Yellow Jacket Pinch-Off Plier 60661

The Yellow Jacket 60661 is a pinch off plier used to close refrigerant tubing temporarily during service work.

Pinching off a tube crushes it closed so that refrigerant cannot pass, allowing a section of a sealed system to be isolated without valves. The technique is used mainly on domestic refrigeration and small sealed systems where service valves are not fitted.

The tool is designed to produce a controlled closure that can be reopened afterward with a tube reforming tool, restoring approximately the original bore.

Several cautions apply. The tube is permanently work hardened at the pinch point, and repeated pinching at the same location will crack it. The reformed section never fully recovers its original dimensions, so a small restriction remains. And a pinch that is reopened must be leak tested carefully, since the deformation can create a leak path.

Where the tube will be brazed closed or cut afterward, the pinch is a temporary measure and none of this matters. Where the system is to remain in service, the pinched section should ideally be cut out and replaced rather than reformed and left.

Pinching should be done on straight, sound tube away from joints and bends.

Confirm the tool suits the tube diameter and material, and inspect the tube for existing damage before pinching. Leak test thoroughly after reforming.

Brand

Yellow Jacket

SKU

60661

Category

Pliers

Weight

0.75 lbs

Dimensions

7.00" x 2.50" x 0.75"

Price

$27.00

Availability

In stock

Rating

4.3 / 5.0