Experienced Scrapper
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I was recovering several air conditioners and had a hard time using the piercing pliers method. I could not get the pliers to create a good enough seal and the refrigerant was leaking out. Anyone else have a similar situation and if so any tips. Seems like too loose and not a good seal and too tight not a good seal. Are these things not worth the trouble? I may use piercing valves next time. Any suggestions would be awesome!
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I've never dealt with air conditioners but I have read a lot of posts here at the SMF about them and different methods of scrapping them.
I can't recall all of them but 2 come to mind.
1. Cut the copper lines, let the freon/refrigerant fly and face possible thousands of dollars in fines (not recommended).
2. Have a professional with the proper tools reclaim it for you.
Experienced Scrapper
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I do. spent close to 1000.00 on machine, lines, tanks, training........
Cash In The Trash
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Do you have an EPA 608 certification?
If not, removing coolant is illegal, and you could face massive fines ...
Experienced Scrapper
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I do. 608 type 1.
Experienced Scrapper
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I'm gonna use those from now on. I have a 1/4 one, gonna buy the one shown here tomorrow. Thanks.
Experienced Scrapper
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Scrap metal blueprint recommended the pliers buy I don't care for them. Gonna cut the allen key with cut off saw so I can use on drill and make connecting the piercing valve that much quicker. I have 60 units to process!
I have given up on piercing pliers. I have spent a bunch of money on them over the years and have never been satified with them. I use the 3 screw piercing valves. I use a 3/8 drive hex bit on a adapter with my cordless drill.
I highly recommend what ever freonjoe says on this subject.
I am pleased you are doing the right thing and have no doubt you will succeed at this. Please share with us how you get on with it. 73, Mike
"Profit begins when you buy NOT when you sell." {quote passed down to me from a wise man}
Now go beat the copper out of something, Miked
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I have used both methods, the pliers and the 3 screw valves. I will say that the 3 screw valves usually get a better seal but they are a lot more time consuming if you have bulk amounts of appliances.
After using the pliers for a while I noticed a few things to get a better seal.
#1 Make sure the needle is centered on the tube (especially important on the smaller tubes)
#2 Make sure your needle is sharp, if the needle gets dull it crushes the tube before it pierces and it creates a bed seal
#3 The rubber gasket gets soft after a while and no longer creates a good seal
Also note the Schrader valve in the pliers, make sure you use the hose end that compresses that valve.
Over time I was able to use the pliers with minimal issues but they definitely take some practice. Use what you feel most comfortable with and just remember to be safe.
If anyone wants to learn how to recover refrigerants we created a guide specifically to help recycling businesses get started.
http://www.scrapmetalforum.com/scrap...te-forums.html
http://www.scrapmetalforum.com
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I don't use the pliers often, but if I do, I keep very small vice grips near. If the seal doesn't sit right, I can usually squish it with the vice grips and get it to seal nice.
I have a had a huge problem with the seals on the pliers bursting at the seam though. So, I normally try to use the bullet valves.
Experienced Scrapper
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thanks for all the replies! you guys are the best.
Experienced Scrapper
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But lets be honest here, how will the agency in charge ever know you leaked refrigerant into the atmosphere?? We all quietly acknowledge that at least 90% of fridges and AC's are quickly chopped and scrapped with no regard to this matter.Originally Posted by jimicrk
I hear it is expensive for the tools, and have yet to hear of a market that offers to legally and safely recover refrigerant as a niche.
WOW you really do need to spend more time reading the forum. I'm not being a pain in the butt I am being honest. Please take the time to look this over:
http://www.scrapmetalforum.com/scrap...te-forums.html
There are several members who make much of their scraping income from refrigerant recover and resell. We in the forum have an entire section devoted just to refrigerant.
It is generally accepted that not everyone follows the correct practices and I don't believe you are encouraging doing things the wrong way. You will find as a group of people we encourage folks to follow the correct practices and help others find ways to make those practices profitable. Refrigerant recovery is a shinning example of just that. As I have done with others I encourage you explore this very accessible sector of the scap/recycling business. 73, Mike
Keeper of the Cooler!
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Folks will do what folks will do Mike. When they get caught, they'll learn.
I do things legit. If I need Freon reclaimed I get the right tools to do it, or I get with the folks who can do it right.
I've said it before an I'll say it again...if you can't do the job right, don't do it. Whether it's a tube tv, or reclaiming Freon from a AC unit. I must have been out of the office they day the survey came through asking me if I reclaim properly or not. Please resend.
Oh an...75% of statistics are made up. Including this one.
Sirscrapalot - There are lies, ****ed lies and statistics. - Mark Twain
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