Tech Tip: Using the chamfer and cold ring tools for socket fusion

TO CHAMFER OR NOT TO CHAMFER

A McElroy pipe tool kit displayed on a white surface, including a black carrying case, four silver locking pliers, and six black circular plastic gauge inserts with white labels.

The process of chamfering the end of a pipe creates a smooth, beveled edge which reduces the amount of molten material that is displaced during the heat soak. It makes the insertion process easier and aids in proper alignment.

Close-up of the end of a green plastic pipe with a smooth surface, lying on a white textured background. The pipe is hollow and cylindrical.

Close-up of a green plastic cylindrical tube with a hollow center, lying on a white surface.

CHAMFERING THE PIPE END

Chamfering the pipe end is a very quick process that results in a better fusion inspection and a better aligned fusion.

A close-up view of a green pencil inserted into a black cylindrical pencil sharpener with a textured grip, against a plain white background.

SETTING THE STAB DEPTH

The chamfer tool is also your depth gauge for ensuring the proper stab depth. With the pipe bottomed out within the chamfer tool, the cold ring tool can be attached. The cold ring tool attaches around the pipe while butted up against the chamfer tool. Once the cold ring tool is locked in place, the chamfer tool can be removed for the heating process.

A close-up of a green pencil clamped by a wrench, with the pencil inserted into the hole of a black, textured metal socket, all placed on a white textured surface.

COLD RING TOOL FOR HEATING

When using the cold ring tool, you can achieve better alignment because the ring bottoms out against the heater adapter. This ensures even heating throughout the interfacial area. The use of the cold ring tool also creates a hard stop which prevents the heating of any pipe area that is not intended to be inserted into the fitting after the heat soak.

A close-up of a hand using a metal pipe wrench to tighten or adjust a green plastic pipe fitting, with a green surface and tools visible in the background.

PROPER HEAT SOAK

Once the heat soak is completed, inspect the pipe end and fitting before starting the fusion process. The greatest benefit of using the cold ring tool and chamfer is the step when the fusion process begins. Because the pipe end was chamfered, there is reduced displacement of molten material, easier fitting and proper alignment when the pipe is inserted into the fitting. The cold ring tool will be bottomed out against the fitting and held in place during the cool cycle.

A pair of metal pliers gripping a green plastic pipe fitting, with the tool clamped around the end of the pipe against a plain, light background.

SOCKET FUSED JOINT INSPECTION

You can tell instantly that the melt pattern will be tighter using the cold ring tool. The melted material will be closer to the fused area and not pooled on one side or the other. The finished fusion will show an indication of the cold ring tool around the joint and have no visible gaps or voids per ASTM F2620-19.