Community Forums

donandmax · 08-02-2011, 10:40 AM

Has anybody ever straightened out the fins on the back of your ac units ?
Mine need it bad the whole back is flattened I need more air circulation to keep the unit from freezing, up slowing down, and no cold air. Home Depot sells a tool for this but the 2 reviews on their site gives it a thumbs down and a suggestion of "dont buy"

2fasttoon · 08-02-2011, 11:17 AM

I used a nylon brush (straight brissell scub brush) to straighten and clean the fins, it worked pretty good. It sure did help the cleaning of the fins.

Perry White · 08-02-2011, 11:25 AM

You can buy a fin tube straightner from a HVAC supply store.

TXiceman · 08-02-2011, 06:22 PM

If you don't take your time and work slowly, the fin comb is really hard to work with. It not a simple matter of running the comb through the fins like your hair brush.

Start in a undamaged section and work over 1 or 2 damaged fins at a time.

Ken

Norm4015 · 08-02-2011, 06:28 PM

On my 2000 Dutch Star I had the fins crushed on two air conditioners during a hail storm. I bought a fin comb and it worked on the fins that were slightly bent, but did not work well on the ones that were crushed. I ended up using a small screwdriver and worked one fin at a time. It took about 2 hours per air conditioner and when I was through they looked like new.

garym114 · 08-02-2011, 06:42 PM

I had to straighten the fins on both A/Cs. I used a fin comb, a knife and a small screwdriver. My DuoTherms are 14 fins per inch. figure out what yours is before using the fin comb. I took the handle off the comb, better control and can get closer to the edges. I covered both with hail screen when I got done.
If the fins are bent down flat don't use the fin comb until you lift them up a little. GO SLOW.

dons2346 · 08-02-2011, 06:59 PM

Popsicle stick!

donandmax · 08-03-2011, 07:32 AM

OK guys looks like I have my work cut out for me. GaryM where did you by the "comb" you have pictured ? Right now its hotter than hell here in Co. and lots of humidy to boot. When it cools down I'll use your suggestions and thanks alot
Don

garym114 · 08-03-2011, 09:44 AM

Got it at a big auto parts place. Harbor freight has the same thing.
Radiator Fin Straightener

jcgribks · 08-03-2011, 11:31 AM

Don't bother getting the one from Home Depot, it doesn't work good at all. I ended up using a very small screwdriver and did one fin at a time.

Dave1956 · 08-03-2011, 12:34 PM

what is the procedure for cleaning them??

TXiceman · 08-03-2011, 06:11 PM

To clean them, after you have them straight, get a can of foaming spray cleaner.

Ken

JC2 · 08-03-2011, 06:22 PM

AC-Safe Air Conditioning Coil Foaming Cleaner - AC-920 at The Home Depot

BTW, the fin comb from Home Depot that I suggested in an earlier post worked very well for me. I just took my time and did a few fins at a time.