Comments on: Finds: A Fin Straightener http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/10/finds-a-fin-straightener/ All tools. All the time. Your source for news, information, and reviews of hand tools, power tools, and tools of all kinds. Sun, 07 Sep 2008 11:06:19 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 By: Car Loans http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/10/finds-a-fin-straightener/#comment-211976 Car Loans Fri, 25 Jan 2008 20:51:19 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/10/finds-a-fin-straightener/#comment-211976 <strong>Car Loans</strong> Bad cresit auto loans are normally for those who desire immediate bucks and painless steps ! Car Loans

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]]> By: Toolmonger » Blog Archive » The Week’s Best Comments: Cooking in the Shop http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/10/finds-a-fin-straightener/#comment-1118 Toolmonger » Blog Archive » The Week’s Best Comments: Cooking in the Shop Thu, 14 Sep 2006 04:56:43 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/10/finds-a-fin-straightener/#comment-1118 [...] Fin Straighteners: This tool also works on radiators and intercoolers, but you need to be careful and learn how to use the tool properly. [...] [...] Fin Straighteners: This tool also works on radiators and intercoolers, but you need to be careful and learn how to use the tool properly. [...]

]]> By: Toolaremia http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/10/finds-a-fin-straightener/#comment-1073 Toolaremia Mon, 11 Sep 2006 17:36:30 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/10/finds-a-fin-straightener/#comment-1073 I have one of these and have used it on window air conditioners, oil coolers, and radiators. They work well unless the fins are really smashed, or, as on a small window AC, too closely spaced. Note that the picture above and the picture for the Harbor Fright [sic] tool mentioned above have the handle on OPPOSITE sides. I think the HF picture is the correct way, based on my experience. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=37892 The one thing that confused me at first was the right way to use it. There were no instructions with the tool and the Web wouldn't reveal the secret. The best way I found it to use the slanted side (outside of the "elbow", not inside), and gently wiggle the tongs into the fins above the damaged area. Then pull the tool down through the damaged area delicately while applying slight inward pressure. It's kind of the same motion and force as when using a scraper. I hold the handle (attached as shown in the HF picture) at about a 45 degree angle. I also use a toothpick to straighten individual fins that too damaged for the tool to work or are making it jump out of the fins. Not likely to damage the coil with a toothpick! I have one of these and have used it on window air conditioners, oil coolers, and radiators. They work well unless the fins are really smashed, or, as on a small window AC, too closely spaced.

Note that the picture above and the picture for the Harbor Fright [sic] tool mentioned above have the handle on OPPOSITE sides. I think the HF picture is the correct way, based on my experience.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=37892

The one thing that confused me at first was the right way to use it. There were no instructions with the tool and the Web wouldn’t reveal the secret. The best way I found it to use the slanted side (outside of the “elbow”, not inside), and gently wiggle the tongs into the fins above the damaged area. Then pull the tool down through the damaged area delicately while applying slight inward pressure. It’s kind of the same motion and force as when using a scraper. I hold the handle (attached as shown in the HF picture) at about a 45 degree angle. I also use a toothpick to straighten individual fins that too damaged for the tool to work or are making it jump out of the fins. Not likely to damage the coil with a toothpick!

]]> By: Ben Johnson http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/10/finds-a-fin-straightener/#comment-1070 Ben Johnson Mon, 11 Sep 2006 12:30:31 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/10/finds-a-fin-straightener/#comment-1070 I purchased one of these at Harbor Freight but haven't used it yet. Their current online price is: 37892-2VGA RADIATOR FIN STRAIGHTENER $2.49 I know that they are about $5 if you go to one of their stores. I purchased one of these at Harbor Freight but haven’t used it yet.

Their current online price is:
37892-2VGA RADIATOR FIN STRAIGHTENER $2.49

I know that they are about $5 if you go to one of their stores.

]]> By: Chuck Cage http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/10/finds-a-fin-straightener/#comment-1067 Chuck Cage Mon, 11 Sep 2006 04:06:35 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/10/finds-a-fin-straightener/#comment-1067 Steve: I've seen people in forums mention using this particular type of tool on radiators and intercoolers as well. It doesn't appear to matter what fins you're using the tool on as long as their spacing matches the partuclar "petal" of the tool you use. Certainly at these prices I'd be tempted to pick one up (from any of the many sources out there) and give it a shot. It's definitely better than a screwdriver and a prayer. Steve: I’ve seen people in forums mention using this particular type of tool on radiators and intercoolers as well. It doesn’t appear to matter what fins you’re using the tool on as long as their spacing matches the partuclar “petal” of the tool you use. Certainly at these prices I’d be tempted to pick one up (from any of the many sources out there) and give it a shot.

It’s definitely better than a screwdriver and a prayer.

]]> By: Steve Thompson http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/10/finds-a-fin-straightener/#comment-1066 Steve Thompson Mon, 11 Sep 2006 02:48:21 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/10/finds-a-fin-straightener/#comment-1066 Does anyone know if there might be a similar tool to fix radiator (and more importantly) intercooler fins? Does anyone know if there might be a similar tool to fix radiator (and more importantly) intercooler fins?

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