suggested flare tool?

[dtbaker61]

I am researching a couple new tools I know I am going to NEED when I get into replacing some nasty brakelines. Anyone have any recommendations on good quality, not too expensive flare units?

I am looking hard at the Eastwood pro-flare kit.... does all sizes tubing with single and double flares, but only 45 deg. Is that all I need? I have seen references to 37 deg flares, but I am not sure if that is anything I am going to run into?

comments?

any favorite online sources for brakeline and matching fittings if I am doing an initial bulk order?

 

[65beam]

flare tool

do yourself a favor and call sunbeam specialties and order the lines you need. they also have all the connectors you will need. saves a lot of grief.

 

[dtbaker61]

do yourself a favor and call sunbeam specialties and order the lines you need. they also have all the connectors you will need. saves a lot of grief.

I might do this for a lot of them, but am considering changing the master cyl to a modern tandem for safety.... something like a generic Tilton w/ .750 bore probably. so I'll need to change the last lengths at the very least.

 

[RootesRich]

I got my flaring tool at Napa. Used it a few times on various cars and it worked well.

 

[Ron67Alpine]

I got one, that does single and double flairs, from Harbor Freight. It's cheap and wouldn't last a week in a brake shop, but for my very limited needs, it worked fine.
Ron

 

[hotrod]

I redid my rear lines with a 37 deg flare. The origin of this is military spec. It is meant to be taken apart and reassembled many times without leaking. 45 deg automotive flares were developed to seal easily the first time on the assembly line. They will often leak if taken apart and reassembled. Aircraft hydraulics and race cars use 37 deg flares almost exclusively. Various fittings are readily available. I used 3/16 (AN3). I still had to use the 45 deg bubble flare at the wheel cylinders. I bought pre flared line at Advance auto and cut the ends and flared. I think I got my flare tool from Speedway Motors. It does only 37 degree. But I believe they also sell a tool which will do 45 degree flares. Also, if you wish to make your line out of a stainless steel, a better tool is required. The standard tools will only handle softer metals. If you buy pre flared line at the auto parts store, be sure to get the bubble flare with the SAE thread fitting.