Cutting and flaring new brake lines.

[BK]

Ok I got some new flaring tools. I was told by several not to go with cheapo stuff so I didn't. Since I've been going through rusty brake lines on several vehicles lately, and mechanics are such thieves, if I replace just one at this point myself the tools will more than pay for themselves with what I'm getting charged to have somebody do it. How even are your flares compared to a factory flare? I'm talking double flares of course. I do everything by the book and they look pretty good but just not quite perfect. I compare them to what's already on a piece of brake line I buy. Also the kit came with a tube cutter and I've heard some people say not to use a tube cutter as it "hardens" the line?????? I tried cutting the line with a dremel but same results. Line is de-burred and tapered, cut even, etc. Just doesn't look quite perfect. Is it good enough??

[gsmikie]

i use a matco double flairing tool and i have the little (2 inch) tubing cutter i use i cant tell the diff in mine and store bought unless it is a metric line then the inside of the flair is not pushed in as to let the fitting on the car do it

[Cecil14]

Not sure why a tubing cutter would harden the line? It doesn't really heat the line at all. If you were cutting it with a torch or something I can see it but a tubing cutter? Maybe I'm missing something but that doesn't really make any sense to me.

Anthony

[BK]

Yeah I don't think the cutter makes a difference. Maybe I'm puttin too much pressure on it, scrunching it down too much? Was reading on some other site that if you buy the rolls of the stuff that is easier to flare than the straight pieces you buy. Ah practice practice.

[PAJEEPER]

tubing cutter works fine though it will sort of taper the line in at the very end but very little, don't think that is a problem. I have used a hacksaw with great results just keep it straight and remove all burrs. Test the cutter and a hacksaw out on a piece of tubing and see which you like better.

[J20DAN]

I just redid all of my brakelines and fuel lines with 316 SS. I used a double flare tool from Snap-on. It works pretty well. Regualr steel is much softer than stainless, and will be easier to flare. My flares are rarely factory perfect but I only occasionally get a leaker. I have tried both a hacksaw and tubing cutter with little apparent difference. The only thing about the cutter is that you need to keep a sharp cutting wheel in the unit, otherwise it does crunch down on the tube and it is a bit harder to flare. The one big tip is to make sure you chamfer the tube end before flaring it makes the flare much cleaner than if you do not. I also use a drill to run down inside the tube to clean out any leftover metal that remains after cutting. Also make sure you have a sqare end after the cut. This is not a problem with a tubing cutter but is with a hacksaw.