Double flare tool a joke

[Rich88]

I'm replacing brake lines, and had to transfer the 9/16" flare nuts to the new lines at the MC and proportioning valve. I decided to try doing things right and use a double flare tool.

After dozens of attempts following directions as well as my own experimentation I simply could not get the intended result. Each and every time I did step one, I ended up with distorted oblonged inverted crimp instead of a nice even round one. So I was compelled to go back to the scary practice of using a single flare....which has worked well in the past. But still....

So what's the secret with double flaring?

[Chumley360]

Patience, swearing, and practice. Also those ones with the double wing bolt jaws don't hold the line worth a darn. I've got a Snap-On one that probably does the best out of all the ones of that style I've used/had. Now I've got one of the fancy Mastercool hydraulic ones at work and it's awesome. But it's not worth the price for the casual user.

[ProTouring442]

Is it one of the ones in a little red box? If so, they suck.

Mastercool makes a good manual tool, part number 70092. You can find them on Ebay or other tool sales sites. I've had good luck with ToolDiscounter.com, and they have them for $45.

[tgreese]

Is it one of the ones in a little red box? If so, they suck.
...

Yes.

Supposedly the Rigid tool works well for a non-hydraulic tool.

http://www.amazon.com/Ridgid-23337-345-DL-Flaring-Tool/dp/B001HWKZLO

You can also try using Nicopp/Cunifer line, which is softer and seems to flare more easily.

I've had good luck with the inline tool now supplied by Cal-Van, but it only works with 3/16" tubing http://www.cal-vantools.com/p-162-au...ring-tool.aspx

[ProTouring442]

Yes.

Supposedly the Rigid tool works well for a non-hydraulic tool.

http://www.amazon.com/Ridgid-23337-345-DL-Flaring-Tool/dp/B001HWKZLO

You can also try using Nicopp/Cunifer line, which is softer and seems to flare more easily.

I've had good luck with the inline tool now supplied by Cal-Van, but it only works with 3/16" tubing http://www.cal-vantools.com/p-162-au...ring-tool.aspx

That one by Ridgid looks very nice. I think I'll have to pick one up.

[serehill]

YUP

The rigid works well still need a little patience though.

[243]

I recently bought the HF kit in the red box, had to do flares for my fuel lines, I didn't follow the directions and extend the tube through the clamp the required distance and I cut that on off and one flare was slightly oval.

There may be better tools but it worked fine fore me.

Making consistent bends in multiple parallel lines is a lot harder than good flares, I bet the electricians can bend brake and fuel lines a lot better than most.

[bufurd]

Helps to spray a little WD40 or some kind of lube on it too...

[Carnuck]

The cheapies use to say "mount in a vise for best results". I think the one I have still does.