finally got sick and tired of trying to get a perfect double flare so I had to find a better way this tool cost about the same as those crappy ones that don't work ($32), but this design works. there called inline flaring tool and made by cal-van just thought id pass it along jeff
I got that one but this one is the bomb. Perfect every time in seconds. http://www.surrauto.com/documents/FT351DeluxeFlaringTool.pdf
Another imperial tool guy.Also If your having trouble try the nickle copper tubing ,Real easy to work with and flares great....
Also a fan of the nickle-copper tubing - it's great to work with and I wish I had found out earlier in the work we just finished on my truck. It's world's apart from the PVC coated stuff and even the galvanized but if I had to pick it would be the plastic coated crap as a last resort. It's that noticeable of a difference in every way. I guess if you have the big bucks tool though it's not such an issue. I only have the imported crap kit from S-R. My buddy Keith has an old flaring tool that was much better to work with... let us know what you figure out and good luck. bob
That tool seems pretty cool. I truly need to invest in the fancy ones, I have used them and they are great. But the cheap ones are good if you file square, clean outside of pipe , and warm pipe. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
I've had the Old Style Cal Van (not the one the OP got) since the mid 70's. It works great every time, but you have to make sure that your cut is SQUARE and the you CHAMPHER the end of the tube. Do this, as the instruction say and they work perfect!
which is the professional way along w/ all the high dollar tools, but I just thought I would post up this low price option for those of use that only need to do a line or two a year. jeff
Where do you buy the "nickle-copper" tubing? The only thing my store has is the old galvinized stuff or the colored stuff. Thanks, Howie
I have the Eastwood one. http://www.eastwood.com/professional-brake-tubing-flaring-tool.html Pricey, but it rules.
I guess it just depends on how much you want to spend,the expensive tools do the job first time,every time. The old style double flaring tools work for me,,yeah on occasions I might have to cut and start over but I have done all my cars with this tool and it's served me well for 40 years now. HRP
One badass flaring tool is made by mastercool. It's a hydraulic flaring tool. It even does stainless! Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
try NAPA for the 'copper-nickel' brake line, proper name is CUNIFER. do a google on copper-nickel to get the 'whole story'. used on BMW, MERCEDES BENZ, VOLVO, PORSCHE, VOLVO, plus other high dollar european autos. about $70 for 25 feet. as described earlier, easy to flare/bend/shape by hand, doesn't rust out! saved my butt many times! also go to a pick-a-part yard for used sections, if you don't want to spend the money for a full coil. thanx red
+1 on this Eastwood unit......when I had loaned out my grandfathers Imperial flair kit (he passed and the family closed his shops in 1964 and his tools handed down through the years) and when it was not returned, I bought this eastwood kit. Did a front to back complete brake system in less than a day with this kit and only messed one flair.... this kit is foolproof, used it on regular tube and SS. Tom
x2, just can't beat it, got mine couple of months ago, getting ready to run brake and fuel lines on a buds 40 chassis, have played with it a few times but this will be the first big time deal with it. Well worth the money!
Yeah the key to good flares is a square end and chamfered. On the Eastwood flare tool, when you do the first bubble flare, pull the handle good. On the second flare operation, just pull the handle not as hard, so as to leave a bit of the flare to deform when you tighten your fitting. Oh and use a dab of anti seize or oil before flaring. Good luck! Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
...and don't forget to put the tube nut on before you flare. Ask me how I know lol Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
How do you get this to the car and do repair work ??? You don't, that's the problem I guess. And you still need a good old fashioned tried and true flair tool. I'd get that master cool unit if it did the transmission quick connect fitting flares. That would pay for itself in one winter in the rust belt.
Yeah... It only works on the bench. You'd have to remove the line. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
x 2^, scored a whole vintage AMERICAN MADE Imperial double flare kit at the flea market years ago. I had some Harbor Freightish Chinese thing and yes, the flares were crap.
this; is the one that I have had since the 1970's. I have done hundreds of brake lines with it at my shop and home and have only had maybe 1 or 2 leakers ever. Like I said, a square cut and a good chamfer and Bob's Yer Uncle. And they only run about $30.00 these days (I think I paid $9.95)
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