Malco FST Fin Straightening Tool

My order arrived promptly and in perfect condition -- package undamaged. There are lots of Fin Straightening Tools on the market -- but the MALCO FST is the best-made, with a comfortable, no-slip, "ergonomic" grip that works much better than any other fin-straightening tool I've ever used. The MALCO FST models have durable plastic "teeth" that flex during use, thus preventing damage to the fins caused by the rigid metal "teeth" of most other fin straightening tools. The MALCO unit is comfortable to hold and use, and the fins may be straightened by either pushing OR pulling the tool along each row of fins. I prefer the "Pulling" method, where the tool is drawn toward the user. Drawing the tool towards the user gives better control of the tool, and greatly reduces the chance of fin damage. A light grip and a smooth stroke worked best for me. Note that there are TWO (2) models of MALCO Fin Straightening Tools. There is this model (FST) for the older, widely-spaced fin configurations -- and the MALCO FST2 -- for the more modern, high-efficiency designs with closely-spaced fins. I suggest buying BOTH models -- to make sure you have the proper size tool for YOUR particular job. You DON'T want to get on the roof and all ready to tackle the job, only to find out that you don't have the correct model of tool for both coils of your unit !! My own AC/Heating Unit takes both the FST and the FST2 to do a proper job of straightening the condenser fins AND the evaporator fins -- which are spaced differently. Your unit's coils may be different -- so measure them BOTH before ordering, because one tool will probably not fit the condenser AND the evap, too!! Take care to select the proper blade set before proceeding with fin straightening -- there is NO ROOM for error!! Buy a new can of WD-40, and spray some ON THE TOOL to help the tool slide smoothly between the fins. Take your time and save a LOT of money by greatly increasing the air flow through your hail-damaged HVAC unit. The Malco FST and FST2 can also be used to straighten the fins on damaged auto, truck, and tractor radiators, with the resulting cooler-running engines; thus saving money, fuel, and down-time. Good Luck!!

Works better than metal fin straighter. Less fear of damaging coils.

I bought 2 different tools to hopefully cover any application. I used the fine fine teeth, 22 or 24?? on a heater under a school bus seat. So many fins were bent. I gingerly dragged this tool through the fins until I got them looking uniform and almost like new. I see complaints about teeth breaking..Straightening fins is a delicate operation. Take your time and do it right.

Didn’t have a fine enough comb for any of my four ac units. So can’t evaluate fairly.

I bought this and FET2 to streighten air conditioner fins after hail storms. I am a contractor and streightening the fins on air conditioners is often specified in the scope of work by the insurance companies. Yes it is a bit tedious, but why run up the bill by subbing it to a refrigeration company (if you can get one to come out for only that). Will yor fins look new? No. Will your fins have full propper functioning and look better? Yes. If you find the teeth don't fit between the fins then you are using the wrong size. The right size is very important or you will find it either frustrating or impossible to get a good result. That is why I have both the FST and the FST2 plus a a ring of the Supco FCR6 combs. While I have heard of these being used to clean the fins there are better tools that are made especcialy for that.

This would work if your are slow and methodical in its use. I used it like a gorilla and the plastic fingers all got broken. Next time I'll go slower.

Fin tool has four selections depending on how far apart the fins are on the air conditioner. Even with the smallest selection the fins on the air conditioner are to small for the fin comb to work. Verify the spacing before you try to straighten the fins otherwise you will just bend more with this tool. The air conditioner this was used on was a LG 8000 btu window unit.

It's plastic and the fins are metal and this make the plastic breakdown after a few paths over the fins of the coil. I would consider this a disposable tool, to be used once and thrown away. The other issue is that the fin concentrations may not match the tooth concentrations on one of the sides of this tool. Mine didn't on one AC unit

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