Step expander A1 – Calibrating thick walled pipes, Ø 35–108 mm


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The ROTHENBERGER Step Expander A1 (Ø 35–108 mm / 1.3/8–4.1/8″) is a heavy-duty manual pipe expanding tool designed for expanding, reducing, and calibrating thick-walled pipes as well as producing tapers. Engineered for efficient, fitting-free pipe installation in sanitary, heating, gas, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems, it serves as an affordable alternative when laying larger pipe dimensions while saving significantly on soldering materials.

Pipe expanding tools in the Step Expander series feature a 6-size step expander design, allowing operator efficiency without tool changes. Capable of handling soft copper and aluminium pipes with wall thicknesses up to 2.5 mm, it delivers optimized force transmission through a trapezoidal screw thread with a self-lubricating bronze socket.

Key Features & Application Benefits

  • 6-Size Step Expansion: Expand multiple pipe dimensions without changing expander heads or tools.
  • Affordable & Cost-Saving: Provides an economical alternative for large-diameter piping while reducing the consumption of expensive fittings and soldering materials.
  • Full Bearing Construction: Expander head segments feature full bearing support to withstand maximum loads during heavy-duty operations.
  • Positive Fine Adjustment: Enables precision tuning of socket size and capillary gap for accurate, leak-free solder joints.
  • Trapezoidal Screw Thread: Integrated with a self-lubricating bronze socket to optimize manual force transmission and smooth operation.
  • Compulsory Guidance Mechanism: Uses 6 rivets and guiding ridges to guarantee perfect centered positioning and uniform capillary gaps.

Suitable Pipe Materials & Maximum Wall Thickness

Pipe Material Diameter Range (mm) Diameter Range (Inch) Max. Wall Thickness
Copper (Soft) Ø 35–108 mm 1.3/8–4.1/8″ 2.5 mm
Aluminium (Soft) Ø 35–108 mm 1.3/8–4.1/8″ 2.5 mm

Step Expander A1 Specifications

Model Name ROTHENBERGER Step Expander A1
Working Diameter Range Ø 35–108 mm (1.3/8–4.1/8″)
Expansion Steps (A1) 1.3/8″ – 1.5/8″ – 2.1/8″ – 2.5/8″ – 3.1/8″ – 4.1/8″
Unit Weight 4.200 kg
Part Number 11078 (PU: 1)
Drive Thread Trapezoidal screw thread with self-lubricating bronze socket
Included Items Step expander with handle (without special ratchet)

ROTHENBERGER Step Expander Models

Model Step Sizes / Included Diameters Weight PU Part No.
Step Expander A1 1.3/8 – 1.5/8 – 2.1/8 – 2.5/8 – 3.1/8 – 4.1/8″ 4.200 kg 1 11078
Step Expander A2 42 – 54 – 64 – 76.1 – 88.9 – 108 mm 4.200 kg 1 11086
Step Expander A3 35 – 42 – 54 – 64 – 76 – 108 mm 3.900 kg 1 11087
Step Expander A4 35 – 42 – 54 – 67 – 80 – 104 mm 3.900 kg 1 11089
Step Expander A5 1.1/4 – 4″ 3.800 kg 1 11093

Compatible Accessories

  • Special Ratchet: Heavy-duty ratchet handle for step expanders (No. 2/181 / 27181)

Related Tags: step expander, rothenberger step expander, pipe expander tool

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