Abstract:
Tools for expanding (i.e., flaring and swedging) the ends of metal tubes are configured for attachment to a powered impact hammer, such as an air hammer. A swedging tool for swedging an end of a metal tube has a swedging body with a die section for expanding the tube when driven thereinto and a flanged shank attached to the swedging body and configured for engagement by a powered impact hammer. A flaring tool for flaring an end of a metal tube includes a flaring body having a die section for flaring the tube when driven thereinto. A flanged shank is attached to the flaring body and configured for engagement by a powered impact hammer. A method for expanding an end of a metal tube entails attaching a die body for expanding the end of the metal tube to a powered impact hammer, aligning the die body with the inner diameter of the metal tube, activating the powered impact hammer, and urging the die body a determined distance into the metal tube.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part and claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 12/175,460 filed 18 Jul. 2008, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference and made a part hereof. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to pipe fitting, and more particularly, to pipe swedging and flaring tools adapted for use with an air hammer and configured to expand the end of a first length of metal tube for connecting the expanded end to a second length of metal tube by receiving a portion of the second length in the expanded end of the first length. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Pipe fitting is necessary in many different trades, including, but not limited to plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration, manufacturing, fire prevention, and many others. Among the most widely used metal pipe is copper tubing, which is favored for its abundance, ductility and high resistance to corrosion, Copper tubing is most often used for supply of hot and cold water, and as a refrigerant line in HVAC and refrigeration systems. Copper tubing is typically joined using a flare connection, compression connection, crimp fitting, sweat (i.e., solder) or swedge. 
         [0004]    Flare connections require that the end of a tubing section be spread outward in a bell shape using a flare tool. A flare nut then compresses this bell-shaped end onto a male fitting. Flare connections are labor intensive but are quite reliable over the course of many years. 
         [0005]    Sweat fittings are smooth couplings that easily slip onto the end of a tubing section. The joint is then heated using a torch, and solder is melted into the connection. When the solder cools, it forms a very strong bond. 
         [0006]    Compression fittings use a soft metal ring (i.e., a compression ring) which is squeezed onto the pipe and into the fitting by a compression nut. The soft metal ring conforms to the surface of the tubing and the fitting, and creates a seal. Compression connections are time consuming to make and sometimes require retightening over time to stop leaks. 
         [0007]    Crimped or pressed connections use special copper fittings which are permanently attached to rigid copper tubing with a powered crimper. The fittings, manufactured with sealant already inside, slide over the tubing to be connected. Substantial pressure is exerted to deform the fitting and compress the sealant against the inner copper tubing, creating a water tight seal. 
         [0008]    Swedging is a metal-forming technique in which a receiving end of a tube is precisely expanded using a die. The mating end of another tube is inserted into the expanded end. The joint is then heated using a torch, and solder is melted into the connection. When the solder cools, it forms a very strong bond. 
         [0009]    There are many examples of swedging tools known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,679,681 to Resler discloses a swedging method. After thinning (i.e., counterboring) the wall of the end of a length of tubing by drilling, the tubing is firmly held by clamping as a punch is urged into the counterbored section. Not only is counterboring time consuming, but it is imprecise and conducive to uneven thinning or damaging of the wall. Also, Resler provides no means to facilitate rapid and repeatable urging of the punch into the thinned wall section. 
         [0010]    As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,380,285 to Wilson discloses an assembly of nested swedging tools of various sizes for covering a wide range of tubing diameters. To expand a pipe, a chosen swedging tool is driven by hammer blows. The tool requires manual strikes which tend to be inconsistent, off-centered and tedious, especially for a professional who may have to join many tubing sections in a work day. 
         [0011]    As yet another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,349 to Velte discloses a lever-actuated expander with means to grip a pipe and urge a conical mandrel into the open end of the pipe for expansion. Actuation is limited by the manual gripping force of a user. Setting the tube up for use is tedious. Slippage results in an imperfect flaring. 
         [0012]    Still another example is U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,065 to Simpson, et al, which discloses a method of expanding tubing comprising steps of providing a length of expandable tubing; locating an expansion tool, such as a cone, in the tubing; and applying impulses to the tool to drive the tool through the tubing and expand the tubing to a larger diameter. The tubing may be located downhole and may have a solid wall or a slotted wall. Simpson&#39;s method is intended for use in expanding tubing used for oil and gas exploration and requires driving mechanisms that are quite different from handheld pneumatic hammers. Consequently, the Simpson tool does not teach or suggest integration with flanged shank configured for engagement by a powered impact hammer. 
