At SmartLock, we recognized the industry's need to eliminate open flames, inconsistent results, and unnecessary complexity from the refrigerant line connection process. Our mission is to make HVAC/R work safer and more efficient. The traditional method of brazing is costly, hazardous, and often dependent on a contractor's fluctuating skill level. We engineered our patented metal-to-metal sealing technology to solve these exact problems. Below, we walk you through the simple, four-step application of SmartLock products to your HVAC system.
How to Apply SmartLock Products to an HVAC System
Prepping the Line for a Flawless Connection
We always begin by emphasizing preparation, which is crucial for any connection. First, cut the copper or aluminum tubing squarely using a rotary cutter, ensuring there are no burrs or shavings that could compromise the seal. Next, clean both the inside and outside of the tube ends thoroughly. A clean surface guarantees that the SmartLock fitting creates the perfect, durable seal it is designed to achieve without effort.
Securing the Flare-less Fitting onto the Tube
Unlike traditional methods that require flaring, our fittings are designed for speed. Take the appropriate size SmartLock Brazeless HVAC Fitting and simply insert the prepared tube end until it seats firmly inside the fitting's bore. You will feel it bottom out. Once seated, hand-tighten the hex nut until it is finger-tight. This action initiates the sealing process, creating a preliminary seal effortlessly.
Finalizing the Seal with a Torque Wrench
The core of our technology relies on precise pressure, not fire. Using a standard torque wrench with the correct-sized crowfoot attachment, tighten the nut to the specified torque value listed in our official chart. This specific tightening ensures the internal sealing mechanism compresses to form a permanent, leak-proof metal-to-metal connection. We designed this step to remove installer error entirely from the equation.
Immediate Results and Next-Gen Safety Assurance
The entire process is quick, safe, and immediately ready for operation—no waiting for cool-down or fire-hazard protocols. Our method offers a significant labor-time reduction compared to brazing. Furthermore, SmartLock fittings are fully compatible with A2L refrigerants, providing you with future-proof compliance. This simple application provides a safe, durable, and highly reliable Smart Refrigerant Fitting connection every single time.
By eliminating the need for open flames and inconsistent techniques, the application of SmartLock products drastically simplifies refrigerant line hookups. We empower technicians to achieve secure, manufacturer-consistent results in a fraction of the time, boosting both safety and productivity on every job site. Learn how SmartLock can simplify your next installation and explore our full range of approved refrigerant lists and technical resources.