ByWhen you purchase your first project car, you quickly learn it needs more work than just a basic clean-up. One of the parts that will need your attention along the way is the brake line.
Brake lines need extra care when shot, even if they are still functional. You can spend hundreds of dollars on pre-bent lines or create your own.
Not everyone will encounter such a scenario, but if you plan to handle your repairs, you will require a brake line flaring tool. You will ultimately need to flare some brake lines, whether you’re working on a project car, servicing your daily driving, or working in the field.
Fortunately, it’s a simple procedure, although the appropriate tool is required. Even though many solutions seem similar, not everyone will benefit from them in the same way. This is particularly true when you consider the kinds of initiatives that a person will take.
Purchasing high-quality tools is a sensible investment. Regarding brake lines, you want something that will provide great outcomes. We’ve compiled the most practical insider tips to help you find the ideal brake line flaring tool.
Benefits of Brake Line Flaring Tool
Brake line flaring tools offer numerous benefits:
- Perform Your Own Repairs
Having a brake line tool will help you save money and time. Hiring a professional to repair rotten or broken brake lines is not required, nor is purchasing expensive ready-made lines necessary—especially if you are interested in buying brake line flaring tools for do-it-yourself jobs.
- It Can Be Used For Other Projects
You can use a flare tool to flare other tubes on the vehicle or other similar material. If that’s your plan, then you’ll need to choose a kit that works with the right supplies and tube diameters.
- Easy To Use
Using flaring tools is quite easy with a little practice. Reviewing the instructions and having a basic understanding of mechanical systems are all that is needed to complete even the most complex designs.
Types of Brake Line Flaring Tools
There are different types of brake line flaring tools:
- Traditional
These flare instruments use a bar and yoke to flare lines. The yoke drives the flare adapter into the brake line to produce a flare, and the bar holds the brake line in place. Certain models are available that don’t need any extra tools to operate, but most don’t.
- Hydraulic
Instead of using a fastening design, these flare tools force the flare adapter into the line using hydraulic power.
These will be excellent for professionals since they offer unparalleled performance and can even be used with one hand. However, they cost a lot more money than conventional solutions.
- Compact
Flaring lines on a vehicle are frequently too big to employ for traditional and hydraulic systems. These tools have a replaceable adapter and a single-line opening. Even though they are limited to using tubing with a single diameter, they will quickly remove flaring tools that are already on the vehicle.
Key Features
You get to enjoy the following features of a brake line flaring tool:
- Quality Construction
The first things to look out for are inexpensive or flimsy materials and subpar designs. Your life may be in the hands of the tool you employ, so ensure it consistently produces a high-grade flare.
Defective castings and poorly made tools might result in deviations that cause the line to fail too soon or not seal properly.
- Simple Operation
An easy operation is the best kind. You should never purchase a complicated or difficult-to-use tool. A complex procedure can lead to low-quality outcomes.
While most flare tools have straightforward designs, others rely on extra equipment and processes that you might not be aware of.
- Useful Flaring Styles
Not every flare tool yields the same amount of flares. Some, for instance, only produce one kind of flare, which you might not be able to use.
Always be sure the instrument you use can generate the flares needed for your application. If not, you might not get a good seal, or the flare might not work at all.
Other Considerations
Here are other aspects to consider when choosing a brake line flaring tool;
- Storage Case
One should always search for a storage case. Certain packages include a basic plastic tray to store the flare tool’s parts. It functions flawlessly at first but ultimately breaks down. Thus, it’s a good idea to look for tools that at least have a blow-molded casing when making a purchase.
- Inclusion of Necessary Tools
A flaring tool can only flare lines. It won’t cut or file lines, nor will it deburr them. To do these activities, you will require additional tools. Therefore, it is usually a smart idea to spend your money on an all-inclusive package. You will have to make more investments if they don’t.
- Compatibility with Larger Tubing
Although most brake lines have tiny diameters, larger lines found in other plumbing systems require a flare tool. If you work on HVAC, plumbing, or fuel lines, it can be wise to get a kit that can flare bigger tubing.
Tips
We have gathered some expert tips to help you maximize the use of a brake line flaring tool:
- You must exercise caution when flaming a line to avoid applying too much pressure. If not, there’s a good chance the flare will break and fail too soon.
- Ensure the line’s end is cut as straight and burs-free as possible before flaring it. It won’t correctly seal if you don’t.
- Even if you have to take a few tries to get the finest flare possible, take your time and practice. The line will probably collapse if details are missed in the rush to finish.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, using a brake line flaring tool is essential for anyone working on cars, whether for repairs or custom projects. It allows you to save money by doing your own brake line flaring and can be used for various other tubing projects.
While there are different types of flaring tools, it is crucial to choose one that is easy to use, made from quality materials, and compatible with your needs. Investing in a good flaring tool will ensure your projects are safe and successful.
