decableguy2000
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 4, 2012
- Messages
- 650
Brake line on our 03 Expedition rusted thru. Need to make a new one, would the HF stuff get me thru the job? Looking at the bender, former, and Maddox flaring kit.
Brake line tools needed
- Thread starter decableguy2000
- Start date
VolvoRyan
Well-known member
Can you use NiCop line in lieu of steel? Easy bends without tools.
-Ryan
-Ryan
sparky 1971
Well-known member
Three weeks ago I found out the Maddux flare tool is a P.O.S. and the O'Reillys flare tool is even worse. I wound up using three new pieces to replace the entire line with the NICOP that can be bent by hand without a bender. I had about 3" too much so I just bent a little up and down offset to use up the extra. Then on the test drive a line blew on the other side at about the third stop, I replaced everything over there too.
ThePostman
Well-known member
Is it the flare tool, or operator error? I have the ATD kit which I'm sure is rebranded all over, and have not had a problem with it. Lining up the initial line depth for the first flare is critical. And by all means, remember to put the union on first.
vssjim
ALLIANCE MEMBER
A really nice Imperial tool for a manual tool works really good and is well made you can buy used on ebay and get a great tool on a great deal and you'll only buy one as they are made for life
Last edited:
sparky 1971
Well-known member
I think that most of the problem I had was because I was trying to flare an existing line over the front crossmember and even though it was pristine, was not in an ideal position. And since it was only another four feet and two bends to the distribution block, I blamed the flare tool and bought more line. When finished, I tried to flare a piece of steel line I had removed, and it didn't make the bubble, but might have on a NICOP.
Those style flare tools really do **** and break all of the time.
I bought one of these flare tools, as a non professional not wanting to spend a fortune on one it's the best one I've ever used.
I've got a bunch of benders but when it comes to nicop I do it by hand or around a socket.
I've got a bunch of benders but when it comes to nicop I do it by hand or around a socket.
Attachments
Firebrick43
Well-known member
I would suggest along with mikedodge suggestion to haunt eBay for a true 3/16 tubing bender and not one of the cheap 3 in ones. Imperial 364-FH or ridgid 403 or 603
They make nice precise professional kink free bends. I use them even with copper nickel tubing. And the make laying out bend locations easy once you understand the markings.
You can buy nice used ones for pennies on the dollar on eBay
eBay ridgid benders
They make nice precise professional kink free bends. I use them even with copper nickel tubing. And the make laying out bend locations easy once you understand the markings.
You can buy nice used ones for pennies on the dollar on eBay
eBay ridgid benders
joshmodelskidoo
Well-known member
I hear the style mikedodge shared work awesome. Never tried them myself. I use an old tool brand and a pair of vice grips for extra clamping force when doing steel lines. The here's a copper mix break line I used on my project car and will likely be using that in the future. Do you have double flairs or bubble flairs on your vehicle. I ran into bubble flares the first time a couple years ago on an 05 GMC van
regguy1
Well-known member
SAE and DIN flares:
I have this one, makes flares as good as factory, also does SAE and DIN bubble flares.
I have this one, makes flares as good as factory, also does SAE and DIN bubble flares.
Last edited:
It does and it makes it easy to flare lines that are still on the vehicle too. Super easy to use.
Attachments
joe_padavano
Well-known member
I bend and flare a lot of hard lines for my projects, so I've invested in quality tools. They make a huge difference but obviously it's not worth the cost if you are only making one or two lines. The vice-mounted, lever-style flaring tool is by far the best flaring tool I've ever used (and I have all of them). There are at least four or five vendors selling this tool, and they all appear to be exactly the same. I got mine from Inline Tube, but I bought the demo model at the Carlisle swap meet years ago, so it was pretty cheap. I've flared stainless and coated steel tubing with this tool and have yet to make a bad flare. Get the deburring tool also, as this makes a huge difference in the quality of the flare. Also, X2 on the Imperial bending tools. Everything else pales in comparison. I also got mine used on ebay.
These are two versions of the same tool. Only the stickers and colors vary.
The deburring tool is a must. It's also now available from multiple sources.
And the Imperial bending tools for the win.
These are two versions of the same tool. Only the stickers and colors vary.
The deburring tool is a must. It's also now available from multiple sources.
And the Imperial bending tools for the win.
Last edited:
Brente
Member
Make sure you use a double flare on your brake lines, single flares are fine for a lot of things but not brake lines.
I have an ADT tools flaring kit that I bought years ago on Amazon and it worked fine.
I practiced on some smaller throwaway line first though.
ATD Tools 5478 Master Flaring and Tubing Tool Set
That's a legit Amazon share link.
I practiced on some smaller throwaway line first though.
ATD Tools 5478 Master Flaring and Tubing Tool Set
That's a legit Amazon share link.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
That Ford could be bubble flare or double flare, could be one of each of the same tube.
Most of the cheap flaring tools will work you just need to shape it, don't run them tight.
I have the mastercool hydraulic flaring set and it's the best by far.
Most of the cheap flaring tools will work you just need to shape it, don't run them tight.
I have the mastercool hydraulic flaring set and it's the best by far.
wafrederick
Well-known member
Much faster than making the lines.Plus you do not have to mess with them anymore since they are stainless steel or Nicop.We do it this way with the 1999 to 2006 GM fullsize trucks and 2000 to 2006 GM fullsize suvs
isb cornbinder
Well-known member
NAPA will sell you pre-formed brake lines for you application. NO those brake tools you mention are very difficult to use, even for a mechanic with decades of experience. The premade lines are inexpensive and may cost less that buying cheep tools.
I have made hundreds of brake-lines up with good success, but I have the professional tools. A grand is close to what a person needs, in tooling, for the best job.
Attachments
A job that doesn't leak is a job well done. I don't consider brake lines a "good, better, best" situation. They either work or they don't.
I did a 2001 S10 with the kit I linked above with no prior experience.