The pipe cutter slices through supply-line tubing and pipe
Although heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) technicians use state-of-the-art equipment for complex repairs, they carry a set of basic tools to take care of the nuts-and-bolts of the project. Basic tools for repairing air conditioning include tools that unscrew and fasten, tools that perform basic testing, and tools that manipulate air-conditioning duct work. The average do-it-yourselfer can perform basic air-conditioning repair with a collection of inexpensive, general-purpose tools. Does this Spark an idea?
Screwdrivers
Screwdrivers begin many air-conditioning repair jobs; they open up air-conditioning access panels, and unscrew wire terminals. Because manufacturers do not follow a standard design, the HVAC technician encounters a broad range of screws, including hex-head screws, Phillips and slotted screws. A comprehensive set of screwdrivers for air-conditioning repair not only includes various bit tips, but also screwdrivers of various lengths. Stubby screwdrivers fit into tight spaces; long screwdrivers reach into the recesses of an AC unit.
Multimeter
The multimeter is a general-purpose electrical-testing tool. Many common air-conditioning repairs involve troubleshooting the air-conditioning unit's electronic controls or thermostat wiring. The multimeter usually measures a variety of electrical characteristics, including continuity, voltage and amperage.
Snips
HVAC professionals use snips to cut heating and air-conditioning duct work. Snips are powerful scissors designed to cut through sheet metal. Snips perform quick, on-site cuts through metal ducting during new installations and repairs. Like scissors, snips consists of two basic parts: a set of hinged handles, and a pair of sharpened cutting heads.
Power Drill
The average power drill cuts access holes for wiring, piping and ventilation. In addition to cutting, the power drill drives and removes screws, such as duct-work clamp screws or access panel screws.
Pipe Cutter
To cut an air conditioner's copper refrigerant supply lines, HVAC technicians use a manual pipe cutter. Also used by plumbers, the pipe cutter consists of three basic components: a roughly C shaped body, a cutting disc, and an adjustment knob. The pipe cutter's cutting disc protrudes into the center of its C-shaped body. With the twist of a knob, the body opens and closes like a jaw. To use the pipe cutter, an HVAC tech places the tool's jaw over a pipe, tightens the disc against the pipe, and twists the tool to slice through the pipe's wall.
Duct Tape
Duct tape completes the seal between separate pieces of air-conditioning duct work. Designed to withstand the temperature fluctuations of heating and air-conditioning ventilation systems, duct tape increases the efficiency of an air-conditioning system by preventing the escape of air.
Tags: pipe cutter, air-conditioning duct, air-conditioning duct work, air-conditioning repair, duct work, tools that, cutting disc
