Is brake line flaring difficult?

[Paisano]

I have some experience installing brake lines. But I have never flared a brake line.
I plan to install an extra long brake line this spring, which will need to be flared.

I'm thinking about using the Auto Zone loaner tool for this.
But I heard that flaring doesn't go well unless you use a high quality tool, like the turret type one.
Any thoughts on this?

 

[Curious Hound]

I don’t have anything that fancy. But I get by alright. Get a few feet of extra line and practice. It’s cheap and almost fun. You might want to practice bending, also. Use a bender so you don’t kink the line.

 

[mr_manny]

Brake line flaring is not difficult.
That being said, I do find the process easier with a nice flaring tool.
HTH

 

[bobbywalter]

what size line?


the titan is the best one for the money.

Titan Tools Double Flaring Brake Line Tools, 45 Degree 1/4 & 3/16 | eBay

It makes SAE Double Flares, For use on steel, nickel, and copper tube, Designed to be used in the tightest of areas to repair a brake line, Handle can be removed and the head of the tool can be mounted in a bench vise so you can make several flares with ease, The handle can be removed.

www.ebay.com

great deal...

Summit Racing SUM-900318D Summit Racing™ On-Car Flaring Tools | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Summit Racing™ On-Car Flaring Tools with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Flaring Tools at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I flared a lot of lines with the AZ loaner tool. Still have one. It’s definitely easier if you can clamp the clamp in a vice (why the one leg of the clamping bar is longer, so you can stick that in a vice), but you don’t have to. The real key is to make sure that your cuts are squared and de-burred. That’s the most important thing for any flare tool. I like a sharp tubing cutter and take my time cutting then use a de-burring tool.

Hydraulic flare tools aren’t super expensive anymore so possible. I’ve never used one of those yet, but I did buy a turret type a few years back. Expensive but worth it to me. I also bought the adapters to do AN line as well (37* flare instead of 45*).

 

[bobbywalter]

you cant beat that summit unit with a bag of sticks and a Louisville.

 

[gaz]

@Paisano
I have always considered it more art than effort. Ensure that your tools are for the type of metal that you plan to using (size, type...Aluminum, copper or stainless steel), do not expect perfection, practice and be patient. All it needs to do is work.

Hard not to agree with @lil_Blue_Ford as the cut tubing end needs to be perpendicular, deburr and buff prior to making the flare. Any imperfection here are cracks waiting to grow.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

@Paisano
I have always considered it more art than effort. Ensure that your tools are for the type of metal that you plan to using (size, type...Aluminum, copper or stainless steel), do not expect perfection, practice and be patient. All it needs to do is work.

Hard not to agree with @lil_Blue_Ford as the cut tubing end needs to be perpendicular, deburr and buff prior to making the flare. Any imperfection here are cracks waiting to grow.

Not only a possibility of cracks, but I’ve found if it’s not a square cut and all cleaned up, it usually doesn’t flare correctly, even on a more expensive flaring tool.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

The real key is to make sure that all the required nuts are on the brake line before you flare the ends.

FIFY

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

FIFY

But leaving the nuts off is how you get a perfect flare every time!

 

[Curious Hound]

FIFY

 

[19Walt93]

The tool I bought from Napa over 40 years ago looks like this and works fine. I agree that it's important to get a clean cut on the line and file off any burrs before flaring. Practice a few times and go for it. Remember to put the fitting on the line- facing the right way- before you start.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

The tool I bought from Napa over 40 years ago looks like this and works fine. I agree that it's important to get a clean cut on the line and file off any burrs before flaring. Practice a few times and go for it. Remember to put the fitting on the line- facing the right way- before you start.
View attachment 139339

That's all I have ever used.

 

[Paisano]

I believe my truck uses 3/16 inch brake line.
(92' Ford Ranger XLT 2.9 liter, 4WD, rear anti-lock brakes)

And one important fact: I will be using pliable poly-armour brake line. Tubing bender not needed. I use my index finger as a guide to bend by hand. I already have it on my front brakes.

Someone mentioned practicing flaring might be fun. I have no doubt.
(as a side note, when I practice soldering plumbing pipes that is really fun and interesting)

I'll practice then with the Auto Zone loaner tool. Can't justify buying an expensive tool. I can get 25 ft roll of soft steel brake line off the Internet. Not sure what you guys mean by 'square cut.'

 

[SenorNoob]

Not cut at an angle with something like a grinder.

The end should be square with the length.