         [0013]    What is needed is an easy to use, consistently reliable, powered tool for swedging or flaring the end of tubing for joining to like tubing. The tool should be configured to work with existing air or electric powered impact equipment. To avoid slipping, drifting and off-centered strikes, the tool should remain connected to the impact equipment throughout the swedging or flaring cycle. The invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems and solving one or more of the needs as set forth above. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    To solve one or more of the problems set forth above, in an exemplary implementation of the invention, tools for expanding (i.e., flaring and swedging) the ends of metal tubes are provided. The tools are configured for attachment to a powered impact hammer, such as an air hammer. A method for expanding the ends of metal tubes using such a tool and a powered impact hammer is also provided. 
         [0015]    In one aspect of the invention, a swedging tool for expanding an end of a first metal tube having a first inner diameter and a first outer diameter is provided. The tool includes a swedging body having a die section for expanding a tube of predetermined diameter when driven thereinto and a flanged shank attached to the swedging body and configured for engagement by a powered impact hammer. A key feature of the tool is that it is adapted for attachment to a powered impact hammer, such as an air hammer. 
         [0016]    The flanged shank is configured for engagement by a retainer spring of a powered impact hammer. The flanged shank has a cylindrical proximal shank body sized for engagement by a powered impact hammer, a distal shank body, and a flange disposed therebetween. The flange has a chamfered trailing edge and a leading edge substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the swedging tool. The proximal shank body has a diameter of about 0.40 inches. The distal shank body has a diameter of about 0.50 inches. The flange has a diameter of about 0.80 inches. In one embodiment, the flanged shank is threadedly connected to the swedging body. In other embodiments, the flanged shank is integrally formed and permanently connected to the swedging body. 
         [0017]    In one embodiment, the die section includes a cylindrical first body section having a diameter that is approximately equal to the first inner diameter of the first metal tube, and a cylindrical second body section having a diameter that is approximately equal to the first outer diameter of the first metal tube, and a first chamfered transition from the first body section to the second body section. In another embodiment, the swedging tool is further configured to expand an end of a second metal tube having a second inner diameter and a second outer diameter. Thus, the die section further includes a cylindrical third body section having a diameter that is about equal to the second outer diameter of the second metal tube, and the cylindrical second body section having a diameter that is about equal to the second inner diameter the second metal tube, and a second chamfered transition from the second body section to the third body section. 
         [0018]    In another embodiment, the swedging tool is further configured to expand an end of a third metal tube having a third inner diameter and a third outer diameter. The die section further includes a cylindrical fourth body section having a diameter that is about equal to the third outer diameter of the third metal tube. The cylindrical third body section has a diameter that is about equal to the third inner diameter the third metal tube. A third chamfered transition provides a transition from the third body section to the fourth body section. 
         [0019]    In another aspect of the invention, a flaring tool for flaring an end of a first metal tube having a first inner diameter and a first outer diameter is provided. The tool includes a flaring body having a die section for flaring a tube of predetermined diameter when driven thereinto. A flanged shank is attached to the flaring body and configured for engagement by a powered impact hammer. The flanged shank, which is configured for engagement by a retainer spring of a powered impact hammer, has a cylindrical proximal shank body sized for engagement by a powered impact hammer, a distal shank body, and a flange disposed therebetween. 
         [0020]    In yet another aspect of the invention, a method for expanding an end of a metal tube having an inner diameter and an outer diameter is provided. The method includes steps of attaching a die body for expanding the end of the metal tube to a powered impact hammer, aligning the die body with the inner diameter of the metal tube, activating the powered impact hammer, and urging the die body a determined distance into the metal tube. The die body is either a swedging body having a die section for swedging the end of the metal tube and a flanged shank attached to the swedging body and configured for engagement by a powered impact hammer, or a flaring body having a die section for flaring the end of the metal tube and a flanged shank attached to the flaring body and configured for engagement by a powered impact hammer. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    The foregoing and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, where: 
           [0022]      FIG. 1A  shows a profile of a first exemplary pipe swedging tool for an air hammer according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 1B  shows a perspective view of the first exemplary pipe swedging tool for an air hammer according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 2A  shows a profile of a second exemplary pipe swedging tool for an air hammer according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 2B  shows a perspective view of the second exemplary pipe swedging tool for an air hammer according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 3A  shows a profile of a third exemplary pipe swedging tool for an air hammer according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 3B  shows a perspective view of the third exemplary pipe swedging tool for an air hammer according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 4A  shows a profile of a first exemplary pipe flaring tool for an air hammer according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0029]      FIG. 4B  shows a perspective view of the first exemplary pipe flaring tool for an air hammer according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 5A  shows a profile of the first exemplary pipe flaring tool with an optional threaded coupling for an air hammer according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 5B  shows a perspective view of the first exemplary pipe flaring tool with an optional threaded coupling for an air hammer according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of the first exemplary pipe swedging tool for an air hammer with an exemplary workpiece according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0033]      FIG. 7A  shows a perspective view of the first exemplary pipe swedging tool for an air hammer with an exemplary swedged workpiece according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0034]      FIG. 7B  shows a section view of the first exemplary pipe swedging tool for an air hammer with an exemplary swedged workpiece according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0035]      FIG. 8A  shows a perspective view of an exemplary length of tubing fitted into a swedged workpiece according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 8B  shows a section view of an exemplary length of tubing fitted into a swedged workpiece according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0037]      FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of the first exemplary pipe swedging tool installed on an exemplary air hammer according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0038]      FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of a second exemplary pipe flaring tool with a removable flaring head and a shank coupling for an air hammer according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0039]      FIG. 11  shows another perspective view of a second exemplary pipe flaring tool with a removable flaring head in an extended position and a shank coupling for an air hammer according to principles of the invention; and 
           [0040]      FIG. 12  shows a perspective exploded view of a second exemplary pipe flaring tool with a removable flaring head and a shank coupling for an air hammer according to principles of the invention. 
