Straight Cut
These yellow handled/marked straight-cut aviation snips are similar to other snips but they are designed to make straight short cuts in sheet metal. They can are great to use for notching materials.
Tin Snips – Straight cut
Tin Snips – Straight Cut
These yellow handled/marked straight-cut aviation snips are similar to other snips but they are designed to make straight short cuts in sheet metal. They can are great to use for notching materials.
Torpedo Level
Torpedo Level
A level is a necessary tool for ensuring that installations are straight and level. A torpedo level is small and easy to carry around, making it a useful addition to any HVAC installer or technician’s toolkit.
Turbo Shear
Turbo Shear
This power tool is designed for cutting through sheet metal quickly and easily. It attaches to a drill and features a set of shears that can cut straight or curved lines with ease.
Summary
Ductwork is a crucial aspect of an HVAC system. With these ductwork tools, HVAC professionals can complete duct installation and repair jobs with ease. It’s important to have the right tools for the job, as it can not only save time but create flawless work. Investing in high-quality tools can make a big difference in the efficiency and quality of your work, as well as your overall safety on the job. By building a comprehensive toolkit that includes these essential tools, you’ll be well-prepared for any ductwork installation or repair that comes your way.
