Cal-Van 165 Flaring Tool

[RudyMDX]

I need to replace the brake and fuel lines on one of our cars. I originally bought the Eastwood 3/16 inline flare tool, but returned it because i decided to replace the 5/16 brake lines too. I did some research on here (decent reviews) and read the reviews on Amazon (bad reviews) and decided to buy the cal-van 165 which does flares on several size lines.

I've practiced several times, watched the YouTube videos, and I still can't get decent flares consistently. Ive only used nicop lines, make sure to add a bit of lubricant each time, try to tighten everything evenly and as shown in the videos with not much success.

I also bent one of the dies on the third try. I called cal-van and they shipped a replacement with no questions asked.

Has anyone else had crappy results with this tool? I'm not really sure what I'm doing wrong. My other option is to buy the vise mounted flaring tool from Eastwood or bite the bullet and buy the mastercool hydraulic unit. I will probably need to replace the brake and fuel lines on two other cars. Thanks.

 

[vpd66]

Most of the problems that occur with bad flares from these flaring tools can be linked to poor tube end prep before flaring. Make sure the tube end is cut off square and debur the inside and outside of the tube end. Strange your having trouble with nickel/copper. thats the easiest type of line to get good flare on.

 

[signcrafter]

Something isn't right if you're having issues with ni cop. That is the easiest stuff in the world to work with. Like mentioned make sure your prep is good. Looks like your kit comes with a tubing cutter and a reamer. Without watching you it's hard to say what is going wrong but you should be able to do decent flares with ni cop line.

 

[PJNJ]

I just used the 165 three weeks ago to make a new line for my F150. I also used Nicopp line. I needed to make a normal double flare on one end and a bubble flare on the other. Since I hadn't done a flare in about 6-7 years, I made a few practice double flares and a number of practice bubble flares.
I had no problems after the practice. I agree with the others that chamfering/deburring and reaming are important to getting good results.

Try practicing how hard you tighten down the tool while making a flare and see how they come out. And adjust how much the line is sticking out before you start making the flare. Also if you put the tool in a vise to keep it steady, it may make it easier.

 

[signcrafter]

What exactly isn't coming out right? Do you have a picture of one of the bad flares? Would help us to be able to help you if we can see what is happening.

 

[Firebrick43]

You didn't some how get metric tubing did you?

Also I just have to ask cause I have never seen it, what vehicle has 5/16 brake lines?? Even medium duty trucks on have 1/4"

 

[theoldwizard1]

There was a guy on YouTube who was having similar problem. The CalVan replacement die solved his problem.

The Eastwood Professional Brake Flare Tool, is awesome, but a lot of money for a DIY person. I have seen this demoed Eastwood On Car Flaring Tool on YouTube and is seems to work well. This has been sold in EU for a number of years with great reviews.