       
    
    
       [0041]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the figures intended to illustrate every embodiment of the invention. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments depicted in the figures or the types of power tools, relative sizes, ornamental aspects or proportions shown in the figures. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0042]    Referring to the Figures, in which like parts are indicated with the same reference numerals, various views of exemplary pipe swedging and flaring tools for an air hammer according to principles of the invention are shown. Each tool has one or more swedging or flaring sections, each section being for a tube of a particular size. Each tool also has a shank adapted for releasable connection to an impact hammer, such as an air or electric powered impact hammer with a spring retainer or collet. Each tool has a tapered leading edge, a body section having a diameter equal to or slightly less than the inner diameter of the tubing, and a metal forming section configured to flare or swedge the tubing as the tool is advanced into the tubing. The tools are preferably comprised of hardened steel or other material suitable for withstanding the repetitive stresses and strains encountered in the operating environment. 
         [0043]    The tools described herein are designed to expand metal pipes or tubes. The terms pipes and tubes are used herein synonymously to mean an elongated hollow fluid carrying means with an inner diameter and an outer diameter. Dimensions provided herein are provided as examples. Some features are designed to fit within the inner diameter of a tube. Some features are designed to be about the same size as the outer diameter of a tube. Variations in dimensions are possible and intended to come within the scope of the invention, so long as the varied dimensions do not substantially compromise utility. The principles of the invention are not limited to pipes or tubes of any particular size. 
         [0044]    Referring first to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , profile and perspective views of a first exemplary pipe swedging tool  100  for an air hammer according to principles of the invention are provided. The tool  100  features three (3) swedging sections arranged in tandem. Each swedging section includes two adjacent body sections of different diameters and a tapered (chamfered) transition therebetween. Each body section is cylindrical with a diameter d and a length l. The first swedging section commences with a tapered (chamfered) leading edge  105  to facilitate entry into the interior of a tube. The angle α 131  is obtuse, preferably (but not limited to) between 10° to 150°, and preferably 112°. The taper  105  provides a transition between the distal tip and the first body section  135 . The first body section  135  has a diameter that is about equal or slightly smaller than the interior diameter of the smallest tubing for which the tool  100  is configured to swedge, such that the first body section  135  may fit (preferably snugly) within such tubing. By way of example and not limitation, the diameter of the first body section may equal or be about 0.5 inches and the length may equal or be about 0.75 inches. The first body section  135  terminates with a chamfered trailing edge  110  configured to provide a transition to the second body section  140 . The second body section  140  has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the second body section  140  and is approximately equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the smallest tubing for which the tool  100  is configured to swedge. The length of the second body section  140  defines the length of the expanded section of tubing. Thus, when urged into the smallest tubing for which the tool  100  is configured to swedge, the first body section  135  slides into the tubing. As the tool  100  is urged further into the tubing and the free edge of the tubing encounters the chamfered trailing edge  110 , the diameter of the engaged portion of the tubing is gradually expanded to the diameter of the second body section  140 . Thus, the expanded diameter section of the tubing is configured to snugly receive a length of the undeformed smallest tubing for which the tool  100  is configured to swedge. 
