Having issues with flaring brake lines...

[Jason280]

I have a MAC (or is it Matco?) brake double-flaring set that I picked up a while ago, and have just now started experimenting. I need to change out a stripped brake line nut, so I am going to need to cut off the rounded one, replace with a new one, and reflare the line.

Its similar to this setup, just in a red box:
http://www.mactools.com/shoponline/product/tabid/120/p-318973-double-flaring-set.aspx

Problem is, I keep running into a few issues with my flares. The #1 issue is they are canted or uneven, and I doubt I will be getting a good seal. It seems to me that the 3/16" die I'm using is clamping down off-center/and an angle, and I have not figured out a way to make sure it clamps down "straight". I have the correct amount of stick-out, but I'm still having issues.

Any suggestions, or is this issue inherent with the design?

 

[theknurl]

are you doing a clean concentric chamfer of the line after you cut it?
with that and the correct stick out i've never had a problem, Imperial Eastman tool

 

[ScorpionKing5.7]

Never had a problem with the matco tool, just make sure you apply the pressure evenly all in a straight shot if possible.

 

[Rodhotz]

Cut it and de-bur it, put a little anti sieze on it, run the 3/16 fitting/insert in with the peg into the line and do the first press, when it bottoms out remove the insert and finish the flair. do not use to much pressure only enough to make the two meet, it will seat the rest of the way when you bolt it back down.

 

[steveo3002]

i could never get nice results with those , theres nothing to keep it all square

i upgraded to this type of tool , firstly it doesnt mark the pipe and the design of it means it cannot go off to one side and make crooked flares

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Powerhand...ols_Equipment&hash=item2a28352463#ht_93wt_775

 

[racingtadpole]

I have the Snap On eqiuvalent of that one you linked to. To put it really bluntly, I was fucked if I could get it to work properly, identical problem to yours. My suggestion is check to see if the pin is square to the former. They are actually pretty soft and bend quite easily. I got a new die and it was like night and day. I now treat those little dies as a consumable (if the pin is broken off its claimable under warranty )

Hope that helps

Oh and nice avatar

 

[Jason280]

I watched a few YouTube videos, and I think my issue may be not deburring well enough. I think I've been chamfering the internal edge fairly well, but haven't done much about the outside. The button insert looks fine, but I am going to try a little lube/brake fluid next time and will also try adding a little deburring to the outside edge to see if my results improve.