Window Air Conditioner Condenser Fin Comb

[Al]

Newer A/C units have finer fins and all the combs I had did not work. I then purchased a set of approx. 12 size combs. None worked.

Then I bound this

You move the white "band" back to the handle and the small wires will find fins to ride in and straighten the bent fins. Amazing!!!

 

[midnightlaundry]

Talked to a retired HVAC Tech about this exactly the other day,,
You need the right Comb and the you move side to side and don't pull straight up because you'll shred things..
He said one time the kids in the neighborhood mushed the Fins on this lady's Condenser Unit. His job was to comb out the Fins all day!

 

[JHZR2]

Source?

 

[sloinker]

I buy the cleaning foam in a can. It comes with a comb cap. Works well with my outside condenser coils.

 

[Chris142]

combs dont work well. You need a small scredriver and a 6 pak.

 

[Lubener]

I am wondering how the fins on a window unit get distorted in the first place requiring a fin comb?

 

[skyactiv]

The fins on Trane and American Standard condensers are a special breed.

 

[Al]

Talked to a retired HVAC Tech about this exactly the other day,,
You need the right Comb and the you move side to side and don't pull straight up because you'll shred things..
He said one time the kids in the neighborhood mushed the Fins on this lady's Condenser Unit. His job was to comb out the Fins all day!

Just another opinion. This tool fixes the fins. On older units (as I said) fins were more coarsely spaced. I had the right tool. Now those comb sizes are not available to non professionals at least. This tool works as well as well as previous tools I have used.

combs dont work well. You need a small scredriver and a 6 pak.

..lol Been there done that

 

[Owen Lucas]

Now those comb sizes are not available to non professionals at least. This tool works as well as well as previous tools I have used.

You can get specialty tools at plumbing / hvac supply houses. They are usually a small storefront within a warehouse. I’ve never had any issues buying fittings, tools, and even a furnace. If you don’t have an account they call it a “street invoice” or something like that. Places like Granger are more strict but many local suppliers are fine selling to anyone.

 

[captainbeandip]

The one on the left is a brush. Made for brushing surface lint off of the coil, not for straightening fins.

I second Chris142's advice. A pocket screwdriver and going after one bent fin at a time often works just as good, if not better than a fin comb. Especially on a small coil.

 

[Al]

The one on the left is a brush. Made for brushing surface lint off of the coil, not for straightening fins.

I realize that. I used to teach A/C

 

[DriveHard]

I am wondering how the fins on a window unit get distorted in the first place requiring a fin comb?

Bought a house where the PO thought a pressure washer was a good idea for cleaning the fins.

I have also witnessed an un-attended child that thought it was cool they could make pictures with their finger on the side of an A/C unit.

 

[oil pan 4]

I am wondering how the fins on a window unit get distorted in the first place requiring a fin comb?

For me, hail.

 

[oil pan 4]

Newer A/C units have finer fins and all the combs I had did not work. I then purchased a set of approx. 12 size combs. None worked.

Then I bound this

You move the white "band" back to the handle and the small wires will find fins to ride in and straighten the bent fins. Amazing!!!

Where you get it from?

 

[JTK]

I've seen a window shakers have small areas of mashed fins, brand new, right out of the box. My Midea unit came that way. I was too hot an unpleasant at the time to return it for that. I figure it will poop out soon enough from something else anyway.

 

[MrCreosote]

I've found a tooth brush does nicely.

Also a credit card is good for straightening bent fins.