         [0045]    With further reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the second swedging section commences with a tapered (chamfered) edge  110  to facilitate entry into the interior of a tube. The angle α 136  is obtuse, preferably (but not limited to) between 10° to 150°, and preferably 112°. The taper  110  provides a transition between the first body section  135  and the second body section  140 . The second body section  140  has a diameter that is about equal or slightly smaller than the interior diameter of an intermediate-sized tubing for which the tool  100  is configured to swedge, such that the second body section  140  may fit (preferably snugly) within such tubing. By way of example and not limitation, the diameter of the second body section may equal or be about ⅝ inches and the length may equal or be about 0.75 inches. The second body section  140  terminates with a chamfered trailing edge  115  configured to provide a transition to the third body section  145 . The third body section  145  has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the second body section  140  and is approximately equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the intermediate tubing for which the tool  100  is configured to swedge. The length of the third body section  145  defines the length of the expanded section of tubing. Thus, when urged into the intermediate tubing, the third body section  145  slides into the tubing. As the tool  100  is urged further into the tubing and the free edge of the tubing encounters the chamfered trailing edge  115 , the diameter of the engaged portion of the tubing is gradually expanded to the diameter of the third body section  145 . Thus, the expanded diameter section of the tubing is configured to snugly receive a length of the undeformed intermediate tubing for which the tool  100  is configured to swedge. 
         [0046]    With further reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the third swedging section commences with a tapered (chamfered) edge  115  to facilitate entry into the interior of a tube. The angle α 141  is obtuse, preferably (but not limited to) between 10° to 150°, and preferably 112°. The taper  115  provides a transition between the second body section  135  and the third body section  145 . The third body section  145  has a diameter that is about equal or slightly smaller than the interior diameter of a large-sized tubing for which the tool  100  is configured to swedge, such that the third body section  145  may fit (preferably snugly) within such tubing. By way of example and not limitation, the diameter of the third body section may equal or be about 0.75 inches and the length may equal or be about 0.75 inches. The third body section  145  terminates with a chamfered trailing edge  120  configured to provide a transition to the fourth body section  150 . The fourth body section  150  has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the third body section  145  and is approximately equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the large tubing for which the tool  100  is configured to swedge. The length of the fourth body section  150  defines the length of the expanded section of tubing. By way of example and not limitation, the diameter of the fourth body section may equal or be about ⅞ inches and the length may equal or be about 0.75 inches. Thus, when urged into the large tubing, the fourth body section  150  slides into the tubing. As the tool  100  is urged further into the tubing and the free edge of the tubing reaches the chamfered trailing edge  125 , the diameter of the engaged portion of the tubing is gradually expanded to the diameter of the fourth body section  150 . Thus, the expanded diameter section of the tubing is configured to snugly receive a length of the undeformed large tubing for which the tool  100  is configured to swedge. 
         [0047]    The proximal end of the tool  100  comprises a shank configured for engagement by a powered impact tool, such as, but not limited to, an air powered impact hammer. The shank comprises a distal shank body  155  a retainer  130  and a proximal shank body  160 . The retainer  130  is a flange configured for engagement by a spring retainer of an air hammer. The angle α 151  of the chamfered transition is not particularly important. It may be between 90 and 150°. The proximal shank body  160  may be received and engaged by other retention means such as a collet or chuck. The diameter of the proximal shank body  160  may equal or be about, by way of example and not limitation, 0.40 inches. The diameter of the distal shank body  155  may equal or be about, by way of example and not limitation, 0.50 inches. Thus, the shank is configured for engagement by a spring retainer or other retention means of the powered impact tool. 
         [0048]    A portable impact hammer drives the swedging tool into the tubing. The impact hammer is a portable percussive hammer powered by compressed gas or an electric motor. A typical pneumatic hammer generates roughly 2,000 to 5,000 blows per minute at 90 psi, with a stroke length of 1 to 2 inches, which is far greater than any force a human can manually exert. Additionally, the powered hammer exerts forces in a rapid, repeatable and consistent manner. The result is a consistent swedge or flare in minimal time, each time the tool is used. 
