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tools for bending brake/fuel lines suggestions......

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by aallison, Dec 28, 2010.

  1. Jan 1, 2011
    neptco19

    neptco19 That guy....

    Athens, GA
    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2003
    Messages:
    1,381
  2. Jan 2, 2011
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    12,529
    I have one "similar" to what McRuff posted. Those work just fine with a couple of provisions. You HAVE to prep the tube right or your flares won't come out right and you have be gentle when folding the tube over on the last procedure.
    Like any tool there are Good, decent, and crap. The ones most flaps carry are typically crap. The ones Eastwood carries are typically decent and fine for most of the folks here. I purchased a Good one from my local quality tool vendor and I can tell you even though the basic design is the same there is a world of difference in the quality of tool and the final result. I can't justify the $225 tool to this point either and I do tons of brake conversions. Eventually I'll pop for it, but not yet as my existing one works fine. It's kind of like paint and body work, it's all in the preparation.
     
  3. Jan 2, 2011
    Mcruff

    Mcruff Earlycj5 Machinist

    Albertville, AL
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    5,349
    When doing brakes lines you still use the standard 3/8-24 male brake fitting but you buy an adapter that has the female thread on the back and the AN fitting on the front, like these from summit.

    [​IMG]

    The 3/8-24 female thread is on the back, the front is AN3 and the groove is for the brake clip to hold it on your frame or axle mount. These are what I just used to finish the brakes on Lieutenant mikes cj6.
     
  4. Jan 2, 2011
    rixcj

    rixcj Member

    Rhode Island
    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2006
    Messages:
    351
    Not that one, specifically. I bought a similiar one, brand new, at a swap meet, from a tool vendor. It ended being too much of a hassle to get good, consistant double flares. There were many times when I had to re-do a flare, because it wasn't symmetrical, etc. Sometimes the second one didn't come out all that great, either. I could have bought ANOTHER better quality cheapie, but what if it wasn't any better? I didn't want to take that chance. Brakes are something that I want to KNOW are done right, without hoping for the best.

    Also, the flaring tool that I bought from Eastwood, I got on sale, with the FREE pliers, and free shipping. I got everything for under $200.00. It also flares stainless steel line like butter. Try doing that with a cheapie model!

    I've got several jeeps to use this on, as well as to make a bunch of single flares for other jobs that I do, so to me, it was a no-brainer. I also get to write it off as a tax credit.

    I also use the bender, shown with the pliers,here...

    http://www.eastwood.com/tubing-bender-and-forming-pliers-kit.html

    It look like the same bender that Warloch gave the link to.

    Rich
     
    Last edited: Jan 2, 2011
  5. Jan 3, 2011
    Steve's 70-5

    Steve's 70-5 Active Member

    Louisville, Ky
    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2009
    Messages:
    1,381
    If just doing one or two vehicles would it be cheaper to form the lines and have someone flare them?

    Steve
     
  6. Jan 3, 2011
    wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    York, PA
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    Mar 6, 2004
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    4,491
    I try to use the straight lengths of tubing where I can, the ones you buy at flaps. This way, I have a nice straight piece to work with which usually looks a lot nicer and cleaner in the end product and, I only have one end to flare after cutting it to length. They come with fittings, too. I find it difficult to straighten out the coils of brake line and have it not look like a temporary field repair when I'm done. Maybe others know a trick for this but, I haven't discovered it yet. I use the bar type double flaring tool, an old Blue Point, and it works well with time spent preparing the tubing, as stated earlier. Haven't sprung for a good bending tool yet. Maybe on the next project.
     
  7. Jan 3, 2011
    alex211

    alex211 Member

    Pennsylvania
    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2009
    Messages:
    441
    I have a lisle flaring tool, it works well and was worth the $50 I spent on it. If you prepare the tube correctly before you flare it always comes out nice. The main thing is to have a straight cut and file the sharp edge off the outside of the tube.
     
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