LOKRING

TUBING CONNECTORS
A HIGHLY RELIABLE METHOD FOR JOINING
METALLIC TUBING
 LOKRING HISTORY
‰ In the late 1960’s, Lokrings were invented to solve braze joint
problems in the B-1 bomber program.
‰ By the late 1970’s, the patent rights for refrigerant applications were
secured by the VULKAN-Hackforth
Group in Germany.
‰ VULKAN LOKRING was integrated into the VULKAN Hackforth
Group and design, manufacturing and sales were launched in 1979.
‰ Due to the extensive use of ISO-Butane, Lokrings quickly dominated
the OEM and service markets in Europe.
‰ In 1992, VULKAN-Hackforth purchased rights to the US market.
‰ More than 90 Million OEM rings are being installed annually by
Appliance, HVAC & Automotive manufacturers.
 Speed and Ease of Installation

The LOKRING Tube Connection allows a fast and

reliable connection of tubes, even of different
material. This tube connection system is a cold,
clean method that eliminates the need for Brazing.

Field reports indicate a Labor savings of between

30% and 50% on various Ductless System
Installations and also eliminates the need for
nitrogen flow during installs.
 Lokring Basics
1. Clean tube ends with abrasive mat or fine emery cloth & debur as
necessary.
2. Apply stabilization inserts if required.
3. Place the ring (chamfered edge facing tube end) over the tube if
not pre-mounted on the Lokring body.
4. Apply sufficient Lokprep to tube. (1 to 2 beads completely around
the tube end depending on size. ( 1 bead ½ inch and under 2
beads over ½ inch.)
5. Place Lokring over tube to internal stop and rotate tube or Lokring
to distribute Lokprep.
6. Using appropriate jaws and Lokring assembly tool, push the 1st
ring onto the Lokring body until fully seated to stop.
7. Repeat steps 3 thru 6 for second side of Lokring connector.
8. Allow Lokprep a minimum of 10 minutes set up time before
applying stress, vacuum or pressure to the connection. (Note in
temperatures below 55 F allow 30 minutes)
Tube Cleaning

Tubes should be
cleaned using a radial
motion with an
abrasive mat or similar
fine abrasive product.
 Stabilization Inserts

Stabilization Inserts should always be used on soft

copper tube sizes 3/8 inch thru 3/4 inch.
 Lokprep Application

Proper application
dose of Lokprep on
tube sizes ¼ thru ½
inch is approx. one
1/8 inch bead 360
degrees around the
tube ¼ inch back from
the end of the tube.
Lokprep on sizes larger than ½ inch

One additional bead

of Lokprep between
½ and ¾ inch back
from the end of the
tube is needed for
proper coverage.
 Dispersing Lokprep

The Lokring should

be placed over the
end of the tube and
turned 360
degrees to evenly
disperse Lokprep.
Visual Aid for Proper Tube Insertion

1. Remove ring from

Lokring body.
2. Place ring over
tube chamfered
side toward tube
end.
3. Place Lokring body
1 over tube end until
2
3 fully seat against
4
internal stop and
mark tube.
4. After completing
connection, marks
aligning with
Lokring body end
indicate tube is
correctly inserted.
Wrong Tube must be
inserted fully to
Lokring internal stop.

Correct
 Lokring Assembly Tool
Position the tool with the correct jaws
sizes over the Lokring connector as
shown and operate the tool ensuring
the tube remains fully inserted and
jaws are properly seated.
Continue to operate the tool until
the ring is fully seated against the
stop. Use the same steps to
complete the other side of the
Lokring connector.
Completed Connection

Both rings fully seated

against stops. Lokring
connection is ready
for service.
THE COLD CLEAN CONNECTION

Internal Cleanliness comparison of a

Lokring Connection and a Brazed Joint.