A reassuring quality of modern vehicles is that they require servicing less frequently to keep them running in good condition. All parts of a car are important to keep it running. But, one part that requires frequent monitoring and checking is the exhaust system.
If the exhaust system in your car is not functioning properly, then the toxic gases which release from the emissions can get inside the car. These emissions are odorless and even deadly. It is advisable to immediately recognize the symptoms of a malfunctioning exhaust system and repair it at the earliest.
Table of Contents
- What is an exhaust pipe?
- What is an exhaust pipe expander?
- Exhaust Pipe Expanders Buyer’s Guide
- List of some of the best exhaust pipe expander kits available in the market
- Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Exhaust Pipe Expanders
- What is a pipe expander?
- How does an exhaust pipe expander work?
- How do you expand exhaust tubing?
- What kind of pipe is used for exhaust?
- Conclusion
- Related posts:
What is an exhaust pipe?
Exhaust pipes are piping, which helps to lead away the toxic gases formed from regulated combustion in an engine. An exhaust pipe carries the gas out to the tailpipe. The function of an exhaust pipe is to reduce the emission produced by your car and make them less harmful as it is emitted into the atmosphere.
The use of an exhaust system is for collecting the exhaust gases from cylinders and removing the harmful substances. The exhaust system also minimizes the noise level and discharges the exhaust gases, which is purified. Depending on the type of engine, the exhaust system usually has one or two channels. For an exhaust system to function perfectly, manufacturers view it as a collective unit and develop it accordingly.
What is an exhaust pipe expander?
An exhaust pipe expander is a tool that expands the ends of the exhaust pipes of a car. An exhaust pipe expander works by moving the arbor in a systematic direction while gradually expanding the die. The die segments grab the internal part, at the ends of the pipe, which you are going to expand. Then a separate hydraulic mechanism moves the arbor towards the direction for the flaring process of the tube. The flaring increases the diameter of the tube to the dimension, which you have set as per your requirement.
Expanding an exhaust pipe or tube is a procedure for enlarging the diameter of the exhaust pipe. The purpose of an exhaust pipe expander is to expand the tailpipes so that the tailpipes and aftermarket mufflers can easily fit in the exhaust system.
Taking your car to an auto body shop costs lots of money. With a good quality exhaust pipe expander toolset, you can do the job of expanding the tube a lot less demanding and more fun.
The exhaust system of your car is like the lungs of our body. Any crack or clog in the system will cause a malfunction in the car, and it can be very harmful to the environment as well. The exhaust systems start all shiny, clean, and perfect-fitting, but in due course of time, it eventually turns into a rusted-solid mass that often requires lots of work.
Exhaust pipes crack, rust, or wear away through frequent running, and it requires immediate fixing. When you trim the defected part of the pipe, you need to fix a new pipe to the existing pipe. This is when you will require an exhaust pipe expander. Expanding the ends of an exhaust pipe will ensure that while joining two pipes together, both the ends fuses perfectly, leaving no room for gaps or openings.
Exhaust Pipe Expanders Buyer’s Guide
Proper research is essential before you buy an exhaust pipe expander which best suits your needs. Doing your research in the form of website ratings, online forums, product reviews, etc. can be very useful.
The main factors you need to consider before making your final purchase are brand value, features, specifications, product value, quality, durability, reviews, and ratings. Let’s take a closer look at the factors to be considered.
Brand value
Brand value plays a vital role in how consumers make their purchases. Choosing an exhaust pipe expander manufactured from a renowned and reliable brand is a good suggestion. Buying a pipe expander from branded manufacturers also comes with warranties, free servicing facilities, etc.
Features and specifications: You will want to take a moment to look at the features which the pipe expander facilitates. Depending on your purpose and requirement, you should opt for the type of exhaust pipe expander that will cater to all the needs of your specification. For example, if you want the expander for usage on stainless steel, then you should go for the one that can perform such heavy-duty jobs.
Product value
Apart from the brand value, the product value will speak volumes of how well your pipe expander will perform. If you are shelling out a good dollar for your tool, then it should equally give you the performance you desire.
Quality & durability
The materials used for manufacturing the pipe expander will give you an idea of the quality. One way to choose a good quality tool is to check if your pipe expander meets the required performance standards. You should also take account of how lasting the tools are and if it can withstand heat, impact, exertion, etc.
Reviews & ratings
The last but not the least factor is to look-up reviews and ratings of the exhauster pipe expanders you have enlisted. Online reviews are free; they, however, are highly helpful as it will give you an idea of the pros and cons of the product. One helpful tip while looking at product reviews is to pay importance to reviews, which speaks about not just the good but also gives honest feedbacks on the cons of the product.
List of some of the best exhaust pipe expander kits available in the market
These exhaust pipe expanders are some of the best options for you as they are easy to use, handy, give precise results, and pocket-friendly. The best part about these pipe expanders is their compact structures. Due to the compact structure of each exhaust pipe expander, you can manually operate the tool from the garage of your home.
They are also easily available online and will give you the same result as that of a professional repair job. The best exhaust pipe expanders are manufactured from heavy steel plate. The manufacturing is done in such a way that it ensures strength and dependability.
