I'm getting very frustrated trying to finish the brake lines.It seems almost evry flare i put on the new lines leaks.I tried 2 different flring tools different brands of line,i chamfered the end of the brake lie,filed it flat before flaring,still i get a crooked flare it's not cracked just crooked.Any sugesstions??Derek.
After you file the line end take some emery cloth and break the sharp outside edge. Some flaring tool instructions tell you to do this, others dont. Are you using the double flare button to gauge the height of the line above the flaring bar? If the line sticks above the bar too much the flare will turn out bad. The biggest problem I've had with double flares are the poor quality tools most places sell. I went through several until I bought a RIDGID brand tool that makes the most beautiful flares you've ever seen, I'm not sure I could make a bad flare with it!
Great thanks guys,the one tool is a well used Herbrand,the other is a no name,i'll try filing the edges like you suggested and if that doesn't work i'll bite the bullet and buy a good quality one,i'm sure i will use it again.Derek.
I agree about the tools.You can't make a good one unless you have a good flaring tool.Mine is a Snap-on,but I have used the Rigid and I think it was the best made.I have been looking for years for a Parker machine that was used during WWII.They haven't been made since then.It is powered and if you are lucky it will have all the dies to flare,double flare and also bead tubing.Makes perfect flares everytime.Maybe someday I will find one.
i wonder if the parker machine is related to the parker fittings store here in the phoenix area. they sell all kinds of hoses and fittings for fuel systems and just about everything else. it's called ParkerStore hose and fittings 602-437-2557. never been there but they've been at the dragstrip handing out fliers. got one around here somewhere.
Its the same company.They are huge in the hose and fitting business.First class products and have divisions all over the world.The last machine I saw for sale was on a Govt.Liquidators auction site.It was surplus from some Air Force Base and was located at their warehouse in Harrisburg,PA.I tried to bid on it but it quickly got out of my price range.I think it finally went for around $4000.00.Race car builders and the guys that build experimental aircraft snatch these things up real quick.I had my fuel hoses made at the Parker store here in Cincinnati.They will also make hydraulic hoses and refrigeration hoses too.
I know,I was willing to spend about $200.Of course that was splashed real quick when the bidding started.I'm kind of a tool nut though.But I doubt if I will ever have one of those. Perfect double flares every time though.
What the hay i'll try anything,going out in the garage now 'ill let you guys know how i make out,thanks again.Derek.
