Economical Double Flare Tool Tips

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Just about to do a full brake line installation on a 71 restoration and I checked the net for some useful tips prior to the job:

0. Take time

1. Cut the line with a saw instead of a tubing cutter (tube cutter can harden the metal). 90 degree is ideal. To be sure, stick the tube in a bushing and hand file to 90.

2. Use emery paper to the end of the line to rough it up a bit (helps the clamp to hold it)

3. Set the correct height for the tube

4. Lube the threads of the clamp to improve the tools functioning

5. Tighten the clamp evenly to hold the brake tube. (One tip suggests tightening asymmetrically with the nearest side being tightened first however others say that symmetrical tightening is the key to a perpendicular brake line alignment)

6. Make sure the tube is perpendicular to the clamp

7. Ream the inside end of the tube and deburr

8. Chamfer the outside at 45 degrees

9. Put a drop of brake fluid on the tool and dip the end of the brake line in a water bottle cap filled with brake fluid

10. Do not over-tighten the flares.

11. As the tool starts to take up the pressure on the brake line end, wiggle/adjust the tool so that the pressing part is vertical. Tightening then backing off the pressure and adjusting slightly helps at this point.

11. Seamless tubing is better as stress cracks occur at the seams

12. Blow out tube to remove fillings/debris. Brake cleaner will do the trick.

Some pictures and a guide here:

http://www.carcraft.com/howto/50919/index.html

http://classicbroncos.com/brake_line_flaring.shtml

Interesting $70 double flare tool:

http://www.sporttruck.com/techarticles/0912st_double_flaring_tool_of_the_month/index.html

http://www.classicperform.com/Store/Tools/CPDFTD.htm

Edited May 3, 2011 by Blue