I always heard the double lip found on new tubing (brake lines, etc) gave the best seal. How can I form that if I have to cut the tubing? Is there a tool that does that, and do I really need to? - Bill o No:
They sell double flaring tools at the auto parts stores. Basically the same procedure as a single flare but with an added step. Tool will run you about $30 bucks for an inexpensive one.
http://www.tptools.com/product.asp?...No=1&mscssid=ASGT8ECEQ5CE8LC4WRH36B4W3HBG0QDF Check it out Bill.
Not to change the subject too much here, but does anyone know where to get the flaring tool that is used on steel fuel lines. From the factory the lines have a nice little bubble just behing the opening that the hose clamp can lock behind and the hose cannot be pulled off. You cant do this very well with a single or double flaring tool. Any suggestions
as a side note... If you are going to do 3/16" stainless brake lines - be prepared to buy more than one kit. The amount of elbow grease needed for the second flare is more than the handle and bar are rated for. So - the bar will bend and the housing will eventually crack where the bar runs through.....not to mention a number of new words coming out of your mouth
that'll do her! I think I ended up with a "Ridge - Ridgid" brand flare kit that lasted longer than the first. It was rated for SS but the small 3/16" diameter line put a hurt on it. The handle is bent and the pivot boss is showing some wear - but is super beefy elsewhere. I think I was out about $65 or so for it - and that was about 5 years ago. Here's one on ebay - it's missing the second flare spacer/bits (or whatever they're called) though. Good luck! :TU:
Here's a good all around set. Good for s/s too. Also does bubble flare for hose connections. http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/MAS-71475.html
I never had good luck making those. I have a snap-on double flare set but it's worn out and the tubing slides out of the holder as you flare it........pi$$es me right off! :af: :spank: :rant: I've been using single flares on my beaters and none have failed yet........even though it's cheating :grin: I even used a compression union on my son's rust bucket once in a pinch.......that's still holding together also. uzzled:
Would you be talking about something like an ISO flare? ISO Flaring tool The kit Bill M mentioned is similar to what most GM dealers were sent from Kent/Moore to use. If you have a buddy at a dealership..... :Brow:
To make a bubble flare to attach a rubber fuel ine to, I just perform the first step of the double flaring method using the insert. I have a Snap On kit that works mint. Although it looks like the one thats in Mike's link (probably cheaper too).
I hope you do not use single flare or compression fittings on brake lines!!!!! I do not want to sound like a dad ( although I am ) but that is the most dangerous and STUPID thing I have EVER seen. I have lost a few friends over the years in horrible car wrecks due to the exact same thing being done ( cheaping out ) on brake lines!! I drive as hard as any one and do not pretend to be a lawbiding citizen BUT even a beater can KILL if it's brakes fail because some one was too cheap or STUPID to fix the brakes right. To put your own sons life at risk is beyond what I can read about :af: I am sorry if I offend any one with this but I could not let that comment go unresponded to unfrigging beliveable :af: either buy a proper flare kit or have some one do the lines for you is saving a few dollars worth a life :shock: My life has been changed by this kind of STUPIDITY Ken once again sorry for sounding off but this is TOO important to take lightly
I should have been more specific......I was referring to fuel and tranny lines. Out here in the rust belt, steel lines don't last too long before they spring a leak. If I need to, I usually just tuck away the extra few inches of a new brake line somewhere rather than try to cut it length and aggravate myself making a new double flare. A poorly made double flare is more unsafe than a single flare IMHO. And those new bubble flares........I wonder whose brilliant idea that was? :spank:
I am sorry if I went off the deep end about the flare thing ou: and thank you for clarifing the issue I also use a single flare on trans and fuel lines in a pinch o No: And I agree with not trying to make a bad double flare as well.... now if we can find the bubble flare guy and .... well heheheh you know :spank: Ken K
Howdy, As a rule of thumb Transmission and Fuel lines use single flair and Brakes only use double flair. Get some extra tubing and practice,practice,practice before screwing up your good tubing. "Measure twice cut once" This only work part of the time.
I agree double flaring is overkill, but any original equipment flare I have seen has always been the double flare type even on fuel and transmission lines. I would suppose the engineers feel that the double flared end is less likely to pull out of the fitting than a single flared one. :bglasses:
Ken Dont beat yourself up too bad about the rant. I, like you, read the post as he was using single flares and compression fittings on brake lines. :spank: Terrible idea. You wouldnt think anyone would do this, but let me tell ya... When I bought my 46 Merc I drove it home and put it on the lift. The line running to the rear brakes had 2 compression fittings and a piece of rubber fuel hose and 2 hose clamps joining 2 sections of the steel line. I was absolutly shocked. Who knows how long it had been that way, but it was a disaster looking for a good downhill to happen on. I of course ripped everything out from the master cylinder on and replaced with new lines all doubled flared. Brakes and suspension are areas on a vehicle that should not be tackled by unexperienced people. If you screw up an engine or trans you usually just break down by the side of the road. If you mess up the brakes or the suspension you could die. Its that simple. OK sorry for my rant but I thought it was important to emphasize safety. Dwayne- Thanks for the link. That is what I was looking for
So it sounds like making your own double flare on a brake line is asking for trouble...is this the concensus? The line I want to repair is the 1/4" going to the rear brakes on a 84 'burb (Dual master cyl). - Bill
Bill a single flair has just a trumpet bell end and a doubble flair has a double thick trumpet bell end. most brake fittings will not seal with a single flair fitting. The tool folds the flair twice making it twice as thick giving you a better seal.
