Blood, Sweat, and Sawdust

Snap-lock ducting offers a great compromise between affordability, durability, and ease of install.  Fittings and adapters are easy to find locally and online. The only tools needed are a HVAC crimping tool and an offset tin shear.  I purchased both for less than $25.

I am using Gripple’s Hang-Fast system.  It makes hanging your ductwork a breeze.  Simply, hang the loop on an eye-bolt or j-hook.  Then, slide one end of your wire through the grip.  Loop the wire around and insert it through the other end.  It’s self-locking and can be loosened using a supplied key.  I am very happy with this product and would use it again in a heart-beat.

The straight pipe goes together easy enough.  Cut the pipe to length using a pair of offset shears.  Then, snap the seam together by starting at one end and working down towards the other.  Once snapped together, it helps to drive a self-tapping sheet-metal screw near each end.  You could also use pop rivets.  Finish each section by crimping one end.  The crimped ends should always point back towards the collector.

I secured each section and fitting using a couple of sheet metal screws and then sealed all the seams with clear silicon caulk.

I’m currently about two-thirds of the way complete with my ducting.  Even with ample planning, it’s hard to know exactly what you’ll need until after you get started.  I am short a few fittings and patiently wait for them to arrive.

Stay tuned.

For the rest of the workshop build, check out the garage workshop build index.