         [0049]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , profile and perspective views of a second exemplary pipe swedging tool  200  for an air hammer according to principles of the invention are provided. The tool  200  features two (2) swedging sections arranged in tandem. Each swedging section includes two adjacent body sections of different diameters and a tapered (chamfered) transition therebetween. The first swedging section commences with a tapered (chamfered) leading edge  205  to facilitate entry into the interior of a tube. The angle α 221  is obtuse, preferably (but not limited to) between 100 to 150°, and preferably 112°. The taper  205  provides a transition between the distal tip and the first body section  235 . The first body section  235  has a diameter that is about equal or slightly smaller than the interior diameter of the smallest tubing for which the tool  200  is configured to swedge, such that the first body section  235  may fit (preferably snugly) within such tubing. By way of example and not limitation, the diameter of the first body section may equal or be about 0.25 inches and the length may equal or be about 0.75 inches. The first body section  225  terminates with a chamfered trailing edge  210  configured to provide a transition to the second body section  230 . The second body section  230  has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the second body section  230  and is approximately equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the smallest tubing for which the tool  200  is configured to swedge. The length of the second body section  230  defines the length of the expanded section of tubing. By way of example and not limitation, the diameter of the second body section may equal or be about ⅜ inches and the length may equal or be about 0.75 inches. Thus, when urged into the smallest tubing for which the tool  200  is configured to swedge, the first body section  225  slides into the tubing. As the tool  200  is urged further into the tubing and the free edge of the tubing encounters the chamfered trailing edge  210 , the diameter of the engaged portion of the tubing is gradually expanded to the diameter of the second body section  230 . Thus, the expanded diameter section of the tubing is configured to snugly receive a length of the undeformed smallest tubing for which the tool  200  is configured to swedge. 
         [0050]    With further reference to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the second swedging section commences with a tapered (chamfered) edge  210  to facilitate entry into the interior of a tube. The angle α 226  is obtuse, preferably (but not limited to) between 100 to 150°, and preferably 112°. The taper  210  provides a transition between the first body section  225  and the second body section  230 . The second body section  230  has a diameter that is about equal or slightly smaller than the interior diameter of an intermediate-sized tubing for which the tool  200  is configured to swedge, such that the second body section  230  may fit (preferably snugly) within such tubing. The second body section  230  terminates with a chamfered trailing edge  215  configured to provide a transition to the third body section  235 . The third body section  235  has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the second body section  230  and is approximately equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the intermediate tubing for which the tool  200  is configured to swedge. The length of the third body section  235  defines the length of the expanded section of tubing. By way of example and not limitation, the diameter of the third body section may equal or be about 0.5 inches and the length may equal or be about 1.5 inches. Thus, when urged into the intermediate tubing, the third body section  235  slides into the tubing. As the tool  200  is urged further into the tubing and the free edge of the tubing encounters the chamfered trailing edge  215 , the diameter of the engaged portion of the tubing is gradually expanded to the diameter of the third body section  235 . Thus, the expanded diameter section of the tubing is configured to snugly receive a length of the undeformed intermediate tubing for which the tool  200  is configured to swedge. 
         [0051]    The proximal end of the tool  200  comprises a shank configured for engagement by a powered impact tool, such as, but not limited to, an air powered impact hammer. The shank comprises a distal shank body  235  a retainer  220  and a proximal shank body  245 . The retainer  220  acts as a flange configured for engagement by a spring retainer of an air hammer. The angle α 241  of the chamfered transition is not particularly important. It may be between 90 and 150°. The proximal shank body  245  may be received and engaged by other retention means such as a collet or chuck. The diameter of the proximal shank body  245  may equal or be about, by way of example and not limitation, 0.40 inches. The diameter of the distal shank body  235  may equal or be about, by way of example and not limitation, 0.50 inches. Thus, the shank is configured for engagement by a spring retainer or other retention means of the powered impact tool. 
         [0052]    A portable impact hammer drives the swedging tool into the tubing. The impact hammer is a portable percussive hammer powered by compressed gas or an electric motor. A typical pneumatic hammer generates roughly 2,000 to 5,000 blows per minute at 90 psi, with a stroke length of 1 to 2 inches, which is far greater than any force a human can manually exert. Additionally, the powered hammer exerts forces in a rapid, repeatable and consistent manner. The result is a consistent swedge or flare in minimal time, each time the tool is used. 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , profile and perspective views of a first exemplary pipe swedging tool  300  for an air hammer according to principles of the invention are provided. The tool  300  features three (3) swedging sections arranged in tandem. Each swedging section includes two adjacent body sections of different diameters and a tapered (chamfered) transition therebetween. The first swedging section commences with a tapered (chamfered) leading edge  305  to facilitate entry into the interior of a tube. The angle α 336  is obtuse, preferably (but not limited to) between 100 to 150°, and preferably 112°. The taper  305  provides a transition between the distal tip and the first body section  340 . The first body section  340  has a diameter that is about equal or slightly smaller than the interior diameter of the smallest tubing for which the tool  300  is configured to swedge, such that the first body section  340  may fit (preferably snugly) within such tubing. By way of example and not limitation, the diameter of the first body section may equal or be about 0.75 inches and the length may equal or be about 0.75 inches. The first body section  340  terminates with a chamfered trailing edge  310  configured to provide a transition to the second body section  345 . The second body section  345  has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the second body section  345  and is approximately equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the smallest tubing for which the tool  300  is configured to swedge. The length of the second body section  345  defines the length of the expanded section of tubing. Thus, when urged into the smallest tubing for which the tool  300  is configured to swedge, the first body section  340  slides into the tubing. As the tool  300  is urged further into the tubing and the free edge of the tubing encounters the chamfered trailing edge  310 , the diameter of the engaged portion of the tubing is gradually expanded to the diameter of the second body section  345 . Thus, the expanded diameter section of the tubing is configured to snugly receive a length of the undeformed smallest tubing for which the tool  300  is configured to swedge. 
