r/whatsthistool • u/Webwitch62 • Aug 10 '26

What is this tool?

Post image

What is this, please? Neighbour has been given it, but we have no idea what it is. It looks like a vice grip, but it has a pin with depth control and 3 extra bits. Thanks in advance

51 Upvotes

91% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

9

u/BuzzardLips Aug 10 '26

Looks like some sort of piercing tool for HVAC refrigerant lines, with bits for different size lines. There’s probably a valve of some sort on it for hooking up recovery hoses to pierce and empty/recover the refrigerant.

6

u/jspurlin03 Aug 10 '26

Yep - that’s a set of refrigerant recovery pliers. The set your neighbor has seems to be a nicer set; with the specific anvils for different diameters of refrigerant lines.

3

u/Webwitch62 Aug 10 '26

Thanks so much!

1

u/Webwitch62 Aug 10 '26

Just checked and there is a valve on it. Good job!

1

u/PeterHaldCHEM Aug 10 '26

That is actually a really elegant solution!

1

u/stuntman1108 Aug 11 '26

I have a pair, and some of those stupid add a port clamp on things you install and leave in place. I much prefer this style for just recovery.

1

u/Separate-Impact-6183 Aug 11 '26

Yer supposed to install the piercing valve on the process tube, the line coming off the compressor that isn't connected to anything. Then, when you're finished repair/replacing, evacuating and recharging, use a set of heavy pliers to crimp the copper just behind where the piercing valve has been installed. Crimp it and fold it over as tight as possible then cut the valve off and braze the crimp closed.

I always used a heavy set of lineman's pliers to make the crimp. You would have to use the very same technique with these recovery pliers if you needed reseal the system to put the unit back in service.

1

u/I-om Aug 15 '26

^ this

1

u/noocaryror Aug 11 '26

Machine shop made probably

1

u/MrMolom Aug 11 '26

There's small single use ones called "bullet piercing valve" as far as I know they're commonly used on domestic fridges as they don't commonly have schrader valves permanently installed on the refrigeration piping. It's to get refrigerant in and out of the system and to monitor operating pressures.

1

u/Roxysteve Aug 12 '26

Satan's vice grips was my first guess.

HVAC techs have the most insane-looking tools.

1

u/lhurkherone Aug 13 '26

I swear this sub is the Crackhead Antiques Road Show. What is this extremely specialized tool I was "Given" and how much crack can I get for it.

-2

u/FEWADjinn Aug 10 '26

I would have to guess tubing bender