Brake line flaring

XJsavage

XJsavage

CounterCulture
Joined
Aug 15, 2009
Location
Lyle's Ford SC
I'm at a point in a build where I'll be needing to cut/flare custom brake lines from MC to cutting brakes to calipers f/r... etc. My question to anyone whos done this: Which flaring tool do you recommend for the task? Only one I have is a cheap chinese flare tool and I'm a little nervous about using it. Which one do you have and where to buy one? thanks.

oh BTW... this is a standard 3/16" hard line. This one to be exact: http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/Poly-Performance-12.5-Hard-Line-3-16-With-Fittings-p-16590.html
 
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you need to get you a double flairing tool and a good quality one at that.You can get them from sears or auto parts stores.They won't do S.S, lines tho.That takes a special tool that exerts alot of pressure. Just follow directions and you will get the hang of it real quick esp. after you forget to put the nut on a few times.
 
Thanks. I have honesty never messed with flaring brake lines before and as I'm shopping for a tool I see them priced from $20 all the way to several hundred so naturally I'm weary about using a cheap one.
 
a got a kit for 30 or so dollars and it has done me well.It has a flaring tool,the line rail,and 5 or 6 inserts you use initially. I wouldn't spend alot on it if you are using your standard metal lines and not stainless.
 
Look for a rigid brand. They make alot of the ones for the major tools suppliers....
 
i have flared 1000's of lines and used all kinds of flaring tools. the "die" is the most important piece of the tool. i would assume that you are trying to make inverted flares and not bubble flares. making sure the tubing is square at the end is probably the most important part of the job. being able to put the flaring tool in a vice also helps tremendously.
i have gone through so many flaring tools i finally bought one of these. http://www.mastercool.com/pages/flaring_tools.html
 
I used a cheap one building my buggy and by the time the lines were done...it was done, but it worked...buy a good one...you won't regret it
 
Once you use a Mastercool you will never go back to a screw style flaring tool. It actually makes it so you don't absolutely hate making brake lines! Works great on steel and stainless, JIC flares, bubble flares, efi quick connect flares... Definitely worth the money for a shop, but if you are only doing a couple flares you would be ok with a quality screw type. Like everyone said TUBE PREP is key!
 
Thanks again guys, I guess I'll be going with a Mastercool flare since that seems to be the popular choice. Im pretty stoked about getting this flaring project going. I'll post some step by step pics so my work can get some critiquing and just to have a good how-to thread floating around.
 
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