         [0054]    With further reference to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the second swedging section commences with a tapered (chamfered) edge  310  to facilitate entry into the interior of a  tube. The angle α 341  is obtuse, preferably (but not limited to) between 100 to 150°, and preferably 112°. The taper  310  provides a transition between the first body section  340  and the second body section  345 . The second body section  345  has a diameter that is about equal or slightly smaller than the interior diameter of an intermediate-sized tubing for which the tool  300  is configured to swedge, such that the second body section  345  may fit (preferably snugly) within such tubing. By way of example and not limitation, the diameter of the second body section may equal or be about ⅞ inches and the length may equal or be about 0.75 inches. The second body section  345  terminates with a chamfered trailing edge  315  configured to provide a transition to the third body section  350 . The third body section  350  has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the second body section  345  and is approximately equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the intermediate tubing for which the tool  300  is configured to swedge. The length of the third body section  350  defines the length of the expanded section of tubing. Thus, when urged into the intermediate tubing, the third body section  350  slides into the tubing. As the tool  300  is urged further into the tubing and the free edge of the tubing encounters the chamfered trailing edge  315 , the diameter of the engaged portion of the tubing is gradually expanded to the diameter of the third body section  350 . Thus, the expanded diameter section of the tubing is configured to snugly receive a length of the undeformed intermediate tubing for which the tool  300  is configured to swedge. 
         [0055]    With further reference to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the third swedging section commences with a tapered (chamfered) edge  315  to facilitate entry into the interior of a tube. The angle α 346  is obtuse, preferably (but not limited to) between 100 to 150°, and preferably 112°. The taper  315  provides a transition between the second body section  340  and the third body section  350 . The third body section  350  has a diameter that is about equal or slightly smaller than the interior diameter of a large-sized tubing for which the tool  300  is configured to swedge, such that the third body section  350  may fit (preferably snugly) within such tubing. By way of example and not limitation, the diameter of the third body section may be 1 inch and the length may equal or be about 0.75 inches. The third body section  350  terminates with a chamfered trailing edge  320  configured to provide a transition to the fourth body section  355 . The fourth body section  355  has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the third body section  350  and is approximately equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the large tubing for which the tool  300  is configured to swedge. The length of the fourth body section  355  defines the length of the expanded section of tubing. By way of example and not limitation, the diameter of the fourth body section may equal or be about 1.125 inches and the length may equal or be about 0.75 inches. Thus, when urged into the large tubing, the fourth body section  355  slides into the tubing. As the tool  300  is urged further into the tubing and the free edge of the tubing reaches the chamfered trailing edge  330 , the diameter of the engaged portion of the tubing is gradually expanded to the diameter of the fourth body section  355 . Thus, the expanded diameter section of the tubing is configured to snugly receive a length of the undeformed large tubing for which the tool  300  is configured to swedge. 
         [0056]    The proximal end of the tool  300  comprises a shank configured for engagement by a powered impact tool, such as, but not limited to, an air powered impact hammer. The shank comprises a distal shank body  360  a retainer  335  and a proximal shank body  365 . The angle α 361  of the chamfered transition is not particularly important. It may be between 90 and 150°. The retainer  335  acts as a flange configured for engagement by a spring retainer of an air hammer. The proximal shank body  365  may be received and engaged by other retention means such as a collet or chuck. The diameter of the proximal shank body  365  may equal or be about, by way of example and not limitation, 0.40 inches. The diameter of the distal shank body  360  may equal or be about, by way of example and not limitation, 0.50 inches. Thus, the shank is configured for engagement by a spring retainer or other retention means of the powered impact tool. 
         [0057]    A portable impact hammer drives the swedging tool into the tubing. The impact hammer is a portable percussive hammer powered by compressed gas or an electric motor. A typical pneumatic hammer generates roughly 2,000 to 5,000 blows per minute at 90 psi, with a stroke length of 1 to 2 inches, which is far greater than any force a human can manually exert. Additionally, the powered hammer exerts forces in a rapid, repeatable and consistent manner. The result is a consistent swedge or flare in minimal time, each time the tool is used. 
