How to Get Out a Stuck Air Conditioner Orifice Tube

Orifice tubes are normally simple to remove because a simple twisting motion accompanied by a tug dislodges them from their connections. Using needle-nose pliers helps pull off tougher tubes. If the tube breaks when you try to remove it, dislodging it becomes more of a challenge because the broken tube is tougher to reach inside the air conditioner. If you use certain basic materials, though, the stuck air conditioner orifice tube comes loose in no time.

Needle-nose pliers
Drywall screw

Instructions

- 1
  Reach for the orifice tube with needle-nose pliers and try to disconnect it with a gentle tug. If the pliers don't disconnect the hose, use them to tear an opening in the tube into which you can fit a screw.
- 2
  Insert a 3- or 4-inch drywall screw into the tube and embed the tip into the interior of the tube so it attaches strongly. Ideally, the end of the screw should make contact with the brass orifice in the tube.
- 3
  Wedge the screw against the side of the brass orifice and use it as a crowbar to pry out the orifice tube. A drywall screw is strong enough to disconnect the tube and pull it out of the air conditioner.

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