Stovepipe plays an important role in moving gases from a stove or other combustion-based appliance to a fire-rated chimney. Unlike other piping systems, stovepipe connections do not use couplings, unions or reducers. Instead, the end of one pipe slides into the end of another pipe. Since the pipe is one continuous diameter, crimping is required to allow the two pieces to fit together. Crimping reduces the diameter of the pipe by creating triangular-shaped ridges that pull metal toward the center of the pipe.
Lay a length of stovepipe flat on the floor, with the open longitudinal seam facing up. Press both sides of the seam together, while keeping the ends of the seams even, until you hear an audible "snap." Move the assembled stovepipe to a stable surface that allows you to work at a comfortable height.
Release the lock from a 5-blade crimper to open its jaws. Slide the crimper over the pipe wall with the two-bladed jaw sitting inside the pipe and the three-bladed jaw sitting outside the pipe. Hold the crimper at a 90-degree angle to the pipe opening.
Apply forward pressure on the crimper as you squeeze its handles together. The amount of pressure you apply to the handles will determine the depth of the crimp. For most occasions, you will need a heavy crimp to ensure the crimped end of the pipe slides effortlessly into the non-crimped end of another pipe.
Release the crimper. You will notice two crimps on the end of the pipe. Align one off the outer crimper blades with the low ridge of the last crimp. Squeeze the crimper handles to produce another pair of crimps. Move around the pipe until its end contains a continuous crimp.
Things You Will Need
- 5-blade crimper
- Wear leather gloves when handling sharp stovepipe.
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