The Big Squeeze(-Off Tool)
By Benjamen Johnson
For routine maintenance or emergencies, you can simply squeeze off polyethylene (PE) pipe, instead of locating a valve upstream. Timberline designed their TR-650 tool for squeezing off 3″ to 6″ PE pipe without completely excavating around it. You just open up an 18″ “keyhole” or trench, and slip the 17-1/2″-wide jaws down into the keyhole.
The 6-1/2′ handle lets you stay above ground instead of jumping into the trench. The handle ratchets for controlled squeeze-off and release, and the jaw automatically centers the pipe. The large jaw doesn’t crease the pipe, but provides squeeze-off at 15% wall compression.
Relatively lightweight at 60lbs, the TR-650 can be operated by one man. Timberline CNC machines the high-strength, aircraft-grade aluminum components for precision fit. For safety, this lockout-tagout device comes equipped with a copper grounding rod.
We’re not exactly sure what the Timberline TR650 costs, but it’s probably more than you want to spend unless you understand what “provides squeeze-off at 15% wall compression” means.
TR650 [Timberline Tool]
November 7th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
This like other PE pipe tools (e.g. butt-fusion tools) are mostly the domain of gas distribution companies and their contractors.
November 7th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Our local propane distributor replumbed some of our resort and they would kink “live” 3/4″ PE to temporarily stop the flow when fusing a new connection. I questioned that and was told “everyone does it”. Any comments?
November 7th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
This must be a promo shot - the pipe and the tool are far to clean and shiny to be a shot of real action. Pretty interesting device and sure to allow the guy to proclaim that he has the biggest “tool” around - especially if he adds that his —– never mind….you know the rest