         [0058]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , profile and perspective views of a first exemplary pipe flaring tool  400  for an air hammer according to principles of the invention are provided. The tool  400  features one (1) flaring section comprising a body section and a tapered (chamfered) trailing edge. The flaring section commences with a tapered (chamfered) leading edge  420  to facilitate entry into the interior of a tube. The angle α 441  is obtuse, preferably (but not limited to) between 100 to 150°, and preferably 135°. The taper  420  provides a transition between the distal tip and the first body section  440 . The body section  440  has a diameter that is about equal or slightly smaller than the interior diameter of the smallest tubing for which the tool  400  is configured to flare, such that the first body section  440  may fit (preferably snugly) within such tubing. By way of example and not limitation, the diameter of the body section may equal or be about ¼, ⅜, ½. ⅝, ¾, ⅞, 1 or 1.125 inches and the length may equal or be about 0.75 inches. The body section  440  terminates with a chamfered trailing edge  415  configured to create a flare in the workpiece. Thus, when urged into the smallest tubing for which the tool  400  is configured to flare, the body section  440  slides into the tubing. As the tool  400  is urged further into the tubing and the free edge of the tubing encounters the chamfered trailing edge  415 , the edge of the tubing is gradually expanded or flared. 
         [0059]    The chamfered trailing edges transitions to an intermediate section  435  followed by a chamfered transition  410  to a shank. The angle α 431  of the chamfered transition is not particularly important. It may be between 90 and 150°. 
         [0060]    The proximal end of the tool  400  comprises a shank configured for engagement by a powered impact tool, such as, but not limited to, an air powered impact hammer. The shank comprises a distal shank body  440  a retainer  405  and a proximal shank body  425 . The retainer  405  acts as a flange configured for engagement by a spring retainer of an air hammer. The angle α 426  of the chamfered transition is not particularly important. It may be between 90 and 150°. The proximal shank body  425  may be received and engaged by other retention means such as a collet or chuck. The diameter of the proximal shank body  425  may equal or be about, by way of example and not limitation, 0.40 inches. The diameter of the distal shank body  440  may equal or be about, by way of example and not limitation, 0.50 inches. Thus, the shank is configured for engagement by a spring retainer or other retention means of the powered impact tool. 
         [0061]    A portable impact hammer drives the flaring tool into the tubing. The impact hammer is a portable percussive hammer powered by compressed gas or an electric motor. A typical pneumatic hammer generates roughly 2,000 to 5,000 blows per minute at 90 psi, with a stroke length of 1 to 2 inches, which is far greater than any force a human can manually exert. Additionally, the powered hammer exerts forces in a rapid, repeatable and consistent manner. The result is a consistent flare or flare in minimal time, each time the tool is used. 
         [0062]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , profile and perspective views of an alternative embodiment of the first exemplary pipe flaring tool  400  for an air hammer according to principles of the invention are provided. The tool  400  features one (1) flaring section comprising two adjacent body sections of different diameters and a tapered (chamfered) transition therebetween releasably attachable to a shank section by a threaded male  550  and female  555  attachment. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any sections of any of the swedging and flaring tool embodiments may similarly be releasably attachable. Thus, damaged sections may be replaced without discarding undamaged sections. Unneeded sections may be removed to shorten the overall length. The tool may be custom configured to serve the particular needs of a worker or project. 
         [0063]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6 ,  7 A,  7 B,  8 A and  8 B, profile and perspective views of the first exemplary pipe swedging tool  100  for an air hammer along with a length of tubing in various stages of swedging according to principles of the invention are provided. The tool  100  features three (3) swedging sections arranged in tandem. Each swedging section includes two adjacent body sections of different diameters and a tapered (chamfered) transition therebetween. A length of undeformed tubing  600  with a central channel  605  is shown in  FIG. 6 . The inner diameter of the tubing  600  is the same as or slightly larger than the first body section  135 , so that the tubing  600  may easily slip onto the tool  100 . Using a power tool such as a pneumatic impact hammer, the tool  100  is driven into the tubing  600  until the free edge of the tubing  600  reaches chamfered trailing edge  115 , as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . The tubing may be clamped or otherwise held in place as the tool is driven therein. At that point, an expanded section  705  and a gradual transition  700  to the undisturbed original diameter have been formed. The inner diameter of the expanded section  705  is equal to the outer diameter of the tubing  600 . Thus, after removing the swedged piece  600 , a similar undeformed tubing section  800  may be inserted snugly into the expanded section  705 , as shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . The joint may then be heated using a torch and solder may be melted into the connection. When the solder cools, it forms a very strong bond. Advantageously, only one edge of the joint has to be soldered. 
