A home mechanic will easily be able to deal with flaring, it’s that simple. Yes, it might seem a bit intimidating task but apparently that’s not true. It’s quite manageable and requires less expense.
Now many times I receive this question, how to flare brake line without tool. Before you actually try such a thing or I talk about it, let me spell it out, IT’S DANGEROUS!
Even with proper equipment, people tend to mess up. And trying such a thing without a proper tool is possible but definitely not recommended.
Everything You Need to Know About Right Flaring.
In most cases, you’ll be able to single flare copper tubing with such a toolless wish. However, with a double flare, it’s virtually impossible. Also, mind that single flares have a tendency of splitting when tightening happens within fittings. And so, using the right tool for this job is more important than you think. Otherwise, you may end up finding the entire system bugged.
To be honest, you don’t need to spend much on such requirements. A flaring tool newly bought won’t cost you a fortune. It’s probably going to cost less than ten dollars. Some of you may have family members or friends owing one already. You can borrow from them as well.
A Bit of Idea About Basic Types…
Usually, there are quite a few types of flares used in automobiles. First, come single flares that are appropriate for low-pressure line basically. However, for the brake system using high pressure won’t be able to use these. You only get to flare once with this type. It could be a conical shape. These are prone to leak and crack issues.
Double flare is next type that is basically the most common one. Two times of forming lines on end is what basically the double flare relates to. Being similar to looks with single flare, this type is actually stronger and acceptable during high-pressure situations. US manufacturer cars usually use double flares.
And finally, bubble flares are seen in imported European vehicles. Being the first step to double flare, this type is however not interchangeable. There’s a lot to talk about on double and bubble flare differences.
Inexpensive Tools to Try…
The answer to how to bubble flare brake line or any other type entirely depends on what tool you’re using. And so, exploring various styles of brake line flaring tool is important.
There are quite a few types available that we’ll be discussing today, most are commonly used ones.
Conventional Flaring Tool
It’s probably the most inexpensive one on this list. However, you’ll need more time as well as expect a slightly inefficient result for making flares.
There are a few of these tools that can only make bubbles and single flares. So, when you decide to choose the conventional style, be aware that it might not be capable of producing double flares. However, for the other two types, this is a great option to try.
Vise Mounted Flaring Tool
Now, this is a more professional category for the flaring tool. It comes with an effortless method. You need to start with mounting the tool on a vise. Then simply insert brake line. It should go inside the adapter with right size. There will be a head indexed with turret-style. You need to turn it accordingly. Then simply press the T-handle to finish it off.
The vise mounted brake line flaring tool will help you make a huge number of flares within less time. Also, the produced flares are pretty good in quality. With these tools, you’ll be able to make almost every type of flare.
Hydraulic Flaring Tool
When talking about efficiency, durability, and versatility, it has to be a hydraulic tool that provides all of these. But there’s a price to pay. These are expensive and need more time than vise mounted ones. You can try these for every standard and metric flares on various lines.
On Car Flaring Tool
This is probably the category that fits where the other types don’t. This is the handy and very compact type to make flares by retaining brake lines. Usually, these are compatible for under the hood usage. And so, you are always having advantages owing one of these.
Finally, How to Flare…
- Start by measuring the brake line length using any tape suitable. You need to get accurate measurements, so be cautious and gradual.
- Make sure you are wearing proper hand and eye protection gear. It’s going to be really unsafe otherwise, so don’t ignore it.
- Now you need a hacksaw or tubing cutter. Use it for cutting the brake tubing. It needs to be at the desired length.
- There should be no burrs while you cut brake tubing. However, with a hacksaw, sometimes burr can appear. So, make sure you remove them.
- To form tubing flare, you need the flaring tool. This is something you’ve already chosen accordingly, such as a double flare tool.
- Now focus on the tubing’s end part. You need to put the cone of tool right here. It needs to be centered properly on the tube’s end. Simply lower the cone down to do so.
- The tube part being flared needs to be against bar’s countersunk recess pretty firmly. And so, you need to turn the advance screw. This will move cone for the purpose.
- Finally, have a look at the new flare. It should be free from any sort of imperfections, splits or cracks. If you discover any such thing, cut or use different tubing pieces to sort it out.
Conclusion
So, what do you think? Are you still interested in learning how to flare brake line without tool? Well, I hope not. Because that part is pretty much all you need to ruin the entire thing. Do yourself a favor by getting an appropriate flaring tool that usually costs fairly less. And you’ll thank yourself whenever there’s a need to flare brake lines.
