Lay Flat Tubing Disaster!

One Acre Farm · Apr 12, 2012

I am at my wits end, I have 1 1/2 blue layflat that I use for irrigation and no matter how hard I try to get this one fitting on, I cannot seem to do it. I have had problems with other fittings, I have already put on at least 20, but for some reason I cannot seem to get this one to fit.

I ask you, is there a tool out there that I can fit into this stretchable hose, expand it with a drill gun and 'mini-jack' of some sort, and then remove it so its big enough to fit into the coupler. Think of like a shoe horn for the hose. Make it big enough for just a moment so that when you remove it, it holds it shape so the coupler fits. I am not sure something like that exists, but if it did, I know someone out there would know about it.

Thanks!

KYErik · Apr 12, 2012

Try a little heat to soften it up- dribble boiling water over it or use a hairdryer or plumbers torch.

rsewill · Apr 12, 2012

And a little oil on the fitting can help.

Looking4new · Apr 12, 2012

Dunk the hose/tubing in hot water (freshly boiled) for about a minute or so. That will soften it up and make it stretchy.

T_e_r_r_y · Apr 13, 2012

Try using a three (3") strip of plastic wrapped around the fitting. slipping the hose over the plastic and onto the fitting. Sort of like a very small funnel. If possible use a dab of grease on the fitting to help the hose slide over the fitting. All of the previous suggestions are really good.

T.J.

tmeadows · Apr 13, 2012

end of hose in boiling water and grease on the fitting

One Acre Farm · Apr 13, 2012

Thanks, will try today!

kiotiken · Apr 13, 2012

OK, just so all the bases are covered, this is a 1 1/2 fitting, right? I used to use 1 1/2, now I use 2", the fittings look the same, just want to make sure you didn't grab the wrong one by accident. All the grease in McDonald's won't help you if you did.

Arkaybee · Apr 13, 2012

We also use the 1.5 inch layflat tubing as a header for our drip lines. I too have difficulty making a good fit onto barbed fittings, especially when the layflat has been used for a year or so (hardens due to sun exposure).

The problem with heating the end is that it becomes so flexible that you can't push on it without it collapsing.

What worked for me it to round over the ends of two dowels (or some such) about 3/4" dia. by 12" long and put them into the end of the tube to be stretched. The rounded ends prevent puncturing or tearing the layflat. Then by levering them in opposite directions several times around the circumference of the tube you can enlarge it without making it too soft to push on. Just remember to put your clamp on the tube before pushing the tube onto the barbed fitting (I seem to habitually forget this and have to redo it).

HTH

Arkaybee