         [0064]      FIG. 9  illustrates a pneumatic device  900  of the conventional type normally found in automobile service stations and garages. The device includes a handle  910 , a body portion  905  and an actuating means or trigger  920  for activating the hammer, and an inlet  915  for coupling the device to an air supply line. A typical air hammer delivers about 2000 to 5000 blows per minute, weighs approximately 3 to 5 pounds and measures 8 to 10 inches over all. Threadedly attached to the distal end of the device is a conventional spring retainer element  925  which engages and holds the various flange-shanked tools of this invention. As is well known in the art, the spring retainer element has a tightly wound helical portion having a tang extending outwardly from the helix at a tangent and having a bight portion on its distal end to facilitate engagement with a finger or thumb. 
         [0065]    Referring now to  FIGS. 10 ,  11  and  12 , perspective views of a second exemplary pipe flaring tool with a removable flaring head and a shank coupling for an air hammer according to principles of the invention are shown. The tool  1000  features a flaring section comprising a conical body section  1050  and a cylindrical skirt  1045 . The conical flaring section  1050  facilitates entry into the interior of any tubes having an interior diameter smaller than the base diameter of the cone. The cylindrical skirt  1045  provides a transition between the flaring head and a threaded coupling  1055 . The external threads  1080  of the threaded coupling  1055  are threadedly received by corresponding internal threads  1025  of the cylindrical body  1040 . A lock nut  1010 , which can be tightened against the cylindrical body  1040 , prevents the threaded coupling  1055  from working loose from the cylindrical body  1040 . A neck  1075  of the threaded coupling  1055  has a channel  1065  (or other mating feature) for receiving a fastening pin  1005  (or other fastener). The neck  1075  is received in a socket  1070  in the cylindrical skirt  1045 . The channel  1070  in the neck  1075  aligns with a channel through the cylindrical skirt  1045 , when the neck  1075  is received in a socket  1070  in the cylindrical skirt  1045  and the neck  1075  is oriented relative to the cylindrical skirt  1045  for alignment. A fastening pin may be pressed into the channel  1060  of the cylindrical skirt  1045  as well as the aligned channel  1065  of the neck  1075 , thereby fastening the flaring head to the threaded coupling  1055 . The distance between the flaring head and the cylindrical body  1040  may readily be adjusted by turning the threaded coupling  1055  relative to the threaded body  1040 . Additionally, the flaring head may be replaced with an alternative flaring head, swedging head or other impact driven pipe fitting die in accordance with principles of the invention. The cylindrical body  1040  terminates with a chamfered trailing edge  1015  which transitions to the proximal end of the tool  100  comprising a shank configured for engagement by a powered impact tool, such as, but not limited to, an air powered impact hammer. 
         [0066]    The shank comprises a distal shank body  1035  a retainer  1020  and a proximal shank body  1030 . The retainer  1020  acts as a flange configured for engagement by a spring retainer of an air hammer. The proximal shank body  1030  may be received and engaged by other retention means such as a collet or chuck. The diameter of the proximal shank body  1030  may equal or be about, by way of example and not limitation, 0.40 inches. The diameter of the distal shank body  1035  may equal or be about, by way of example and not limitation, 0.50 inches. Thus, the shank is configured for engagement by a spring retainer or other retention means of the powered impact tool. 
         [0067]    A portable impact hammer drives the flaring tool into the tubing. The impact hammer is a portable percussive hammer powered by compressed gas or an electric motor. A typical pneumatic hammer generates roughly 2,000 to 5,000 blows per minute at 90 psi, with a stroke length of 1 to 2 inches, which is far greater than any force a human can manually exert. Additionally, the powered hammer exerts forces in a rapid, repeatable and consistent manner. The result is a consistent flare or flare in minimal time, each time the tool is used. 
         [0068]    Flaring and swedging tools in accordance with principles of the invention are not limited to use with any tools for clamping and securing tubing sections. Flaring and swedging tools in accordance with principles of the invention may be used with any tools for clamping and securing tubing sections. Flaring and swedging tools in accordance with principles of the invention may also be used without any tools for clamping and securing tubing sections, such as by hand holding the tubing sections or by flaring or swedging exposed sections of installed tubing. 
         [0069]    While an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been described, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum relationships for the components and steps of the invention, including variations in order, form, content, function and manner of operation, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. The above description and drawings are illustrative of modifications that can be made without departing from the present invention, the scope of which is to be limited only by the following claims. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.