Who it’s for: Licensed HVAC/R techs and plumbers who want a fair dinkum 1/2″ expander head for the Imperial 175EX XpandR™ tool. Create uniform, leak-free sockets without extra fittings — quicker brazes, no dramas, and fewer call-backs.
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Function & benefits
This 1/2″ replacement head (MPN: 175EX08) drops onto your 175EX to expand tube ends for brazing or soldering — cutting out couplings, speeding installs, and keeping pressure drops down.
- ✅ Self-centring, hardened jaw segments — accurate, round sockets that braze cleanly and hold pressure.
- ✅ Uniform capillary gap — better capillary action and joint quality; fewer “come back and fix it” jobs.
- ✅ Reduced fittings & joints — save time on every run and carry fewer parts on the truck.
- ✅ Built for site work — high-alloy, long-life segments that cop daily use, too easy.
Where it can be used
Made for HVAC/R and plumbing swaging on 1/2″ tube:
- ✅ Soft copper straight from the coil (or anneal the end of hard-drawn copper before expanding).
- ✅ Soft thin-wall steel & stainless within Imperial’s application limits (check wall thickness and job spec).
- ✅ Ideal for refrigeration, air conditioning, and general plumbing where you want strong, leak-free brazed joints.
Pro Tip
Deburr the I.D., lightly chamfer the O.D., and wipe clean. If the line is hard-drawn, torch-anneal just the last 25–40 mm to a dull red and let it cool before expanding. You’ll get a smoother socket, tighter capillary, and prettier fillets.
Why this head matters
On a Gold Coast split change-out, we swapped a coupling for a quick expand on 1/2″ suction. Two heats, rod flowed like butter, and pressures were spot-on — job signed off before smoko. It’s a small upgrade that makes a bloody good difference across the week.
Need other sizes? See our Expander Heads collection for 3/8″ through 1-5/8″ options.
What’s included & specifications
- ✅ Includes: 1 × Imperial 1/2″ expander head (175EX08)
- ✅ Compatible with: Imperial 175EX XpandR™ manual expander
- ✅ Jaw segments: High-alloy, hardened steel; self-centring design
- ✅ Typical use: Form swage/socket for brazed or soldered joints on approved tubing
- ✅ Warranty: Manufacturer’s Limited Lifetime Warranty (workmanship/materials)
| Brand | Imperial |
| Model / MPN | 175EX08 (1/2″ head) |
| Fits tool | Imperial 175EX XpandR™ |
| Materials / media | Soft copper; soft thin-wall steel & stainless (per Imperial spec) |
| Best practice | Deburr; anneal end of hard-drawn copper before expanding |
Warranty & Returns
Covered by Imperial’s Limited Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials/workmanship. See our site Shipping & Returns for store policy details.
FAQs
- Does this head fit the 175EX kit I already have?
- Yes — it’s the OEM 1/2″ head for the 175EX XpandR™.
- Can I expand hard-drawn copper?
- Yes, but anneal the tube end first so it swages smoothly and stays round.
- Is stainless OK?
- Only soft, thin-wall stainless within Imperial’s application limits. Check wall thickness and follow site spec.
- What else should I grab?
- Keep sizes on hand and a deburr tool. If you need the full swaging set, the 175EX kit is the go.
Related products
- Imperial 175EX XpandR™ Kit — Handy when you want all five heads in one case.
- Expander Heads (All Sizes) — Keep 3/8″ to 1-5/8″ covered so every site visit is sorted.
- Imperial Tools Collection — Match with flaring bars, cutters and deburrers.
- Blog: Choosing Expanders — Quick read on when expanding beats using fittings.