Refrigerant leak repair

[hands]

I have a leak to repair in a condenser coil at the tube sheet. In the past I have used a 4.5 cutting wheel to cut through as much of the tube sheet as possible then use the torch to remove the rest. Do any of you have a better method to remove the tube sheet from around the copper u-bend?

[Flip14]

I usually use tin snips. It's not exactly easy to cut but I don't trust my steadiness with a grinder, especially around a coil.

[Williamsma]

The best method I have found over the years with the least chance of a call back is to braze the tubes to the tube sheet. Just cut back the fins about 1", use a flux coated brazing rod and braze the tube thats leaking and the tubes around it. Braze both sides. I found this was quicker than cutting the tube sheet. Never had to go back to repair the same coil doing this.

[Crazecodyk]

If it' s too difficult to cut out, i usually take the leaking tube out of the circuit. But for the most part i use tin snips and a rose bud with a screwdriver.

[Six]

Just use a #1 brazing tip with a a lot of heat.

Works great.