1. Xatos Exhaust Pipe Expander Tool Set
You can use Xatos 3 PC Exhaust Pipe Expander Tool Set with a hand ratchet, breaker bar, or hand wrenches. Its hex turning shafts are 3/4 inches in size, made of forged alloy steel. This tool is best of its kind that ensures a perfect fit with no leaks. It is also ideal for removing dents and clamp marks.
Pros
- The tools are drop-forged and heat-treated for strength and durability
- The Tail Pipe Expander set is designed to straighten clamp dents in mufflers and tailpipes quickly and easily
- Very easy to use and very compact
Cons
· N/A
2. Uxcell Hydraulic Tube Expander
Ideal for heavy-duty expanding, Uxcell CT-300A Hydraulic Tube Expander is highly durable, made of hardened steel. It is a perfect tool to create soft copper and aluminum joints in plumbing.
Pros
- The long handle grip pad makes the lever comfortable to operate
- Its deburring tool is amazing for cleaning the inner and outer reamer
- The plastic molded carrying case makes neat storage
Cons
- N/A
3. Lisle 34400 Exhaust Pipe Stretcher
The great feature about Lisle 34400 Exhaust Pipe Stretcher is that it can stretch all types of pipes, including stainless steel. You can use an impact wrench with it to stretch the pipes quicker.
Pros
- This tool kid is comparatively lighter than most
- Rotating the expander a few times gives it a good round flare
- The kit comes in a clamshell package
- Can be used on or off the car
Cons
· Not ideal for exceeding impact above 350 pounds
4. Lisle Pipe Stretcher Kit
What makes Lisle 17350 Pipe Stretcher Kit an ideal choice for you is that it is an inexpensive and easy alternative to hydraulic pipe expanders. It comes with a pipe stretcher which can stretch the pipes up to 4 and 1/4 inches. It can even stretch stainless steel pipes. For a quicker stretch, you can use an impact wrench with it.
Pros
- Ideal for making a custom exhaust
- The expansion is quick and effortless
- Doesn’t heat up easily
Cons
· The tiny size inscriptions make it hard for people with bad eye-sights to read
5. ABN Exhaust Pipe Expander Tool
ABN Exhaust Pipe Expander Tool is an easy tool to use. You just need to lubricate all parts of the exhaust expander tool and attach the sleeves. Then, insert the pipe spreader into the pipe, connect to existing drill, and then expand as required.
Pros
- Easily expands the tailpipe and increases exhaust volume, enhancing your vehicle’s RPM, maximizing the power of your engine
- Expands pipes with ease and easy to use
- Great for all types of pipes
- No worries about exhaust stretcher getting lost in a drawer
Cons
- The toolbox kit is comparatively heavier than other models
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Exhaust Pipe Expanders
What is a pipe expander?
A pipe expander stretches exhaust pipes quickly and easily. It is made using a heavy steel plate to ensure strength and dependability.
An exhaust pipe expander stretches the diameter of the exhaust pipes so that the tailpipes and aftermarket mufflers can easily fit in the exhaust system.
How does an exhaust pipe expander work?
An exhaust pipe expander is used for expanding an exhaust pipe or tube by enlarging the diameter of the exhaust pipe. The purpose of an exhaust pipe expander is to expand the tailpipes so that the tailpipes and aftermarket mufflers can easily fit in the exhaust system.
How do you expand exhaust tubing?
An exhaust pipe expander expands the diameter of the pipe by moving the arbor in a systematic direction while gradually expanding the die. The die segments grab the inside of the pipe, which is to be expanded, which in this case will be the internal end of the pipe. An individual hydraulic mechanism then moves the arbor in a direction where the flaring process of the tube takes place. The flaring increases the diameter of the tube ends, as per the dimension you have set.
What kind of pipe is used for exhaust?
The types of pipe used in the exhaust are materials that can withstand vibrations and high thermal impact, which are caused due to thermal and engine load. Materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, etc. are used for manufacturing the exhaust pipes. The materials play crucial roles in determining the performance, durability, and resistance of the exhaust system.
Conclusion
Rust and corrosion are the primary enemies of your car’s exhaust. The biggest contributor of rust happens to be moisture, while moisture creates on its own at the combustion of your vehicle. Exposure to moisture tends to put a higher risk for corrosion on your vehicle. So, you must take your car for frequent servicing as possible.
To maintain the functions of your exhaust system, you need to take the necessary measures, as a well running exhaust system provides a lot of benefits. A well-running exhaust system in your car will control the emission of harmful gases and maintain the catalytic converter. Your car will also operate quieter, and the temperature of your car will reduce, as clogged pipes generate heat.
Maintaining a good functioning exhaust system for your car is essential for good fuel mileage, keeping the environment clean and for your safety. Frequent checks of your exhaust system will help to keep you and your loved ones safe. Check for signs of any holes in the exhaust system.
The best part of owning a car with a healthy exhaust system is the reduction in the maintenance and repair cost, which usually costs thousands of dollars.
