Critique my brake flares

[focusedontheprize]

This weekend I tried my hand in flaring brake lines. I have never done this before so I did quite a bit of reading and making sure I followed everything properly. I have a good set of flaring tools (MAC Tools) so quality of tools wasn't a worry.

I started with cutting my lines and trying to keep them square a possible. I used a file to clean up the edges and the outside of the tube just a bit. I then deberred in the inside of the line with a drill bit.

After that I measured the appropriate amount of tube length to leave exposed (measured with the adapter), I then dabbed a little brake fluid on the end (recommended by someone) and then squared up the adapter with the tube. I started my first bubble, took off the adapter, and then flared the end of it. Here is a couple of the flares.

I am looking for feedback. I don't think they look that great and would like any recommendations on my technique. I look at my picture and then look at "great flares" and I am doing something wrong haha.

Thanks.

[63 & 64 Bowties]

I'm guessing you didn't use a tubing cutter to cut the lines?
If you use a tubing cutter, there's no use for a file. Just use the little de-burr tool on the side of the cutter on the inside of the tubing, and you're good to go.

[Kim57]

What 63&64 Bowties said.
A good tubing cutter is a must for clean square cuts on tubing.
Kim

[focusedontheprize]

Thanks for the responses guys.

I did not use a tube cutter to be honest. Stupid move.

I will just cut the flare and start over again. Back to the drawing board this week. Any other recommendations?

[cajundragger]

don't use a file.

do use a tube cutter and the triangle deburr.

you want to make as little shavings as possible. I flush my lines with air then brake cleaner then air again.

I've never had to lubricate anything flares before. Seems like it would just make a mess. I have probably the same MAC flare tool. Just follow the instructions. Its pretty simple.

the only problem you may have is sometimes stainless will split, but it doesn't look like you're using stainless. The flare may look funny until you clamp them down with the nut, then when you loosen them up they are perfect.

[focusedontheprize]

Originally Posted by cajundragger

don't use a file.

do use a tube cutter and the triangle deburr.

you want to make as little shavings as possible. I flush my lines with air then brake cleaner then air again.

I've never had to lubricate anything flares before. Seems like it would just make a mess. I have probably the same MAC flare tool. Just follow the instructions. Its pretty simple.

the only problem you may have is sometimes stainless will split, but it doesn't look like you're using stainless. The flare may look funny until you clamp them down with the nut, then when you loosen them up they are perfect.

I will be sure not to use a file. I was using a drill bit to deburr the inside. That should work fine right?

I did put air through the lines to clean them out, however I did not run brake cleaner through them. I will try that.

Also you are correct, I am not using stainless. I thought the flares looked a bit different, but that does make sense (the clamping down).

[Kim57]

Originally Posted by focusedontheprize

I will be sure not to use a file. I was using a drill bit to deburr the inside. That should work fine right?

I did put air through the lines to clean them out, however I did not run brake cleaner through them. I will try that.

Also you are correct, I am not using stainless. I thought the flares looked a bit different, but that does make sense (the clamping down).

A good tubing cutter will have a triangle attachment to de-burr the inside of your tubes. I wouldn't use a drill bit. JMHO.
Kim

[1project2many]

A good phillips screwdriver or the handle end of a file with the handle removed can both be used for deburring in a pinch. When you are finishing the flare, don't crank the forming screw "tight" in the line but leave it slightly loose. This helps allow the tubing to contour to the fittings a tad better. Also, when tightening the fittings you'll have best luck by tightening and loosening a couple of times before the final tighten. You'll notice the nut will get tight at a different spot each time indicating the line is becoming matched to the fitting.

[Russell Ashley]

All good advice so far, but let me add one more thing. When you get through practicing and start flaring the lines you will be using, don't forget to put the nut on the tubing before you flare it.

[Red Foreman]

Good advice Russell, I have been making brake lines for years in our work shop & have made that mistake plenty of times.

[hammerdog57]

One other thing that i did is buy line in differnt lengths with factory flares and nuts. Attach factory flare and nut to the most expensive fittings. (Brake hoses, proportioning valves,etc.) And hand made flares to everything else. Most leaks are bad flares distorting the brass in the fittings lines attach to.

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by Russell Ashley

All good advice so far, but let me add one more thing. When you get through practicing and start flaring the lines you will be using, don't forget to put the nut on the tubing before you flare it.

lol i have done that too.

[nacho55]

I've had good luck filing mine flat as needed by flipping the flaring tool clamp upside-down and leaving just enough out to true it up and then using your deburing tool. Also using a dab of lube on the flaring end makes it flare a little smoother
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[sgtusmc]

The only true way to get a good flare is to wear shoes. You'll never get it barefoot.