How to Assemble a Steel Vent Pipe

Steel vent pipe is more commonly known as galvanized sheet-metal ducting. This vent pipe typically comes unsnapped when you purchase it. Steel vent pipe is unsnapped to allow easier shipping because it fits inside each other. You must assemble steel vent pipe in order to install it in your application. By snapping it together you create a round duct that air can flow through. Snapping it together is easy to do and requires little previous knowledge with sheet metal vent pipes.

Things You'll Need

• Steel vent pipe
• Work gloves
• Duct sealant
• Caulk gun

Instructions

1. Clear a space on the floor. You should be able to lay the steel vent pipe flat on the floor and be able to crouch over it.

2. Start at one end of the steel vent pipe, and insert the male part of the seam into the female groove. Slowly work them together along the length of the pipe. As you get closer to the other end, the rest of the seam will automatically "snap together," and the pipe will lock together.

3. Caulk the seam with a duct sealant to prevent air leaks from the seam when it is installed.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear gloves when handling steel vent pipe. The edges are extremely sharp and can cause serious cuts if handled with bare skin.

References

• The Duct Shop: Galvanized Sheet Metal Duct
• The Duct Shop: Duct Sealant
• Timothy Gonyo; Sheet Metal Workers Local #18; Milwaukee, WI