brake line flaring tools

Any recommendation out there for a decent, inexpensive flaring tool kit for making brake lines? Can't afford one of the really big names, just wondering if anybody has a cheapo they've had good luck with.

Is the Harbor Freight model just too cheap? Or is it OK? Not like I'll have to make a living with it, only have one Jeep to make lines for.

Thanks!

 

Have you thought about renting one from an auto parts store? Most of the big names, Autozone ect, loan them for free with a deposit. I'd loan you mine if you were closer. Maybe also check out premade brake line.
Keith

 

No, I hadn't thought about renting/borrowing one from a FLAPS. Good idear! I was just going to buy new pre-mades, but I'm getting cheap in my old age. I'm also putting in one of Herm's dual-chamber m/c kits, so I'd have to make some flares anyway, since there's no pre-made lines for that app.

 

This is the one I got for about $23 at Sears. Worked well.

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&pid=00990129000&cat=Mechanics+Tools&subcat=Lift+Equipment&vertical=TOOL&ihtoken=1

 

I purchased an inexpensive one at Pepboys. Probably around $20 and it has worked fine so far. I usually purchase premade lines but they are usually to long so I end up cutting and flaring one end.

 

I have one of these..Works great..From JC Whitney. Take a look at web site.

PLIER-TYPE FLARING TOOL
Produces a 45° flare.
Customer Review:Read all 2 reviews
$24.99

 

same here

 

For some reason that Sears link doesn't work for me. Is this the one you guys are talking about? OTC Double Flaring Tool Kit
Sears item #00990129000 Mfr. model #4503 $22.95

 

That's the one. The link went bad on me for some reason. I replumbed the whole system with that and its the only thing on the jeep that does not leak R)

 

O.T.C are good tools. They make stuff for mac tools without the price!

 

I've used one similar over the years with good results. The advice about chamfering the inside of the tube is good advice. I have a reamer tool I use for that, but a drill bit will work also. I dremel with a cut off wheel is handy for quickly cutting the line also.
More advice, practice several times on an old line before doing your new ones, you'll be glad you did, and I always leave enough tube for a second try if I screw up the first one.

 

Also you want to have a perfectly square end before you start..

 

Hello

I actually have the oposite question. I seem to end up eventually replacing lines on every older car I have owned. I always repace the lines with stainless.
I have 2-3 cheap flare kits from pepboys, autozone, and sears. They all break eventually. Usually somewhere just before you finish the last fitting on a sunday just after the stores closed. So I have since bought a k-line set, a blue point set, and one from some other company that was also fairly expensive. So far all have broken the smallest die. and some have broken other sizes. One actually broke the anvil. I always make sure the tube is cut straight and have used tube cutters, chop saws, and a band saw to cut the tube. Eventually the die always fails after 20-30 flares. Any suggestions for a better brand, or longer life. So far I just buy a new flare set each time I replace the lines. I always replace all the brake lines at the same time so the cost is no big deal over the tubing and labor time. The nice thing about SS lines is that once made I have never replaced them or had any problems with them. Still if there's an alternative to buying a new tool set every time I would appreciate the advice.

 

Wow! You must work on a lotta cars! Personally, although the SS is nice, I think it's overkill. They've been making vehicles with steel brake lines for a long time, and if the vehicle is reasonably cared for they'll usually last forever. And the SS tubing is a lot tougher than the steel, so that's probably why you're killing the flaring tools. I'm just gonna use steel and paint 'em black. JMO.

 

Stainless lines would be nice and a consideration if one was keeping the vehicle forever or doing a complete line replacement anyway...I think the stainless being tougher to work with and leading to the tool breakage is probably on the money, I wouldn't have thought of that.

 

A small pipe cutter is great for that and does not cost much either. Got a bending tool? Gee, I forgot how much I spent on tools to do my brakes.

 

I bought a roll of brake line that was coated, not sure with what but it is a gray color. I got it at Federal auto parts they said it doesn't rust who knows it only cost $5 more. When I flair it the gray coating flakes off the flair so it is coated with something.

My bending tool is made by empire works great $20

 

Hi
I would not worry about rust where the coating flaked off. It will be inside the brass fitting and filled with brake fluid. It will never rust badly there.

As for ss yea its way overkill, but I hate to do things twice, once done it never fails for any reason. I use it because I build classic cars as a hobbie/ very part time side business. Besides being fail proof it also looks good against a pained frame. It is a thicker wall than standard tube and of course it harder. Its hell on all the tools. I have a very good tube bender that is made from solid high carbon tool steel and is 3x the size of a normal bender and has bearings in the piviot points and mechanical advantage similar to a vice grip to aid in bending. I think that was well worth the price if you use it often. The Flare kits are all the same from cheap to pricey so far. Well except for the $7 set that I cracked the anvil on. The $20-30 dollar sets have all been equal to the 100 plus sets so far in my opinion.